SAN ANTONIO — As shipments of the popular spicy Asian condiment Sriracha remain on hold following a partial shutdown of its factory in California, a state representative from Texas is trying to lure the maker of the sauce away from the West Cost and into the Lone Star State.
Shipments of Sriracha, the spicy red sauce with a cult following, are currently on hold after the California Department Public Health mandated a waiting period following new guidelines. This after the plant was forced to temporarily stop production when residents in the city of Irwindale, where it’s made, said fumes from the factory caused their eyes to burn and made breathing difficult.
Texas State Rep. Jason Villalba of Dallas is asking Huy Fong Foods, maker of Sriracha, to consider moving to Texas. In a letter to the company, Villalba lists tax incentives, a union-free state, no corporate taxes, and distribution channels as the means to relocate operations.
“We’re in the center of the United States with some of the best transportation and distribution arteries in the country. So immediately, just from a macro-economic perspective we provide a number of benefits and opportunities they don’t currently have," Villalba wrote.
Villalba admits he was motivated by his own love for the condiment. The hold on Sriracha distribution is in effect until next week. Huy Fong Foods has not responded to the letter.
