A happy New Year’s greetings to all from the evil minions at Droolin’ Devil Fine Foods!
2006 has been an eventful and somewhat tumultuous year for us with a lot of activity both personally and corporately that has seen great things happen for Lorien and I.
After coming off of our best sales year ever in 2005, we saw that the bar was raised for our little company and we set our sights on achieving even greater things in 2006. Thankfully we have succeeded with that mandate and once again each year proves to more rewarding for Droolin’ Devil.
The Droolin Devil product line and Uncle Big’s Killer Brand had an amazing response worldwide as we shipped product into several new countries including Germany, Finland, Romania, Mexico, and The United Kingdom. It was very exciting to hear the positive feedback from our overseas Chileheads on our products.
Our relationship with the Hatari brand (our beloved co-packer) deepened as we started to act on their behalf in scouting new hot sauce talents from the U.S. and Canada and exposing them on a national scale to the Canadian market. Sam Shivji and his son Jamil have mentored us and helped guide us through this crazy industry every step of the way. For that we are truly grateful.
We are very proud to say that Hatari and UncleBig.com now are the exclusive Canadian distributors for Danny Cash, Defcon Wing Sauces, Tangy Delights and the Three Hot Tamales. We have also begun dialogs with CaJohn’s Fiery Foods, Loco Luna, Super Spicy, Fat Kid Sauces, Jersey Boyz Jerky, Psycho Mark, Fired Up Foods, Marco’s Not Yet Famous brand and several other manufacturers both big and small from the U.S. and Canada.
We look forward to helping the Canadian makers penetrate the Canadian market on a national scale as well as bringing the U.S. makers north of the 49th parallel and retailing them within our network of sellers and presenting them to the Canadian grocery chains.
Further to that, we will be presenting our products, as well as our U.S. supplier’s products to two national grocery chains which represent the possible exposure to over 1400 stores reaching every province in Canada.
Uncle Big’s Mission Statement for 2007 will see him continue his guerilla sales and marketing campaign widen as he hopes to penetrate the virginal territory in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (that sounds a little dirty doesn’t it?) Most people would be surprised to see how little fiery foods selection there is in the 640,000 square miles of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It will be no small undertaking, but we’d like to make a huge dint in that marketplace over the next calendar year.
As most of you know, Droolin’ Devil moved their operations lock, stock and two smoking barrels from the BoomTown of Calgary, Alberta to the sleepy little city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan a city one quarter of the size in September of this year.
It was a personal choice as well as a business strategy that is paying off tremendously in both regards. Uncle Big’s blood pressure is almost normal again and the people of Saskatoon have been more responsive to Droolin’ Devil’s Gospel of Fire than we could have imagined. We are truly one of a kind in this city. We don’t dabble in selling a hot sauce here and there, that’s all we sell, and people have responded in droves. The last Friday before Christmas saw our little store standing room only with people all the way out the door just to pick up that last minute fiery stocking stuffer.
There isn’t a day that goes by without at least one customer coming into our little shop and standing in awe at our selection of sauces and fiery foods selection. They had no idea that there were this many options to spice up their life. I’ve even had a few say there were going home to toss all of their grocery store brand “hot sauces†in the trash to make room for all of the new “real hot sauces†that they have purchased in our store. It really warms the heart to know that we have opened people’s eyes to the fiery foods industry.
We have been test marketing two new sauces and a salsa over the holiday season, those being our Mean Ass Mustard Habanero Hot Sauce, Sinfully Wild Garlic Salsa and our new flagship sauce for 2007, a new fiery Habanero based sauce, which we will be unveiling shortly on Hot Sauce Blog. We will unleash these new offerings on palates around the world in the first few weeks of January. We will be submitting them for review to the Hot Sauce Blog and welcome the feedback and look forward to hearing what the finely tuned palates of the reviewers have to say.
As well, we are almost ready to launch the rest of the Uncle Big’s Killer line of products which will include Uncle Big’s Killer Wing Sauce, Uncle Big’s Killer BBQ Sauce, Uncle Big’s Red Eye, Uncle Big’s Killer Salsa and Uncle Big’s Killer Hot Nuts. Prepare yourselves, Uncle Big this way comes…
We plan on creating two special reserve products for Droolin’ Devil and Uncle Big’s Killer to sell as a charity fund raiser for Jamil Shivji from Hatari in order to raise awareness as well as research money for the Canadian Arthritis Society. “The Son of Samâ€, Jamil, will be trekking across Machu Pichu this summer to raise money for the cause. Keep your eyes peeled to Hot Sauce Blog and UncleBig.com for details on how you can help support Arthritis Research in North America.
