HOMEMADE FROM THE HEART
Meet the cook
Hi, Im Karl
Hi, I’m Karl, the face behind Bournemouth Chilli Bitz! I’m passionate about creating bold, flavour-packed chilli products that bring the perfect balance of taste and heat. Every jar, bottle, and blend is made with care, ensuring you get top-quality, homemade goodness in every bite.
Our Journey
How it all Started
When lockdown hit, I was stuck at home and bought four chilli plants at a car boot sale—killed them instantly! But I’m stubborn, so I tried again. Soon I had 40 chilli plants growing all over—garden, windowsills, even under lights.
With way too many chillies and no clue what to do, I started experimenting in the kitchen making jams. I shared some with family and friends—they loved them! The pride I felt was unreal.
I set up a Facebook and Instagram page, then panicked about food safety. So, I registered a business name online. In 2021, Bournemouth Chilli Bitz was born, and I realised I had a lot to learn about UK food laws fast.
Growing the Business
Once I registered the business, panic set in—I had no idea about UK food laws. I quickly got to work: completed my Level 2 Food Hygiene in January 2022, had a logo and labels designed, and secured a 5-star food hygiene rating for my home kitchen.
I launched with five products—three chilli jams and two chutneys. I made 75 jars, sold out in 10 days, reinvested, doubled the batch, and sold out again within a month. It was mind-blowing.
Encouraged by the success, I entered some blind tasting awards via NEUK Chilli Heads and even picked up a few wins. This sparked my first sauce creation, “Smokey Pokey BBQ,” which also won an award. Demand exploded and I just kept going—new sauces followed each awards month. For someone who worked in the building trade, I was stunned people loved my stuff so much.
Where we are now!
As things grew, I started attending events—everything from small fetes to bigger festivals—armed with a gazebo, a table, and a banner. Sales were unreal. Some weekends I sold so much, I was straight back in the kitchen the next day restocking, often with preorders already coming in.
Eventually, I got products into a few local stockists and that really picked up momentum. By the end of 2023, I decided to drop two days a week from my day job so I could focus more on the business and building relationships with new retailers.
By the end of 2024, I had 10 stockists regularly selling my products and had smashed it at 12 events throughout the year. Now in 2025, I'm pushing harder than ever—working toward going full-time within the next year or two and finally being able to take a wage. With new stockists already on board and six large chilli festivals booked (plus loads more events), this year is shaping up to be the biggest yet. Let’s see where this chilli journey takes us!
Why we do what we do
Here at Bournemouth Chilli Bitz, I take pride in creating products that truly stand out. It’s not just about the heat—I’m all about delivering bold, delicious flavours first, followed by the perfect level of spice to match.
I believe that high-quality, homemade chilli jams, chutneys, sauces, and oils should be a staple in every kitchen. That’s why my range is crafted to be the perfect addition to any meal, ready and waiting in your fridge for those spur-of-the-moment flavour boosts.
Since launching in Bournemouth in 2022, I’ve watched the way people approach food evolve, and I couldn’t be more excited to bring you my unique, flavour-packed creations. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to add a kick to your cooking, Bournemouth Chilli Bitz is here to bring the heat—with unbeatable taste!
