Some names in Belize don’t just represent success, they represent perseverance, passion, and pure Belizean pride. And when it comes to building something from the ground up and taking it to the world, Marie Sharp stands in a league of her own.
This week, Belizeans had yet another reason to celebrate our very own hot sauce queen as Marie Sharp, founder of Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, was featured on Forbes’ “50 Over 50: Global List, a prestigious international recognition that highlights women who continue to make powerful impacts well beyond the age of 50. And honestly, if anyone deserves that spotlight, it’s her.
Before the world knew her name, Marie Sharp was a primary school teacher with a love for gardening and a curiosity for flavor. In her backyard, she began growing habanero peppers and experimenting with vegetables, creating recipes that she tested on her own family while still working full-time at the Citrus Company. What started as simple home experiments quickly turned into something special, something unforgettable.
With encouragement from close friends, Marie began selling her sauces in 1981, and before long, her products were being exported to the United States. Of course, the journey wasn’t without challenges. A trademark dispute eventually forced her to rebrand, but instead of slowing down, she did what true entrepreneurs do, she rebuilt, stronger than ever.
Marie Sharp is Pure Belizean
In 1992, she launched what we all know and love today: Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods.
From that moment on, Belizean heat and flavor had a permanent seat at tables around the world. And it didn’t stop at hot sauce. Over the years, Marie expanded her product line to include jams, seasonings, and other Belize-inspired flavors, all proudly made with local ingredients and that same passion she started with in her garden.
Her achievements didn’t go unnoticed in the culinary world either. In 2016, Marie Sharp was inducted into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy among the most influential figures in the global hot sauce industry.
But beyond the awards and international recognition, what makes Marie Sharp truly iconic is what she represents to Belizeans:
That greatness can grow from humble beginnings.
That setbacks don’t define you, resilience does.
And that a Belizean woman, armed with determination and flavor, can take on the world and win.
Today, Marie Sharp isn’t just a brand, she’s a symbol of Belizean entrepreneurship, cultural pride, and global success. From backyard recipes to Forbes’ global spotlight, her journey continues to inspire generations of Belizeans to dream big, work hard, and never underestimate where a good idea (and a little spice) can take you.
Congratulations, Marie Sharp.
Belize is proud of you — today and always. 🌶️🇧🇿✨
One Response
Great to hear some positive stories still exist out there.