FORT WORTH, Texas - TelAve -- The heat is on at the 25th Anniversary of ZestFest as legendary Florida hot sauce maker Buddy Taylor and Gator Hammock step up as sponsors of the popular Jalapeño Eating Contest taking place Sunday afternoon, May 31, 2026, during the final day of the three-day spicy food celebration in Fort Worth, Texas.

The winner of the fiery competition will receive a Texas-size gift basket packed with Gator Hammock products along with spicy creations from brands featured in the prestigious 30th Anniversary Fiery Food Challenge. Winners of the Fiery Food Challenge will be officially announced during the FFC Awards Dinner on Friday night, May 29th.

Known throughout the spicy food world as the "Gator Hammock G.O.A.T.," Buddy Taylor grew up in Felda, Florida, near the Everglades, where his passion for bold Southern cooking began in his family's restaurant, Taylor's Grocery. Over decades, Buddy has become one of the most respected names in the fiery foods industry, sharing his signature blends across the United States and internationally.

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Since 1990, Gator Hammock products have earned numerous awards, including the coveted Golden Chile Award at ZestFest four consecutive years from 2022–2025 for the celebrated Tropic Gator sauce. Buddy's famous Gator Sauce is also featured at Firehouse Subs locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Starting with a single sauce in 1989, Gator Hammock has grown into a lineup of more than 20 sauces, BBQ blends, mustards, and rubs featuring jalapeños, habaneros, Scotch bonnets, and Carolina Reapers. The brand has become known not only for heat, but for rich flavor and balance that keep spicy food lovers coming back for more.

Buddy Taylor's contributions to the industry were recognized with his induction into the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame in 2017.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, ZestFest will take place May 29–31, 2026 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The event features hundreds of spicy products available for sampling and purchase, celebrity chef demonstrations, live contests, and the internationally recognized Fiery Food Challenge.

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Spicy food fans interested in witnessing the Jalapeño Eating Contest — or daring enough to enter — should prepare for one of the hottest highlights of the weekend.

For event information, tickets, and Fiery Food Challenge details, visit:
Event Festival | Event Festival at ZestFest (https://zestfest.net/)

Media Contact:
Spicy Food Productions
Fort Worth, Texas
marketing@zestfest.net