Peppadew

Peppadew is a beloved brand from South Africa, owned by Peppadew International Ltd. They are renowned for their pickled Juanita peppers, particularly the sweet piquanté variety cultivated in Limpopo. Johan Steenkamp founded the company in 1995 after discovering this unique pepper in the Eastern Cape. To protect their proprietary find, they secured plant breeder's rights.

Their factory, located in Tzaneen, produces a diverse range of products under the Peppadew brand. These include jalapeño peppers, pickled onions, hot sauces, pasta sauces, and relishes.

Peppadew International was the pioneer in introducing this distinctive pepper to the market. The sweet piquanté peppers are often compared to cherry tomatoes due to their similar color and size. The company is involved in every step of the production process: from selecting the seeds and nurturing them into seedlings, to collaborating with contract farmers for cultivation. Once harvested, the peppers are de-seeded, treated, and bottled in a special brine at their facility.

The brand gained significant attention in 2011 when Bon Appétit featured Peppadews in a Pimento Mac & Cheese recipe, increasing their popularity. By 2016, the peppers had become so sought-after that reports emerged about a black market for their seeds.