Marie Sharp Earns Global 50 Over 50 Honor

Belizean entrepreneur and hot sauce pioneer Marie Sharp has been recognized on the Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Global list, an honor celebrating influential women around the world who continue to make an impact beyond the age of 50.

Sharp, founder of Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, is featured for her remarkable journey from elementary school teacher to global food industry icon. What began as a backyard experiment growing habanero peppers and testing recipes on family and friends has grown into one of Belize’s most internationally recognized brands.

In the early 1980s, Sharp began selling her homemade sauces with encouragement from close friends. The products quickly gained popularity and were soon being exported to the United States. After overcoming a trademark dispute that required a company name change, she launched Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods in 1992, turning her into the woman who turned up the heat in the hot sauce industry.

Today, the company’s product line extends beyond hot sauces to include jams and seasonings, all rooted in authentic Belizean flavors. Sharp’s contributions to the culinary world were previously recognized with her induction into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame in 2016.

The 50 Over 50 Global recognition highlights Sharp not only as a successful entrepreneur, but as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the global potential of Belizean enterprise. Her story continues to inspire aspiring business owners, particularly women, proving that passion and perseverance can turn humble beginnings into worldwide success.