“It's a family company that has been specializing in garlic for over 30 years,” said Fatima Hamioni. “We're based in the region known for growing purple garlic, and we're close to the region known for its pink garlic.” The Cadours region is recognized as one of the premier garlic-producing areas in France, and many growers in the region grow specialty products that command premium prices. Les Aulx Du Sud-Ouest carries those specialty varieties as well and more conventional white, purple and pink varieties.
Harvesting usually runs from the end of June to the end of August, and the fresh product is chilled for storage. Prices vary depending on size, quality and variety, but pink garlic tends to be the priciest and white garlic is typically cheaper than the colored varieties. In terms of potency of flavor, white garlic is the mildest while the colored varieties have a higher concentration of flavor.
“We originally worked with wholesalers, but now we sell to supermarkets and caterers,” said Fatima Hamioni. “The majority of our business is in France, but we also export garlic to countries like Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and Holland. About 10 to 15 percent of our sales are exports, but we're looking to develop more presence outside of France.”
For more information:
Fatima Hamioni
Les Aulx du Sud-Ouest
fatima@lesaulxdusudouest.com
www.lesaulxdusudouest.com