Submariner Spices Up Ration Packs

Armed Forces ration packs are being spiced up with the introduction of new hot sauce, created by a former submariner. 

The MoD has awarded a contract for £28,000 to the makers of Hot Diggidy Dog pepper sauce to supply 75,000 bottles for the military’s 24 hour ration packs. 

The contract is the biggest ever for the small company that produces the sauce at its premises in Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales and the business has doubled in size as a result. 

Founder and MD of Hot Diggidy Dog, Simon Llewellyn said: 

“I lived and loved the Armed Forces for eleven years and so recognise the importance that food plays in morale. What began as experimentation using bags of dried chillies onboard British nuclear submarines has now grown into a rapidly expanding business that, thanks to the MoD contract, is fast becoming a household name.”

The 1.6 million 24 hour ration packs issued by MoD every year are designed to give deployed military personnel the 4,000 calories they need daily to ensure they are at peak physical and mental fitness during long patrols or operations. 

They include traditional favourites such as boiled sweets, baked beans and hot chocolate alongside newer items such as chicken tikka masala, chilli con carne and Oreo cookies. The 5ml vial of Hot Diggity Dog sauce is the first addition to the MoD’s ration packs since 2010. 

Simon Llewellyn says he hopes it goes down well: 

“The feedback we have received from the troops has been overwhelmingly positive. We are delighted to have won this contract and have enjoyed sharing ideas back and forth with the

Ministry of Defence.”

Minister for Defence Equipment, Technology and Support Philip Dunne MP said:

“I see everyday how small businesses across the country are working to ensure that our Armed Forces have the best equipment and support in the world. This contract is further evidence of the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to backing SMEs as we continue to recognise the major role they play in safeguarding the UK’s economy for the long term.”