Press Release

Feb. 4, 2016

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Céline Alis

(337) 365-1540

(888) 942-3742

Celine@iberiatravel.com

New TABASCO Ž Visitors Center Now Open on Avery Island
Interactive elements invite fans to explore the rich history behind the world's favorite pepper sauce

Tony Simmons (center), President & CEO of McIlhenny Company, celebrates the opening of the new Tabasco Museum with Cecil Hymel (left), Vice President of Administration of McIlhenny Company, Harold Osborn (center left), Senior Vice President of Agriculture of McIlhenny Company, & Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana Billy Nungesser (right).

AVERY ISLAND, La.--- McIlhenny Company has officially opened its doors to the new TABASCO Pepper Sauce Visitors Center on Avery Island. Designed to feed the curiosity of TABASCO fans near and far, the new Visitors Center brings to life the unique world of TABASCO Sauce, including the storied origins of the sauce, how the brand has impacted culinary culture throughout history, and an enhanced, up-close look at the production process from seed to bottle.

On Tuesday, Tony Simmons, CEO and President of McIlhenny Company, hosted a ribbon--cutting ceremony with support from family, friends and employees of McIlhenny Company on Avery Island.

Located in southern Louisiana, Avery Island has been the home of TABASCO Sauce since it was created more than 148 years ago. The new Visitors Center showcases how TABASCO Sauce is made - from the peppers first budding in the greenhouse, to towering walls of oak barrels where mashed peppers are aged for three years, to a glimpse into the production facility where the sauce is blended, stirred and then bottled. Finally, visitors can snap and share pictures with life--size bottles of their favorite TABASCO flavor before sampling treats that are only available at the TABASCO Country Store.

"We're always glad to welcome fans to our community on Avery Island, where we've been making TABASCO Sauce for over a century." said Tony Simmons. "It's our hope that this new multi-sensory experience will immerse our guests in the legacy of TABASCO, showcasing the passion, tradition and careful craftsmanship that goes into making every bottle."

The Visitors Center is open Monday through Sunday 9-4 p.m. Visitors are also encouraged to enjoy meals prepared with the TABASCOŽ Family of FlavorsŽ at Restaurant 1868!, wander through 170 acres of botanical treasures known as Jungle Gardens and observe thousands of snowy egrets who migrate each spring to Bird City, a private wildfowl sanctuary.

For more information, contact Jennifer Mestayer, jmestayer@hunterpr.com
212-679-6600.

About McIlhenny Company
McIlhenny Company produces TABASCOŽ brand products, which are sold in more than 185 countries and territories around the world and labeled in 22 languages and dialects. The
148-year-old company makes a line of pepper sauces, including its world--famous TABASCOŽ brand Original Red Sauce, Green Jalapeńo Sauce, Chipotle Sauce, SWEET & Spicy Sauce, Habanero Sauce, Garlic Pepper Sauce and Buffalo Style Hot Sauce.

McIlhenny Company opened the new Tabasco Museum on Feb. 2, 2016, to offer fans an inside look at how Tabasco Sauce is made.

Tony Simmons, President & CEO of McIlhenny Company, gives the first tour of the new Tabasco Museum to friends, family and guests.

The Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau is the official parish marketing agency promoting New Iberia, Avery Island, Jefferson Island, Jeanerette, Loreauville and Delcambre as a destination. Marketing programs target leisure travelers, business travelers, media, entertainment industry, and the travel trade including group tour planners, meeting planners, sports planners and special event planners. The bureau operates a parish welcome center in New Iberia.

For more information on parish events and tourism assets, call the bureau at 337-365-1540 or visit IberiaTravel.com

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Iberia Parish Convention & Visitors Bureau
2513 Hwy 14 | New Iberia, LA | 70560
(337) 365-1540 | (888) 942-3742
www.IberiaTravel.com