Shazam! Are these peppers hot or not? (They’re both)

Mastronardi Produce, under the Sunset brand, is introducing Shazam! shisihito peppers at select retailers.

Mastronardi Produce, under the Sunset brand, is introducing Shazam! shishito peppers at select retailers.

The peppers are among a fast growing trend for flavorful peppers at foodservice outlets, according to a news release. The peppers, in Mastronardi’s Chef Inspired collection, are unique, according to the release.

“Nine out of 10 of the peppers have a mild and savory flavor, with a faint citrus note,” Sunset Culinary Director Roger Mooking said in the release, “While one of the 10 has a zesty, but not overpowering, burst of heat.”

The peppers appeal to consumers’ adventurous side and “add an element of anticipation and excitement to any meal,” according to the release.

“Shishito peppers have been growing tremendously in foodservice and we saw a huge opportunity to provide this to consumers at a retail level,” CEO Paul Mastronardi said in the release. “We believe the pepper category is ripe for innovation.”

Mastronardi Produce did not identify the retailers who will carry the peppers.

The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
Sustainability Insights 2026 finds that as reliance on consumer price premiums fades, growers and retailers are turning to operational sustainability to defend margins, build climate resilience and survive rising supply chain costs.
Even if a manager insists the produce team “knows what to do,” operation standards essentially don’t exist if they aren’t defined in writing — and not doing that can lead to breakdowns later on, says columnist Armand Lobato.
The regional supermarket is investing $110 million to build modernized Rochester, N.Y., facilities and consolidate distribution operations, expanding capacity without employee layoffs.
Read Next
Findings from The Packer’s 2026 Sustainability Insights report highlight the severe financial strain on specialty crop growers as retail prices fail to keep pace with production expenses.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App