Our Story
Keepin' Norfolk spicy since 1999!
Where We Came From
Chillis Galore was founded in Norfolk in 1999 by Kathy and Richard, a couple with a passion for growing chillis and turning them into delicious, fiery jams. Over the next 26 years, they built the business and the Chillis Galore community, winning awards at shows and farmers markets for their homemade, spicy-sweet jams, jellies and hot sauces.
Today, Chillis Galore has been taken on by Max and Sonya. As a child in North Norfolk, Max grew up eating the Jamaican Peppers Chilli Jelly, as his grandmother Marita was one of Kathy and Richard’s very first customers back in the early 2000’s.
Chillis Galore's original labels & look since 1999
The original look
1999
Kathy selling jams by the pier in Cromer
Kathy, Chillis Galore founder
2014
FAMILY, FATE & CHILLI JAM
When Marita passed away, Max’s mum Michèle carried on the tradition, always making sure there was a jar of Chillis Galore on the table. It was also the very first chilli jam Sonya ever tasted; Michèle had bought them a jar of the Jamaican Peppers Jelly for her and Sonya's first meeting, and it instantly became one of Sonya’s favourites too. Sadly, Michèle passed away soon afterwards.
After her passing, Max and Sonya tried for a while to track down the jam, but the name escaped them. A few months later, while cleaning out the car ahead of Michèle's memorial service, Max found the remnants of that jar she'd last gifted them buried deep in the boot.
Sonya immediately jumped online to try and order some...and discovered that after 26 years, Kathy and Richard were looking for someone to carry on their legacy so they could hang up their chilli hats and enjoy retirement.
Max and Sonya with the jam that started it all, Jamaican Peppers
The jam that started it all
2025
Max’s late mum, Michèle
Max’s late mum, Michèle
2024
NEW BEGINNINGS
You know the rest; after spending much quality time in the kitchen with Kathy, learning her recipes and techniques, Max and Sonya are incredibly proud to continue the Chillis Galore story—making the same beloved chilli jams and hot sauces that have brought warmth, spice, and memories to families for over two decades.
Made in collaboration with Norfolk artist Kate Read
Chillis Galore today
2025
Max & Sonya at home in Weybourne
Max & Sonya
2025
Our Artists
Max’s late mum Michèle was a North Norfolk-based artist, so we always knew it was a must to work with a local illustrator on an updated look for Chillis Galore. Our beautiful jam & jelly labels were created by Kate Read, an Aylsham-based, award-winning children’s book author and illustrator who makes her illustrations using hand-painted and mono-printed paper collage, which she later finishes digitally.
We are proud to work with a wonderful team of talented creatives and designers. Find out more about them below:
