A recent chilli-eating feat in Cape Town—where a competitor consumed nearly 50 Carolina Reapers—has set the tone for the upcoming third edition of The Great East Coast Chilli Festival, scheduled for 26 April 2025 at Northwood Crusaders Sports Club in Durban North.

The 2025 festival will run from 9am to 4pm, with support from title sponsor Titanium Media South Africa (TMSA), in partnership with Kadipore and Ultibro Farms. The event will feature the Chilli Pod Eating Championship as its main competition, attracting participants from across the country.

 In 2023, competitors faced 16 rounds of chilli tasting, starting with mild jalapeños and progressing through increasingly hotter varieties, culminating in the ‘super-hots’ such as the Carolina Reaper—once recognised as the world’s hottest chilli. Last year, participants made it to round 12; how far they’ll get this year remains to be seen.

 Now in its third edition, The Great East Coast Chilli Festival is expected to draw national competitors, food enthusiasts, and families from across the region.

Festival founder Nick Papadopoulos said the event aims to highlight Durban’s culinary culture while providing a platform for chefs, food producers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders. “Our collaboration with Titanium Media South Africa (TMSA) and East Coast Radio (ECR) has helped us reach a broader audience and grow the festival’s impact,” he noted.

According to Papadopoulos, the festival also supports local economic activity by increasing visitor traffic to nearby hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces and creating employment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality, logistics, event services, and agribusiness.

The previous edition attracted over 3,000 attendees.

As part of the programme, visitors can sample products featured in the Artisanal Sauce Tasting Competition, held earlier in the week. The festival also offers a range of spicy foods and chilli-based products available for purchase from local producers.

 The 2025 edition of The Great East Coast Chilli Festival will also feature various interactive public activities. These include:

• A fastest bunny chow eating competition

• Chilli cooking demonstrations

• A dedicated Kids Zone

• A Chill Zone for relaxation

• Appearances by public personalities and influencers

• Live stage performances

Sheetal Cross, Director of Titanium Media South Africa (TMSA), said the event also serves as a platform to highlight culinary diversity and support economic participation across sectors. “By spotlighting underrepresented producers and sauce makers, we aim to bridge tradition and innovation, while contributing to growth in agribusiness, tourism, hospitality, and local entrepreneurship,” she said.

Festival founder Nick Papadopoulos described the event as a reflection of community spirit and cultural expression, adding that it brings together a wide range of people around food and shared traditions.

Tickets for the 2025 festival are available online via Quicket