Marie Sharp, the visionary founder behind Belize’s iconic condiment empire, has secured a prestigious position on Forbes magazine’s 2026 “50 Over 50 Global” list. This distinguished recognition celebrates exceptional leaders and innovators who have achieved significant international impact during their later careers.
Sharp’s culinary journey began modestly in 1981 when she started producing pepper sauces from her home kitchen. Through decades of relentless refinement and dedication, she transformed her homemade recipes into a globally recognized brand that now distributes authentic Belizean flavors across nearly forty international markets. Her product line has expanded to include diverse offerings from signature pepper sauces to fruit jams, becoming essential culinary staples both within Belize and worldwide.
In an exclusive interview following the announcement, Sharp expressed profound gratitude while emphasizing the collective nature of this achievement. “This recognition transcends individual accomplishment,” she noted. “It belongs equally to my dedicated team, my supportive family, and the Belizean community that championed our products from the very beginning.”
The entrepreneur recounted her humble beginnings, detailing how she personally marketed early product batches door-to-door with refried tortillas as tasting accompaniments. Her persistence through continuous product improvements—responding to feedback about color intensity, heat levels, and flavor profiles—eventually led to the construction of her first manufacturing facility on the family farm.
Sharp’s inclusion on the Forbes list highlights the growing recognition of entrepreneurs who achieve global success while preserving cultural authenticity. Her story embodies the spirit of continuous innovation and cultural ambassadorship that defines the most impactful late-career achievements in today’s interconnected business landscape.