Mama Lolly’s, a Caribbean hot sauce producer known for its handmade recipes, is set to expand its production to meet increasing demand. The company, which has garnered three Great Taste Awards, is experiencing significant growth through online sales, independent delis, and food fairs, prompting plans for a new production facility.
Director Donna-Lee Tapper shared insights into the company’s origins and its plans for the future. “Our Caribbean hot sauces have real provenance,” she stated, noting that the recipes have been passed down through generations, originating from her grandmother, affectionately known as Mama Lolly. With sales performing well over recent years, Tapper expressed optimism about scaling the business. “We are looking at the next steps to enable us to reach a wider market,” she added, emphasising their commitment to sustainable growth.
The journey of Mama Lolly’s began in 1957 when Tapper’s family migrated from Jamaica to London before settling in Antigua. There, they opened a Caribbean vegetarian café in the picturesque Redcliffe Quay area of St John’s, which quickly gained a reputation for quality food and a welcoming atmosphere. “We ran the café for 14 years and developed a loyal customer base,” she recounted.
The hot sauces emerged as an unexpected by-product of the café’s operations. “We needed our own condiments and hot sauces for the business,” Tapper explained. The sauces became popular with customers, who often asked to take bottles home as gifts for family and friends.
In 2012, after returning to the UK, Tapper decided to focus on creating hot sauces. The product line now includes Red Hot Sauce, Yellow Hot Sauce, and Tropical Green Hot Sauce. Since the passing of Mama Lolly in 2016, Donna and her mother, Maxine, have continued to uphold her legacy by producing sauces according to her closely guarded recipes. They have successfully sold their products at food fairs and delis, as well as online.
“The success of our venture is measured by our customers’ feedback and repeat purchases,” Tapper stated. “This is why we’re planning to upscale our business and widen our marketing activities.” She expressed pride in being the stewards of her grandmother’s recipes and stressed the importance of retaining their authenticity and provenance.
With plans for expansion on the horizon, Mama Lolly’s aims to bring its unique Caribbean flavours to an even broader audience, ensuring that the culinary legacy of Mama Lolly continues to thrive.
