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Marie Sharp's Forbes 50 Over 50 Recognition: A Belizean Woman’s Global Legacy Through Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce
On Belize Talk Radio, we celebrate the voices, stories, and pioneers who shape Belize’s identity and inspire the world. Today, we proudly mark a historic moment for Belize as we extend a huge congratulations to Marie Sharp, founder of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce, for earning a place on the Forbes Top 50 Over 50 list.
The Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 recognition is no small achievement. Being honored by Forbes places Marie Sharp among the most influential women over 50 worldwide—leaders whose impact, innovation, and resilience transcend borders. For Belize, this moment confirms what we have long known: Marie Sharp is a national treasure and a global business icon.
To me, Macarena Rose, host of Belize Talk Radio and a Belize and international real estate expert, Marie Sharp’s journey is deeply personal. More than 21 years ago, when I began my own entrepreneurial path in Belize, women-owned businesses did not always have visible role models showing what was possible. Marie Sharp did exactly that.
She gave women vision.
She gave women courage.
She gave women proof that staying the course—no matter the obstacles—can lead to global recognition, including Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 honors.
What Is Forbes 50 Over 50 and Why Marie Sharp's Forbes 50 Over 50 Recognition Matters
The Forbes 50 Over 50 initiative celebrates women aged 50 and above who are redefining leadership, innovation, and success across business, culture, and social impact. Unlike lists focused on early career achievements, Forbes highlights longevity, reinvention, and sustained excellence.
The Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 recognition matters because it places Belizean entrepreneurship on a global stage. It sends a powerful message to women everywhere—especially women over 50—that success does not have an expiration date.
For Belize, this achievement reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a source of export-ready products, female-led enterprises, and internationally competitive brands.
The Humble Beginnings of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce in Belize
The story of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce began in 1981 in rural Belize. At the time, Marie Sharp was a farmer facing a familiar challenge: an abundance of fresh peppers with limited market access.
Rather than allowing those crops to go to waste, she began crafting hot sauce from her home kitchen using fresh, locally grown ingredients. The bold, natural flavor profile quickly distinguished her sauce from mass-produced alternatives.
By 1984, growing demand required a move into a small production facility. That original space—now used only for storage—stands as a powerful reminder of how far the brand has come and why the Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 recognition is so well deserved.
Scaling a Belizean Brand to the Global Market
Marie Sharp’s success was never built on shortcuts. From the beginning, her focus remained on quality, consistency, and authenticity. Every bottle of Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce reflects Belize’s agricultural heritage, using fresh peppers, carrots, onions, and spices—never concentrates or artificial fillers.
That unwavering commitment paid off.
Today, Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce is exported to more than 32 countries worldwide, making it one of Belize’s most successful food exports. The United States is the brand’s largest market, followed by Japan, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, and Dubai. This global footprint underscores why the Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 achievement resonates far beyond Belize.
A Marie Sharp's Forbes 50 Over 50 Recognition–Worthy Entrepreneurial Legacy
The Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 recognition reflects a lifetime of perseverance and purpose:
- Entrepreneurship later in life
- Global impact rooted in Belizean identity
- Women-led success in agriculture and manufacturing
- Long-term growth built on integrity and resilience
Her journey challenges outdated ideas about age, gender, and geography. It proves that a Belizean woman entrepreneur can build a world-class brand while staying true to her roots.
Why Marie Sharp's Forbes 50 Over 50 Inspires Women Worldwide
Beyond business success, Marie Sharp’s story is deeply inspirational. For decades, she has demonstrated that women can own, lead, and grow manufacturing businesses—even in industries traditionally dominated by men.
For women over 50 considering a new chapter, the Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 story delivers a powerful message:
Experience is an advantage. Persistence creates opportunity. It is never too late to build something extraordinary.
Belize on the Global Business Map
The Marie Sharp’s Forbes 50 Over 50 recognition helps position Belize not only as a tourism destination, but as a country capable of producing globally respected brands led by visionary women.
From a home kitchen in 1981 to supermarket shelves across five continents, Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce has become a symbol of Belizean resilience, innovation, and global relevance—a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
