Chilli peppers (Capsicum spp.) are among the world’s most influential spice crops, valued for their pungency, flavour diversity, and cultural importance. The word chilli comes from Nahuatl, and these peppers have been found in the pre-Columbian American archaeological record to have existed as early as 7000 B.C. Based on the archaeological evidence found in the Americas, people began growing Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum approximately 3500 B.C. Archaeological and DNA evidence indicates that Mexico is the principal centre and origin of cultivation of chillies. After the Columbian ExchangeColumbian ExchangeChristopher Columbus, chillies were introduced to Europe, Africa, and Asia. Chilli peppers became part of European cooking and became part of the traditional medicinal system in many parts of the world. The Portuguese played a major role in introducing chilli to South Asia, throughout Africa, and through trade routes they created with Asian countries. Today, chillies are used around the world and have become a major global agricultural commodity due to their cultural, nutritional, and economical value. This chapter introduces the history and origin of chilli peppers, their varieties, and classification. It discusses their global economic and cultural significance, along with insights into the current status of production, processing, and consumption trends worldwide.