The History Behind the Hot

Rich in tradition. Richer in flavor. Baumer Foods is a Louisiana institution that has become the country's fastest growing condiment manufacturer.

Since 1923, when the first cayenne peppers were ground, aged and bottled as Crystal Hot Sauce, Baumer products have been synonymous with quality and service. Baumer Foods was founded by Alvin and Mildred Baumer on Tchoupitoulas Street in New Orleans. Today, Alvin A. Baumer, Jr., their son, carries on the business, still personally inspecting the pepper fields prior to harvest to make sure each cayenne is hand-picked at its sun-ripened best.

With a little over 200 employees, domestic sales of Crystal Hot Sauce have been red hot, increasing every year for five consecutive years. International distribution brings the great taste of Crystal Hot Sauce to pepper loving people in more than 73 countries. Every year, 3 million gallons of Crystal Hot Sauce are shipped out of our New Orleans plant to destinations around the world.

While hot sauce is the heart of Baumer Foods, the company also boasts a taste-driven product line that includes Crystal Extra Hot Hot Sauce (three times hotter, just as flavorful); specialty hot sauces; steak, soy, Worcestershire and teriyaki sauces; chicken wing and barbecue sauces.

One taste and you'll understand why we say the difference is clear: Crystal.