A NORTHERN suburbs chilli farm has started supplying all of a major chain’s WA supermarkets with locally grown chillies 12 months of the year.
Blazing Saddles in Mariginiup was able to invest in hot house farming technology following its agreement with Coles that could see the producer increase its supply capacity from chillies six months of the year to several varieties of chillies all year around.
It will be the first local chilli grower to manage a consistent year-round supply in WA.
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READ NOW“Coles has an agreement in place with Blazing Saddles that has given them the confidence invest in new farming technology to produce chillies all year around,” fresh produce state lead Mathew Trichet said.
“This 12-month supply will remove the need for interstate imports and, of course, get the freshest products to all West Australians.
“Some of these chillies hit the shelf the day they were picked – logistically, we’re unable to do that with chillies coming from interstate so we can guarantee our customers will get great quality, fresh chillies bursting with flavour by keeping it local.”
Coles is forecasting it will sell almost 70 tonnes of chillies this year alone in WA, with most of them coming from Blazing Saddles farm.
Blazing Saddles owner Lance Fitzgerald said during his three-year relationship with the chain so far, he had trialled a number of different chilli varieties for consumers.
“The most popular selling chilli is the red cayenne, although if you really want to challenge tolerance, keep an eye out for the Caroline Reaper chillies,” he said.
“Daredevils will love it, but I know not everyone likes spicy food.
“Typically, there will be at least 12 chilli varieties available at Coles every day of the year, ranging from tear-jerkers to very sweet, mild flavour aides.”
The full range is expected to be available from December.
