In recent years, shallots' market share has been increasing. According to Matteo Freddi, commercial manager of the family business that has been selling this product for 30 years, shallots will increasingly erode onions' market shares.
"The taste of our Italian shallot is special - he remarks - and is appreciated by those who consider the onion too strong and with a bad smell or taste. The ones from abroad come in great quantities and at more competitive prices than ours, but the difference is remarkable".
Freddi underlines the differences: the shallot produced in Emilia is of a special variety, the Laval, which is exclusive to them in Italy. The regulations are much more rigid than abroad, so the residues are much lower in the national product. "Wholesalers and large-scale retailers - he adds - know that with the traced Italian shallot they have a quality guarantee from all points of view. Some large retail chains have understood this and are regularly supplied by us. In general, we have an annual availability around 250 tons".
In the field the yields were variable, but good on average. They range from 45 tons per hectare for the best, and most fortunate, growers, to 33 tons per hectare.
"The product was collected as usual at the end of July, and the weather conditions allowed for almost perfect drying. The results can now be seen in the cell, with an excellent shelf life. In short, we are satisfied and we believe that shallots will be appreciated more and more in the future".
For more information:
Freddi Prodotti Ortofrutticoli S.n.c.
Via Lama, 41
Calerno di S. Ilario d'Enza (RE)
Tel.: (+39) 0522 679831
Fax.: (+39) 0522 679854
Email: commerciale@cipollefreddi.it
www.cipollefreddi.it