There is currently an acute shortage of Scotch bonnet peppers, which is affecting the availability and increasing the cost of production of the traditional Caribbean hot sauce—a globally traded product. This shortage is caused by adverse weather conditions, such as the destructive effects of two hurricanes, Beryl and Melissa, which hit Jamaica and other favorable areas for growth, along with crop infections, insects, and excessive rainfall washing out the heat from the pepper. In order to endure sharp increases in price and limited production, manufacturers across the region have been relying on huge frozen reserves, as well as switching to tough hybrid varieties of red chilies. Nevertheless, since the flavor and bright color of the yellow Scotch bonnet are a crucial part of Caribbean cuisine culture, there are efforts being made in genetic research to develop a stronger breed of the crop.