The sharp scent of garlic cuts through the morning air in an industrial park on the outskirts of Albany, New York. Inside Hot Crispy Oil’s new manufacturing facility, fresh garlic sizzles as workers carefully monitor temperature gauges and timing. John Trimble moves through the facility with practiced efficiency, checking production lines and greeting his small team by name, overseeing a process that now ships thousands of units across the country through Amazon.
This local favorite, born in the kitchen of Trimble’s family restaurant, has found an enthusiastic nationwide following. You might not know that your go-to hot sauce has just as many fans in California and Texas as it does here in Albany, if not more.
Trimble credits Amazon as the backbone of their business, allowing his team to focus on what matters most: maintaining the quality and consistency that first won over local customers. “We actually manufacture our product,” Trimble explained. “We get real garlic and slice it and fry it in house. That’s something we never wanted to compromise on, even as we’ve grown.”
For a small manufacturer focused on quality, time is precious. Amazon’s suite of business tools helps Hot Crispy Oil make the most of theirs. From AI-powered image creation and integrated advertising tools to actionable analytics and fulfillment services, these tools handle many aspects of running a small business. This allows Trimble and his team to concentrate on perfecting their product and scaling production to meet growing demand.
“Amazon’s AI tools are a game-changer for small businesses like ours,” Trimble explained. “They’re intuitive enough that we don’t need specialized expertise, yet they produce professional results that rival major brands. We get high-quality product images without taking time away from manufacturing. It’s clear Amazon understands what small businesses need to compete.”
This comprehensive suite of tools, combined with Amazon’s vast customer base and efficient fulfillment network, enables Hot Crispy Oil to grow as quickly as demand increases. It’s a stark contrast to traditional retail channels, where growth often depends on negotiating for better shelf space or wider distribution.
“It’s really the magic of Amazon,” Trimble said. “When you deal with traditional retailers, you’re always at the whim of buyers deciding where to place your product. With Amazon, customers make that decision. If they like the product and you maintain good reviews, success follows naturally.”
Today, generating over $1 million in annual revenue, Hot Crispy Oil remains firmly rooted in Albany. “We had a very supportive community when we launched, with a lot of great press,” Trimble recalled. That local support, combined with the ability to reach customers nationwide through Amazon, has proven crucial to their success.
“Albany’s support got us started, and Amazon’s tools help us grow,” Trimble reflected. “We’re showing that small city manufacturers can succeed on a national scale.”