Steve Gibbs of Plot 34A Chillis Limited Receives Rising Phoenix Award in Artisan Chilli Products & Food Innovation 2026

Independent chilli producer recognised for creativity, resilience and innovation in artisan food.

Steve Gibbs of Plot 34A Chillis Limited has been named a recipient of the Rising Phoenix Award in Artisan Chilli Products & Food Innovation 2026, recognising a journey that has grown from a childhood fascination with chillies into an award-winning independent food business.

Steve’s interest in chillies began at around the age of ten, when he first became fascinated by growing different varieties. Years later, that interest developed into experimenting with homemade sauces, eventually leading to the creation of Plot 34A Chillis from his allotment.

One of the earliest products was a Bajan-style pepper sauce, inspired by bottles brought back from Barbados by family and friends.

When the supply ran out, Steve decided to create his own version. What began as an experiment quickly gained attention after he shared bottles with friends, neighbours and his local pub.

As people began asking where they could buy it, the possibility of turning the hobby into something more serious started to take shape.

Since then, Plot 34A Chillis has grown into a one-man independent business producing far more than traditional hot sauces. Its expanding range now includes rubs, salts, jams, hot honey and other chilli-based creations, while Steve has developed 89 different hot sauce varieties and collected more than 35 awards across UK, European and international competitions.

That growth has been achieved largely single-handedly.

Steve remains involved in virtually every stage of the business, from growing chillies and developing recipes to cooking, bottling, labelling, designing artwork, working with suppliers, attending events and handling customer orders.

The demands of managing each part of the operation have brought their share of financial, production and practical challenges, but those setbacks have also helped shape the business.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that setbacks are part of the journey. You can either let them stop you or find another way forward. I’ve always chosen to keep moving. If something doesn’t work, I learn from it, change it and try again.”

It is an approach that closely reflects the meaning behind the Rising Phoenix Award. For Steve, the recognition represents not simply the success of the products themselves, but the persistence behind building the business without the backing of a large team or major budget.

Winning awards has provided important milestones along the way, particularly in giving Steve the confidence that products developed on a small scale could compete alongside those from larger and more established producers. However, he says the real achievement lies in seeing something that began on an allotment develop into a recognised business with returning customers, retailers and a growing following.

Customer reaction remains one of his strongest motivations. Rather than producing variations simply for the sake of expanding the range, Steve continues to experiment with combinations of chillies, flavours and ingredients in search of products people will remember.

That willingness to try unusual ideas has become a defining part of the Plot 34A Chillis identity. Being a smaller independent producer, Steve believes, gives him the freedom to move quickly, experiment with new concepts and take creative risks that larger food businesses may be less able to pursue.

The business has also grown through its connection with the wider chilli and independent food community. Relationships with customers, retailers, other producers and people involved in the UK chilli scene have helped Plot 34A Chillis develop while keeping the personal character that has been present from the beginning.

For others trying to build something of their own, Steve’s advice is not to allow setbacks to define the outcome.

“Don’t compare your beginning to somebody else’s finished product. Concentrate on your own journey and keep improving. If you believe in what you’re doing, give it a chance.”

Looking ahead, Steve intends to continue expanding Plot 34A Chillis while protecting the originality and handmade quality that have driven its growth so far. Plans include developing further unusual products, working with more independent retailers, reaching new customers and continuing to test his creations through industry competitions.

Expansion, however, is not about becoming simply another large hot sauce brand. Steve wants the business to remain recognisable for its creativity, independence and willingness to do things differently.

From an allotment and a homemade batch of Bajan-inspired sauce to dozens of award-winning creations, Plot 34A Chillis has already travelled a considerable distance.

Yet for Steve, there is still plenty more to explore.

“I’ve come a long way from growing chillies on an allotment, but I still feel like I’m only getting started.”

Contact Plot 34A Chillis Limited

Phone: 07907 679494

Email: plot34achillis@hotmail.com

Website: plot34achillis.com