Tim Elcombe, New Chairman for British Onions

Tim Elcombe of Bedfordshire Growers has been elected as the new Chairman of British Onions. The appointment was confirmed at the British Onions Association Annual General Meeting held recently, and Tim will serve in the role for the next two years.

Tim started at Bedfordshire Growers in 2002 where he has held various roles in the technical and commercial departments. He currently heads up the onion operation and overseas all commercial and operational activities.

He thanked the outgoing Chairman, Andrew Holding of Produce World, for his contribution to the Association over the last two years, which included organising two successful Onion & Carrot Conferences.

In his closing Chairman’s Report Andrew Holding reported that the Association continues to be held in high regard by many around the world. He said: “Our members continue to play a significant role in the wider European industry as confirmed at the European Onion Association (Euronion) meeting held in Germany, and at the international Onion & Carrot Conference held in Nottingham in November 2017.

“The last year has continued to be one of change for our industry, as retailers fight for market share, with fresh produce used as a loss leader in many cases. The discounters continue to grow year-on-year and other retailers continue to reassess their supply models in order to compete in this ever-changing market.”

New activities for the Association in 2018 will be a Study Tour to Denmark in June; an extended Onion Variety Day in November; and a literature search on the health benefits of onions to be used in a potential new PR campaign.