With a large presence already on French shop shelves, Spanish producers now want to organically produce vegetables in France. Anecoop's, (Spanish fruit and vegetable leader) Commercial Director, Jean-Luc Angles, announced that ''we are setting up our organic sector in France, we plan for it to begin this summer'' with ''ratatouille'' vegetables (courgettes, aubergines, peppers) and cucumber. ''I think that it is the first time that a Spanish company within the sector has set up in France'' claims Mr Angles.
The Union of Cooperatives hope to make partnerships with French producers, but ''if we don't find any, it will be Spanish producers that will come and set up in France''.
Their aim is clear: succeed in keeping French clients all year round, even over the summer when consumers opt for French produce.
Objectives have yet to be fixed, but the group hopes to sell €5 million of organic vegetables produced in France within 3 years time, i.e. 1/3 of their €15 million current turnover in France.
With French producers angry at competition from Spain (who benefit from lower working costs), it will probably be hard for Anecoop to find French farmers that are willing to work under a Spanish brand (Bouquet for Anecoop).
Anecoop made a €593 million turnover in 2012-2013. France is their largest export country with €120 million turnover. According to Anecoop, spain supplies 90% of France's flat peaches.