Exhibiting at Foodex Japan 2025

About Secret Aardvark Trading Co.

Secret Aardvark Trading Co. is a Portland-based craft hot sauce and condiment brand that has built a cult following for its bold, flavorful, and well-balanced sauces. Founded in 2004 by the late Scott Moritz, Secret Aardvark began as a passion project inspired by Moritz’s extensive travels and love for spicy food. Over the years, it has grown from a small local brand into a nationally recognized name, available in over 3,000 retailers across the United States and expanding into international markets.

Core Business and Specialization

Secret Aardvark specializes in producing high-quality, handcrafted hot sauces, marinades, and condiments made from real ingredients with no artificial preservatives or additives. The company’s flagship product, the Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce, has gained critical acclaim for its unique blend of habanero peppers, roasted tomatoes, and mustard, offering a balance of heat and tanginess.

Product Offerings

Secret Aardvark offers a diverse range of products, categorized as follows:

• Hot Sauces:

  • Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce
  • Serrabanero Green Hot Sauce
  • Smoky Aardvark Chipotle-Hab Sauce
  • Red Scorpion Fiery Hot Sauce
  • Aardvark Reaper Smoked Hot Sauce

• Marinades & Cooking Sauces:

  • Drunken Jerk Jamaican Marinade
  • Drunken Garlic Black Bean Sauce

• Condiments:

  • Serrabanero Ranch Spicy Dressing & Dip
  • Spicy Mayo Aardvark Habanero Spread

Each product is made using non-GMO ingredients and is gluten-free, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Market Presence and Distribution

Secret Aardvark has built a strong retail and direct-to-consumer presence, making its products widely accessible across the United States and Canada.

Retail and E-Commerce Channels

• Available in Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts, and independent specialty stores.
• Distributed through Amazon, Walmart Online, and the company’s own e-commerce platform.
• Over 500% growth in direct-to-consumer sales from 2020 to 2023, driven by e-commerce expansion.

International Expansion

• Secret Aardvark has begun exporting to Europe and Asia, responding to increasing demand for craft hot sauces.
• International markets currently include Canada, the UK, Germany, and Japan, with further expansions planned in Australia and South Korea.

Financial Performance

The company has demonstrated strong year-over-year revenue growth, fueled by the rising popularity of craft and gourmet hot sauces.

• Estimated annual revenue: $10 million as of 2023.
• Retail sales contribute approximately 70%, while direct-to-consumer and foodservice channels contribute 30%.
• 40% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) over the last five years, outperforming many competitors in the specialty hot sauce segment.

Brand Recognition and Industry Impact

Secret Aardvark has received numerous accolades and recognition for its contribution to the hot sauce industry:

• Best Hot Sauce of the Year – Hot Sauce Festival USA (2022)
• Gold Medal Winner – Scovie Awards for Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce
• Featured in "Best Hot Sauces in America" lists by Bon Appétit, The Food Network, and Thrillist
• Ranked as a Top 10 Hot Sauce Brand in U.S. specialty retail sales

Customer Testimonials

Secret Aardvark has built a loyal fan base, with widespread praise from consumers, chefs, and food critics.

"This is hands-down the most versatile hot sauce ever. The heat is just right, but the flavor is where it really shines!"
— James T., Verified Customer Review

"Secret Aardvark changed the way I look at hot sauce. It’s not just about heat, but the depth of flavor they pack into each bottle."
— The Spicy Review Blog

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Secret Aardvark is committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing practices:

• 100% recyclable bottles and packaging to minimize environmental impact.
• Sustainably farmed peppers and tomatoes, sourced from local and regional farmers.
• Fair-trade ingredient sourcing, ensuring fair wages for agricultural workers.
• Partnering with food banks and hunger relief organizations to donate surplus inventory and support local communities.

Future Expansion and Strategic Growth

Secret Aardvark continues to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation, with upcoming initiatives including:

• New product launches, including an expanded line of gourmet condiments.
• Expansion into more international markets, with distribution in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
• Increased partnerships with restaurants and foodservice providers to bring Secret Aardvark flavors to a broader audience.

With its bold flavors, strong brand identity, and commitment to quality, Secret Aardvark Trading Co. remains a leader in the craft hot sauce industry, continuously pushing the boundaries of what hot sauce can be.