As a final note to those of you reading this on HSB, Lorien and I would like to thank everyone in this industry that have been so helpful, entertaining and controversial all at that same time. You all know who you are, and we shall continue to banter for many years to come.
The characters and personalities I have met over this past year both in person and online have enriched my life and solidified my belief that life is too short to eat bland food. It has stirred my passion to attempt to create the best fiery foods products that we are capable of making.
A huge kudos and much appreciation needs to be given to Nick Lindauer from HotSauceBlog.com for his tireless efforts in perpetuating the growth and awareness of this industry.
We must include in that thank you to Nick, a personal thank you to Anthony Prugo, HSB reviewer as well. His work in the eastern Canadian market exposing that part of the country to the who’s, what’s and where’s for hot sauce and associated heat bearing products has been exemplary. He is helping spice up Canadian’s lives without any remuneration, but simply for the love of hot sauce. Thanks buddy.
Nobody does it better than HSB.
We wish everyone who reads this great prosperity in 2007 on a business level and much peace, love and happiness in their personal lives as well.
Get sauced!!
Craig and Lorien Lowenberg
Uncle Big and “Mrs. Uncle Bigâ€
Chilehead Comments:
Posted by: Nick Lindauer - Categories: Uncategorized
Permalink: Uncle Big’s State of the Union Address 2006
One year ago: Restaurant Review: Red Mesa Grill, Boyne City, MI
Two years ago: Entrepreneur knows that some like hot sauce
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65 Comments »
You da man Big, keep up the good work!
Perhaps we’ll hook up in Toronto later this year…Now THAT would be scary!
Nice “State of the Union Address” Uncle Big…
but I have to tell you, at first glance, that pic looks Blair-esque 
Keep it up Big! Great address!
chrisk on 1/4/2007 at 12:20 pm said:
Nice “State of the Union Address” Uncle Big…
but I have to tell you, at first glance, that pic looks Blair-esque
Blair? Blair who?? Oh, that Blair 
What looks “Blair-esque”? Does he have a Droolin’ Devil toque too?
I was hoping he got my stocking stuffer.
No visual plagiarism intended. It has most certainly been done before and it will be done again, there’s really no “firsts” anymore now are there?
Besides, no one could ever confuse the two of us. He’s shorter than me. 
Uncle Big on 1/4/2007 at 1:14 pm said:
Blair? Blair who?? Oh, that Blair
What looks “Blair-esque”? Does he have a Droolin’ Devil toque too?
I was hoping he got my stocking stuffer.
No visual plagiarism intended. It has most certainly been done before and it will be done again, there’s really no “firsts” anymore now are there?
Besides, no one could ever confuse the two of us. He’s shorter than me.
“Blair? Blair who?? “ Oh, some dude thats on here every now and then
I know, but I HAD to mention it…lol
Its the black hat and all the flames….
“A powerful line-up it is. Powerful line-up…”
- Yoda
Keep up the great work!!!
Awesome Job Big keep up the great work…….
Right on Big, sounds like things are going great. We look forward to working with you !!!
Looking forward to work with you BIG….keep up the good work..!!
We can feature you in my restaurant…:) give me a call…
Not to be off topic here, but who and the F is spammin the boiler room with SH$t for sale?
Arizona Jack on 1/5/2007 at 4:21 am said:
Not to be off topic here, but who and the F is spammin the boiler room with SH$t for sale?
It happened last night with a different username but same ol stuff. Cracks me up but who knows how to fix something like that!
God i love you Big….Got my vote for whayever you are runnimg for
the truth on 1/5/2007 at 6:19 am said:
God i love you Big….Got my vote for whayever you are runnimg for
The love it’s all around use. Truth I’m jealous. LOL
Never be jealous Bret you know you will always be Jersey Boyz Jerkys First..and nobody can take that away…
the truth on 1/5/2007 at 5:36 pm said:
Never be jealous Bret you know you will always be Jersey Boyz Jerkys First..and nobody can take that away…
Hey now I’m jealous…
the truth on 1/5/2007 at 5:36 pm said:
Never be jealous Bret you know you will always be Jersey Boyz Jerkys First..and nobody can take that away…
Is this a name that caption contest?
