KICKING UP FILIPINO FLAVORS
‘The secret ingredient is honesty and integrity.’

by Pauline Joyce Pascual

Filipinos have an undeniable love for spicy food. Whether it’s a dash of chili in sinigang, a spicy vinegar dip for street food, or a fiery kick to sisig, the heat adds an extra thrill to every meal.

In the world of hot sauces and condiments, Caramba Foods is a name that ignites passion for bold and authentic flavors.

Humble Beginnings

“Caramba has a humble and inspiring story,” the sales and marketing manager of Caramba Foods, Martin Torres told PairFect, a lifestyle show of the DAILY TRIBUNE.

Torres revealed that the brand’s roots trace back to founder Ray Orozco, who, after retiring early from a career in automotive marketing, stumbled upon an idea while strolling through a grocery store.

He noticed that the hot sauce section was dominated by imported brands like Tabasco. “Why not make a local hot sauce?” he thought, and with the help of friends from UPLB’s Food and Science Technology Department, Caramba’s first product, Chili Rojo, was born.

Since its launch in 1997, Caramba Foods has expanded its lineup to 11 commercially labeled products and a range of customized sauces for restaurants and hotels. “This year, we’re celebrating our 27th anniversary,” Martin proudly shared.

The Secret Ingredient

When asked about Caramba’s recipe for success, Martin credited more than just the perfect blend of spices. “The secret ingredient is honesty and integrity,” he said. “We are honest with our clients; we are honest with our suppliers. And we have integrity to do the best practice, to have the best quality products. So I think that’s the secret ingredient, because quality is always on our end. We make sure that it’s good. We choose the right ingredients, quality ingredients. So for a perfect sauce.”

Caramba Foods prides itself on sourcing its ingredients from local farmers, supporting communities in Laguna, Isabela, Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. From habaneros to Carolina Reapers, the chilies used in Caramba’s products are proudly Filipino.

“We cater to the Filipino palate,” Martin emphasized. “As much as possible, our products are made from locally sourced materials. It’s pang-Pinoy, panlasang Pinoy.”

Caramba’s product line is a testament to its creativity and responsiveness to customer feedback. The journey started with Chili Rojo, which paved the way for Chili Verde — an innovation born out of resourcefulness when green chilies were accidentally mixed with red ones.

As spice enthusiasts demanded more heat, Caramba introduced Habanero and Chili Fuerte, with the latter boasting 500,000 Scoville Heat Units. But the heat didn’t stop there. “We developed The Burner, made with Carolina Reapers, which has up to two million Scoville Heat Units,” Martin said.

The brand also ventured into diverse flavors, offering a Spicy Barbecue Sauce, Tomato Salsa, Sriracha Rojo and Saw-Saw, a ready-made Filipino dipping sauce with vinegar, soy sauce, chili and calamansi.

Innovation and Collaboration

Caramba Foods has carved a name for itself, winning the hearts of spice lovers both locally and abroad. As the demand for authentic Filipino flavors continues to grow, the brand is working hard to expand its reach internationally.

According to Torres, the company is actively pursuing partnerships in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and especially in the United States.

But beyond just scaling their operations, Caramba Foods is also committed to sustainability — a value that is increasingly important to both consumers and businesses today. Martin emphasized the company’s dedication to balancing growth with environmental responsibility. “Yes, we are trying to be as sustainable and efficient as possible. With inflation and the rising cost of raw materials, it’s become a challenge. But we want to keep our products accessible to the public,” he said.

The company also approaches sustainability with practical strategies, focusing on efficiency in production and minimizing waste

“We’re focused on sustainability through efficient processes and minimizing waste. Sir Ray always reminds us, ‘Let’s not waste,’” Martin added.

From a simple idea to a household name, Caramba Foods embodies Filipino ingenuity and passion.

For those who crave bold, authentic flavors, Caramba is more than just a condiment — it’s a celebration of Filipino taste.

First published on January 8, 2025, and reprinted with permission from the Daily Tribune