British shallot growers struggling with demand

Sales in the first quarter of this year are up over 13% in volume, compared to the same period last year. Shallots are naturally grown products which are subject to the unpredictability of the British weather. Last year's weather made growing conditions very difficult and as demand rises, supply is in danger of drying up. Growers have recently introduced echalions (banana shallots) into the UK which have proven to be a huge success among chefs and are now a huge hit with consumers. Paul Crispey, chairman of UK Shallot.com, the body representing British Shallot growers, commented: "This shows that all our efforts to get more people using shallots are paying off. We hope that the weather will be kinder to us this summer ensuring that we have a plentiful supply of shallots to satisfy the increased demand." Weblink: www.UKShallot.com