A conversation over chicken vindaloo and a fine wine led to the creation of ChillFreak.com Pty Ltd.

All the Chilli Freaks share a love of all things chilli and live in sunny Perth, Western Australia. We were lamenting the fact that although there are several fantastic producers of fine chilli products based in WA, supplies are difficult to come by. We have what may well be the best annual chilli festival at Araluen Botanical Gardens and thoroughly enjoy stocking up on our favourite dips, sauces, jams, etc. Our only trouble came with not being able to stretch things out for a year until the next festival.

Then we thought - what if they were all available online? You could order your favourite chilli hit anytime, anywhere. We kept talking and the scope and ideas flowed as freely as the wine. So we registered the domain, organised some merchandise and launched at the 2007 Araluen Chilli Festival.

We are to here provide you with access to your favourite chilli products from your favourite producers delivered to your door. How convenient is that? We also know that chilli freaks are passionate about all things chilli so we wanted to create a place where the community could come together to share tips, ideas and stories.

So come on and browse the shop, rate some products, tell us about your favourite chilli producer and start chatting on the forums!

It may sound corny, but the Chilli Freak team is really every member. From the launch at the Chilli Festival it became evident that chilli freaks are not only passionate but incredibly informed about the world of chilli types and their cultivation, as well as the hottest and tastiest sauces, spreads and powders and so on!

Our team members are also our producers, who were passionate and focused enough to turn chillies into taste sensations we all enjoy in so many ways. How many meals are we having that are elevated to another dimension thanks to these chilli legends! There have been many uneventful meals that have been turned into a palate-pleasing party.

The founders are also worth a mention:

George Helou, Tim and Fiona Wong as well as Sabina Steffen are chilli freaks to the core. While the ladies can match heat with the best of them, they tend to lean more on taste. The guys, on the other hand, demand serious heat and taste. The vision to unite the overall global team of chilli freaks began with a dream in the minds of these chilli heads. Thank the chilli gods they acted on that dream!

A special mention goes out to Dr Oscar and Tracey D'Souza. These guys fell in love with the brand and vision to the point of becoming the sole investors with chilli speed. As you know, great ideas do not go far without serious resources.

The proof that every member is the team is the level of contribution we are receiving in the forums and via emails. From recipes to handy hints, tips and facts as well as the viral word-of-mouth, our members are second to none. One stereotype befitting every Chilli Freak is their passion for life, food and great sense of humour!

We appreciate you membership!

To keep history to the point, it simply began when a few chilli freaks began going to chilli festivals and raving about how hot and tasty certain sauces and spreads were. Year after year, quality products would run out and finding them was difficult.

"Why are these quality producers not online?", was the question posed, which spurred an avalanche of 'what if?' questions. When the name Chilli Freak was called, eyebrows were raised, the decision was made and the rest his history!

We have a long way to go, but what a journey it's going to be for our tongues and sweat glands. We are all making history on ChilliFreak.com!