A few short months ago, we announced the launch of our organic traditional shallot packing line, and after a few more adjustments, it will be operational.
From 1st March, we’ll once again be offering you the very finest net bags and plaits of traditional shallots: both conventional and organic! Why are we launching this new offer? What packaging formats are available? Gérard Quillévéré, director of Pouliquen, fills us in on the details.
When will Pouliquen begin packing organic traditional shallots?
The production line has been set up, and we’re now in the testing and adjustment phase. Packing will begin in about two weeks, in early March.
Why has Pouliquen launched an organic shallot packing line?
Our goal is to make the price of organic traditional shallots acceptable to consumers. Just because a product is organic doesn’t mean it has to cost three times as much as its conventional counterpart. The price gap between organic and conventional traditional shallots is due to higher organic production costs. The difference in price should reflect only this aspect. This new activity is also a way for us to support organic growers, particularly those who have recently begun farming or converted to organic production.
What packaging formats will be available?
From the beginning of March, we’ll be offering two packaging formats. First, the 350g plait, which is exclusive to Pouliquen. This format meets the needs of the majority of consumers. The 350g weight enables us to offer a plait of organic traditional shallots within the same price range as a 500g plait of conventional shallots. The 100% compostable plait will be made using bamboo supports and flax string, with a 100% recyclable label printed on unbleached paper. Organic consumers are also sensitive to packaging issues, so this packaging is an added benefit for our organic traditional shallot plaits.
The second packaging format is a 250g net bag, which meets general consumer expectations. The net is made from wood cellulose, and the label is also printed on unbleached paper.
What identifying marks will attract consumers to these products?
The label will feature the traditional EU organic logo. We’ll also display our PME+ (the French equivalent of SME) label. We earned this certification through our CSR policy, which has also been developed in response to the high expectations of organic consumers and, increasingly, consumers in general.
What impact will this new activity have on the packing of conventionally-grown alliums?
None at all! The new packing line is completely independent, with its own dedicated resources. The packing volumes and preparation times of conventional products won’t be affected. 1,500 tonnes of organic traditional shallots are produced by Prince de Bretagne growers each year. We hope that the new packing line will help these producers stabilise and even develop their business.
A new production cycle has just begun, with shallots being planted. As we await their harvest in July, we’re packing the shallots harvested in the summer of 2022. Due to the high temperatures in that season, even in Western Brittany, the volume of traditional shallots is limited. This is why it’s important to market shallots as premium goods. The launch of this new turnkey product will certainly help our customers attain this objective.