About Chilliqueen

The Story So Far...

A wonderful product, with a tasty story to tell.

Lee Everett, then wife of DJ and Comedian Kenny, visited the USA in 1979.  During this trip, Lee came across an amazing taste bud revelation, a chilli pepper jelly, and was instantly hooked.   On her return to the UK, Lee immediately began developing her own unique version of a Chilli Pepper Jelly.

Although an accomplished cook, perfection was not easy to achieve, but once there, “Chelly” was born.  The product was a huge hit with family and friends, with demand being so big that it quickly developed into a “cottage industry”, with Chelly being sold locally to a variety of fine food outlets.  It was during this period, that hand-cooked batch runs went from 10 or 20 to 500 jars, up to an amazing 1,000 jars in the final batch run.  So it was no wonder that Kenny Everett, with his zany sense of humour, nicknamed her “Chilliqueen”!

With demand so high, Lee decided in 1998 to source a manufacturer to produce Chelly, who would not forfeit too much of the original distinct flavour.  With her entrepreneurial skill, Lee contacted the multiple supermarket buyers, and received an overwhelmingly positive response to her passionate belief in Chelly, and of course the samples.  In fact, one buyer asked if she had 30,000 jars in her car!  Obtaining lots of advice from the buyers and other manufacturers, she eventually decided to work with a food manufacturer, locally based in Berkshire.

Over the last year or so the manufacturer's profile has changed, and Lee felt that there was no longer room in their portfolio for her "baby". So for the product to continue to be available, and to push the “Chelly” frontiers even further, the Jalapeno Food Group was set up by Lee and her husband, John Alkin.

In 2004, working in tandem with Lintech and RSSL, both based at Reading University, the Original, and Ginger & Lime recipes have been fine-tuned, giving an even better chilli pepper jelly.  Two other great combinations have been added to the Chelly portfolio; Tomato & Balsamic Vinegar, and Shallot & Coriander.

 So this is the Chelly story so far, but Lee and John feel only the first chapter “Chelly the Infant Years” has been written!  “Chelly the Teenager", under the watchful eyes of Jalapeno Food Group is yet to emerge….

The Lady Herself... Lee

What a learning curve Chelly has been for me. From cottage industry to mass production, without losing subtlety of flavour, and using the best ingredients available, has been a huge challenge. We've always had a loyal following, and it's wonderful that some of our long-term Chelly addicts are still with us helping in production, design and sales. Everything feels in the right place for this new, improved and re-developed range to create more addicts for the future.

Other Half and MD... John

I'm glad we've moved on from stirring 1,000 jars of hot Chelly armed only with a chopstick and alarm clock! It was the only way we could achieve even suspension of the chillies and peppers. However, I do miss the wonderful smells, cooking big batches made your eyes sting to start with, but the aroma would overwhelm the house. The end result was so satisfying, from raw ingredients to the magic of Chelly.

Supported by... Pat

I was lucky enough to be introduced to Chelly through my previous job, and have since become an addict of this wonderful product.  So I leapt at the chance to join Lee and John with their new venture.  With nearly 15 years in the food business, my experience and knowledge is vast, as is my waistline.... Although I am always looking to improve both of these areas.. Hobbies and loves; Cooking, Greece, admiring my garden whilst enjoying a tipple,  Coronation Street, and of course my cats!

Enough about us, what about you?

Please let us know what you, your family, and friends think about Chelly, the website.  Do you have any funny Chelly stories, recipe or usage ideas?   We are aiming to start a Chilliqueen Chelly Club, so we need all the feedback you can give to enable us to develop the products you want.  So come on write to us, then we will have your details ready for membership of the elite Chelly Club.