OUR JOURNEY
“Hot Drops began as a passion project — I decided to make gifts for friends and family for the holidays, this was during the pandemic. I became interested in preserving & fermenting, and peppers became the focus of my fascination. Around the same time my sister, Leigh, and I agreed to make gifts for one another for the holidays. Hot Drops grew out of spare time, spare peppers, and a desire to create a personal gift for those close to me.”
Born and raised in Sonoma County, Andrew's passion for cooking and experimentation ignited at an early age. Pursuing a career in agriculture, Andrew studied and received a degree in Agricultural Business and Sustainability, at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo – a well known program for producing future agribusiness leaders. His education further fueled his love for the bounty of land and culinary arts.
With over 15 years of experience in the culinary consumer goods industry, Andrew has dedicated himself to create a brand that represents a seismic shift in the food industry – less modified products and more naturally produced. His journey has been guided by a deep appreciation for quality ingredients and sustainable practices.
What the FUNK is lacto-fermentation?
Hot Drops is made in small batches with all locally sourced ingredients from Sonoma County. Organic and vegan, the sauce has no calories and is made through a process known as lacto-fermentation.
TIMESTAMPS ON OUR JOURNEY
Feb 2020
THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC
In 2020 Andrew and his sister, Leigh, head back home to their family's farm to weather out the onset of the pandemic. Andrew begins growing peppers on their family's land.
Dec 2020
A HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIFT
After growing peppers during the summer, Andrew decided he would make fermented hot sauces as holiday gifts. In the spirit of support and handmade gifts, his sister, Leigh who runs a design studio, offered to design a label for his sauces. Thus the birth of Hot Drops the brand.
Spring 2021
CO-PACKING AND E-COMMERCE STORE
The friends and family spoke – they wanted more sauce! Andrew began making larger batches by partnering with a local co-packer.
Leigh quickly designed a e-commerce website to meet the growing demand.
Spring 2022
"HOMETOWN HEROS"
Acknowledging the importance of community and backing good people creating good food, Hot Drops initiated Hometown Heros – a collaboration series with local eateries to craft dishes highlighting Hot Drops sauces. From Fres-yes smash burgers to Tropical Thunder Pizzas, we selects chefs renowned for their innovative culinary creations.
Summer 2023
HEATING UP NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Hot Drops captures the local press with the healthy hot sauce and collaboration series, leading to a rise in the cross-collaboration trend in Northern California.
Summer 2024
GORDON RAMSAY'S FOOD STARS
Throughout this summer, Andrew is set to compete on Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars as the face of Hot Drops, aiming to secure a $250,000 investment from Gordon Ramsay by showcasing his business acumen.