Vic on 1/5/2007 at 5:54 pm said:
Hey now I’m jealous…
the truth on 1/5/2007 at 6:19 am said:
God i love you Big….Got my vote for whayever you are runnimg for
BLANE on 1/5/2007 at 5:59 pm said:
Is this a name that caption contest?
Truth, Vic and Blane, wassup my brothers?
Arizona Jack on 1/5/2007 at 6:03 pm said:
Truth, Vic and Blane, wassup my brothers?
Jack how goes it buddy? Ready for the weekend.
Just chillin, waiting for a friend to arrive then off to a friendly friday night game. Later gang !!
Whats up Jack…good luck on that game tonight
Oh Vic give me a huge
the truth on 1/5/2007 at 6:27 pm said:
Oh Vic give me a huge
“give me a huge” 8O
huvason on 1/5/2007 at 7:34 pm said:
“give me a huge”
Chris K is going to be jealous….
BLANE on 1/5/2007 at 7:43 pm said:
Chris K is going to be jealous….
ain’t that “the truth” 
Did you get your package today????
huvason on 1/5/2007 at 8:00 pm said:
ain’t that “the truth”
Did you get your package today????
Nothing today, it should arrive on Saturday I’m hoping;-)
BLANE on 1/5/2007 at 8:08 pm said:
Nothing today, it should arrive on Saturday I’m hoping;-)
It was shipped USPS priority, so it should be there tomorrow. I hope so anyway!!!!
BLANE on 1/5/2007 at 7:43 pm said:
Chris K is going to be jealous….
Nope!
huvason on 1/5/2007 at 7:34 pm said:
“give me a huge”
huvason on 1/5/2007 at 8:00 pm said:
ain’t that “the truth”
Did you get your package today????
Huv, why you talking about huge and packages???
your getting close to the 3500 secret handshake
Hello all,
I just want to say thanks for the congrats, the words of encouragement and all round warm and fuzzies from everyone on HSB.
We’re hoping for a big 2007 up here in the Great White North, and with the help of all of you, it will happen.
Looking forward to the new relationships and nurturing the old ones as well.
Take care.
chrisk on 1/5/2007 at 8:26 pm said:
Nope!
Huv, why you talking about huge and packages???
your getting close to the 3500 secret handshake
Hey chrisk why are YOU putting words like “huge” and “packages” together with HUV????? Did you and thetruth have a fight or something??
Hey truth please refrain from any “huge” head jokes!!!!!! lol
BLANE on 1/5/2007 at 7:43 pm said:
Chris K is going to be jealous….
YOU THINK
kristi on 1/5/2007 at 9:54 pm said:
Hey chrisk why are YOU putting words like “huge” and “packages” together with HUV????? Did you and thetruth have a fight or something??
Hey truth please refrain from any “huge” head jokes!!!!!! lol
Dk they still need to shows use that hand shake.
Bret on 1/5/2007 at 10:09 pm said:
Dk they still need to shows use that hand shake.
There are too many this time around - i’ll need chrisK to help show eveyone
huvason on 1/5/2007 at 10:45 pm said:
There are too many this time around - i’ll need chrisK to help show eveyone
I.m First. I’ll bring all the proper gear.
JJ’s update (Good Morning America) is filming a segment in the store today. If I get my Big Mug in there. I’ll try to get a few plugs in there. Later
JERSEY BOYZ JERKY ………HI BRET GOOD MORNING MY FAVORITE BUYER
the truth on 1/6/2007 at 7:45 am said:
JERSEY BOYZ JERKY ………HI BRET GOOD MORNING MY FAVORITE BUYER
Kiss up! 80
Bret on 1/5/2007 at 10:09 pm said:
Dk they still need to shows use that hand shake.
huvason on 1/5/2007 at 10:45 pm said:
There are too many this time around - i’ll need chrisK to help show eveyone
Bret on 1/6/2007 at 7:30 am said:
I.m First. I’ll bring all the proper gear.
It’s all yours Bret! I don’t think I care to know it now! Not if it requires “proper gear”! Remember, Jodie has my helmet now. I feel that I would be insufficiently protected!
DK on 1/6/2007 at 9:05 am said:
It’s all yours Bret! I don’t think I care to know it now! Not if it requires “proper gear”! Remember, Jodie has my helmet now. I feel that I would be insufficiently protected!
