Durban Set to Ignite as Chilli Champion Eats Over 50 Carolina Reapers

DURBAN - Almost 50 dangerously hot Carolina Reaper chillis were consumed by a champion competitor in Cape Town two weeks ago, setting a sizzling standard for Titanium Media South Africa’s (TMSA), The Great East Coast Chilli Festival’s thrilling third edition on 26 April 2025, at Northwood Crusaders Sports Club, Durban North.

Known for its spectacular showmanship, The Great East Coast Chilli Festival (TGECCF) returns this year with title sponsor, Titanium Media South Africa (TMSA), in partnership with Kadipore and Ultibro Farms, for another fiery edition from 9am to 4pm. Headlining the event, is the fiercely competitive Chilli Pod Eating Championship, drawing participants from across the country.

In 2023, there were 16 rounds of chillis competitively consumed, starting with mild Jalapenos, ranging to hotter chillis and then to the ‘super-hots’ being the Caroliner Reaper. Also previously known as the hottest chilli on the planet,  last year, competitors made it to12 rounds and this year is yet to be seen.

Firmly established as Durban’s hottest culinary event, the festival is set to attract national competitors, spice enthusiasts, food lovers, thrill-seekers and families from across the region.

"We’re excited to present a festival that not only celebrates Durban’s vibrant culinary culture, but also unites food lovers, chefs, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. It is a vibrant celebration integrating food, culture and tourism. Our partnership with Titanium Media South Africa (TMSA) and East Coast Radio (ECR), has also ensured that we bring this event and many more, to a wider audience,” said The Great East Coast Chilli Festival founder, Nick Papadopoulos. 

He added that the festival contributes to sustainable economic growth, increasing foot traffic to hotels, restaurants and retail establishments, while generating employment across multiple industries, including hospitality, logistics, event management and agribusiness.

With more than 3,000 attendees at its previous edition, it’s clear that visitors are eager to indulge in Durban’s legendary love affair with a variety of chillis.

Guests can sample award-winning products that featured at the Artisanal Sauce Tasting Competition held earlier in the week. Celebrating the creativity of KZN’s finest chilli artisans, festival-goers are given the chance to experience an array of spicy foods and purchase delicious chilli products on sale.

Attendees can also look forward to a wide array of interactive activations, including:

• The fastest bunny chow eating event
• Chilli demonstrations
• A fun-filled Kids Zone
• An inviting Chill Zone
• Celebrity influencer appearances
• Thrilling stage performances

Sheetal Cross, Director of TMSA said, "Celebrating chilli culture is not just about the thrill of heat, it is an exploration of our diverse culinary heritage and a powerful catalyst for economic transformation. By spotlighting underrepresented producers and sauce makers, we are not only honouring the fiery essence of Durban, but also building bridges between tradition and innovation. Festivals like this inspire a national narrative where flavour becomes a force for unity, empowerment, and exponential growth across agribusiness, tourism, hospitality, and local entrepreneurship."

Papadopoulos  also said that this festival is more than just “heat” and “flavour”, it’s a celebration of “community spirit and cultural creativity”.

"We invite everyone to join us in making Titanium Media South Africa, The Great East Coast Chilli Festival 2025 a memorable, spicy adventure which honours chilli culture, blends traditions, and, of course, celebrates the hottest chillies on the planet!", he said.

TMSA is a premium, full-service marketing agency and web hosting service provider based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, with a global reach. TMSA delivers tailored marketing solutions designed to elevate brands and position businesses for success in a competitive digital landscape.

Tickets for The Great East Coast Chilli Festival are available online at Quicket, with various ticket options ranging from individual passes to family packages for a perfect day out.

To find out more about the event, media invitations, media RSVPs, sponsorship opportunities, becoming a vendor, or entering the competition, contact Nick Papadopoulos: +27 84 505 0113, hello@thegreateastcoastchillifest.co.za or www.thegreateastcoastchillifest.co.za.