History of Pepper Source

Pepper Source was founded in 1987 by Jim Mayer, Sr. and Joe Morse in response to the growing need for private label hot sauce in the retail market. Large grocery store chains such as Winn-Dixie, Publix, Piggly-Wiggly, etc. were all introducing private label merchandise (i.e. Better Value Cookies, Fine Fare Milk, etc.). The hot sauce industry at the time was closely held and all manufactures supplied their own national brand of hot sauce in various size bottles. We pursued the private label opportunities and at one point were producing over 100 different labels with 50 warehouses from coast to coast. The original manufacturing facility was located in St. Martinville, LA and the company was headquartered in New Orleans, LA.

In 1989, Jim and Joe saw an opportunity to move to Arkansas and supply the poultry industry with sauces and glazes for the growing frozen dinner line of products. In 1991, the original hot sauce plant was built in Van Buren, AR and began production of one item, Hot Wing Glaze. Within a short period of time, Pepper Source began production of a BBQ Sauce, which was to be applied to wings in Berryville, AR and sold in the retail and food service markets. The years that followed saw Pepper Source expand its product line and manufacturing facilities on a constant basis including a second location in Rogers, AR. Pepper Source Rogers began production in December of 1999. Today, Pepper Source manufactures over 230 products and supplies all of the major poultry companies in the United States.

In 1997 American Breading & Spice was formed and was originally housed in what is now the main warehouse area for Pepper Source Van Buren. Soon afterwards, in 1998, Pepper Source Breading & Spice was formed to separate the growing spice production form the batters and breading production. Both ABS and PSBS continue to be viable companies with promising futures.

In 2001, Jim Mayer, Sr. passed away. Joe Morse was named President of Pepper Source, American Breading & Spice, and Pepper Source Breading & Spice and has overseen the continuing growth of the companies. The efforts of our employees supply the food industry with quality batters, breadings, spices, sauces, marinades, and glazes.