LOL - a helmet is certainly not enough protection
Bret on 1/6/2007 at 7:36 am said:
JJ’s update (Good Morning America) is filming a segment in the store today. If I get my Big Mug in there. I’ll try to get a few plugs in there. Later
Cool… when wil it be on?
huvason on 1/6/2007 at 9:11 am said:
Cool… when wil it be on?
They can’y tell use yet. they have to wait and see what the Big Wigs in New York plan on doing. They say if they use the Segment. It’s 2 to 4 mts out. Ok on with the show, got to see how many people I can burn today. Later
NM update. I arrive in NM March 2 at 10:23am. I have a couple of meeting schedule till about 4:00. SO WHAT TIME IS THE FIRST BEER.
Bret on 1/6/2007 at 9:48 am said:
NM update. I arrive in NM March 2 at 10:23am. I have a couple of meeting schedule till about 4:00. SO WHAT TIME IS THE FIRST BEER.
from what yu said… 10:24am
huvason on 1/6/2007 at 10:39 am said:
from what yu said… 10:24am
I am with you Huv!
Jodie on 1/6/2007 at 12:19 pm said:
I am with you Huv!
To be honest, we arrive on Thursday March 1, so we will be drinking on the plane!!!
Do they all have to know about you and your dirty big secrets jodie?
huvason on 1/6/2007 at 10:39 am said:
from what yu said… 10:24am
Cool I’ll cancel my meetings.
the truth on 1/6/2007 at 1:09 pm said:
Do they all have to know about you and your dirty big secrets jodie?
SHUT UP!!!
UPDATE. I will let you know when comedy show air es. The only thing I got to talk about was Blair’s Caldera. What caught their eyes was the $2000.00 price tag on it. We use it as a eye opener. I was going to try and plug HSB but I was told no.Sorry Nick. Then I talk about some Oriental foods and Mexican foods then finish it off talking about balsamic vinegars. Just another day at the Jungles.LOL
Jodie on 1/6/2007 at 1:41 pm said:
SHUT UP!!!
Be Nice
Jodie on 1/6/2007 at 12:20 pm said:
To be honest, we arrive on Thursday March 1, so we will be drinking on the plane!!!
Cool, your getting there early too ! Someone to drink with !!
huvason on 1/6/2007 at 9:10 am said:
LOL - a helmet is certainly not enough protection
Hey, I know where to get you a good helemt……..Oh Blane……..I have some new stickers for you!
Arizona Jack on 1/6/2007 at 2:39 pm said:
Cool, your getting there early too ! Someone to drink with !!
Of course! And of course the games….can’t forget the games.
Where is everyone staying??
i will be staying at the same place as that drunk girl
the truth on 1/6/2007 at 4:09 pm said:
i will be staying at the same place as that drunk girl
I’m at the Sandia Hotel were the show is.
locolunabrian on 1/6/2007 at 4:05 pm said:
Where is everyone staying??
Brian you have a booth this year.
the truth on 1/6/2007 at 4:09 pm said:
i will be staying at the same place as that drunk girl
You a**!
locolunabrian on 1/6/2007 at 4:05 pm said:
Where is everyone staying??
Sandia. Truly it is the only place to stay. Hotel staff will tell you that the town is a little down the road. What they forget to tell you is that a little down the road is like an hour away!
Jodie on 1/6/2007 at 4:20 pm said:
You a**!
Play nice. I don’t want to bring my paddle to NM or do I. HeHe
You just might need that paddle
Bret on 1/6/2007 at 4:15 pm said:
Brian you have a booth this year.
I was late to the party and didn’t get a booth. I’m hoping I can tag on to some nice persons space for just a little while:)
the truth on 1/6/2007 at 5:05 pm said:
You just might need that paddle
That paddle won’t even make the truth flinch. I mean he does live with 1/3 of THT and hangs with the other 2/3s. He is a glutton for punishment, I tell ya!
Jodie on 1/6/2007 at 7:03 pm said:
That paddle won’t even make the truth flinch. I mean he does live with 1/3 of THT and hangs with the other 2/3s. He is a glutton for punishment, I tell ya!
Indeed! haha!
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Right on, Big. We wish you all the luck with all of your endeavors, especially because we’re partners! Glad to hear you guys are doing so well in the new location. Can’t wait to try the new products.