Huy Fong Foods

Huy Fong Foods logo

Huy Fong Foods, Inc. is an American hot sauce company based in Irwindale, California. It was founded by David Tran in 1980. The company is named after the Huy Fong freighter ship that carried Tran and his family from Vietnam to the United States during the Vietnam War.

History

David Tran, a former Major in the South Vietnamese Army, began making hot sauce in Vietnam before fleeing the country in 1978. After arriving in the United States, Tran started Huy Fong Foods in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. The company initially operated out of a small building in Chinatown.

Products

Huy Fong Foods is best known for its Sriracha sauce, also known as "rooster sauce" due to the rooster logo on the bottle. The sauce is made from chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. Other products include Sambal Oelek and Chili Garlic Sauce.

Sriracha Sauce

Sriracha sauce is the company's flagship product. It has gained a cult following and is widely used in various cuisines, including American, Asian, and Mexican dishes. The sauce is known for its versatility and distinctive flavor.

Manufacturing

Huy Fong Foods operates a large manufacturing facility in Irwindale, California. The company grows its own chili peppers in Ventura County to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality ingredients. The production process involves grinding fresh chilies into a paste, which is then mixed with other ingredients and bottled.

Legal Issues

In 2013, the city of Irwindale filed a lawsuit against Huy Fong Foods, claiming that the odors from the factory were causing health issues for residents. The lawsuit was eventually settled, and the company made adjustments to its manufacturing process to reduce odors.

Cultural Impact

Huy Fong Foods' Sriracha sauce has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous cookbooks, recipes, and even Sriracha-flavored products. The sauce has been featured in various media and has a dedicated fan base.

See Also

• David Tran (entrepreneur)
• Sriracha sauce
• Chili sauce
• Hot sauce
• Vietnamese cuisine