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 moreish condiments. Over the next 26 years, they built the business and the Chillis Galore community, winning awards at shows and farmers markets for their delicious, homemade chilli jams, hot sauces and relishes.
Today, Chillis Galore has been taken on by Max and Sonya. As a child in North Norfolk, Max grew up eating the Habanero Chilli Jam, 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 when he came home to visit from uni. When Sonya met Michèle for the first (and what would ultimately be the only) time, she had a jar waiting for them. Sonya had never tried chilli jam before and instantly loved it. Sadly, Michèle passed away soon afterwards on Christmas Eve.
After Michèle's passing, Max and Sonya moved into her house in Kelling for awhile to sort out her affairs. While there, they tried to buy their favourite chilli jam for themselves, but somehow they couldn't find it on shelves anywhere. Several months later, while cleaning out the car ahead of Michèle's memorial service to drive people to the church, Max found that same jar she'd last gifted them buried deep in the boot.
Of course, they immediately jumped online to try and order some (they needed a pick-me-up that day)...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 small-batch, award-winning recipes that have brought warmth, spice, and memories to families for nearly three 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:
