Food & Beverage

Pizza's hot … literally

Photo: Provided

September 1, 2020

When Americans are feeling the heat — as in during a pandemic in a highly charged election year — apparently they also want to feel a little extra heat on their pizzas.

That's the verdict of a quick analysis of pizza condiment packet sales in recent days at the Boca Raton, Florida business, Pizza Packets.

According to a representative for the company, Schmuel Tennenhaus, sales of all of the company's pizzeria condiment packets this year are skyrocketing, along with the need for higher safety and health standards by pizzeria customers. However, among the many condiments offered in packets, the sales of crushed red pepper packets are the most pronounced, he said in an email to Pizza Marketplace.

"On the most popular pizza spice -- it's crushed red pepper, followed by Parmesan … based on all 2020 orders," Tennenhaus said. "Red pepper has been 30% more popular than Parmesan."

Pizza Packet provides gourmet spices and Parmesan Cheese in portion-controlled packaging and Tennenhaus said this year they are seeing increasing orders from non-pizza business, as well, like hospitals, cafeterias and schools, which, of course, also need to provide hygienic seasonings for pizza and more during the pandemic.

"We are even seeing orders from vacation/rentals resorts, as things begin to reopen and dining safety is a top concern," Tennenhaus said.