France: Decreased chicory acreage and yield
Frédéric Le Vigoureux, Director General of the APEF (Association of Chicory Producers in France) explains that chicory is in a production deficit due to a decrease in producers. Less acreage was planted this year, and the year before was also already in decline. He says that “the offer is limited this year with limited yield. We are producing 10-15% less volume than normal.” Whilst French production would normally reach 1,000 tons of chicory per day, they are currently producing about 850-900 tons. “We are currently producing 4,500 tons per week compared to 5,500 tons, so there is a large decrease in production” explains Mr Le Vigoureux. There are almost 500 chicory producers in France, of which 95% are in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardie.
Current prices have decreased to €2-€2.50/kilo in supermarkets depending on the variety (excluding special offers which are about €1.49/kilo). Producers currently sell for €1-€1.40/kilo depending on the type of chicory.
Chicory is a product that appeals to clients in large supermarkets such as Carrefour, Auchan and Lidl yet is less consumed in the catering sector. It is a winter vegetable that has seen a decrease in consumption, which Mr Le Vigoureux explains is due to competition, even in the winter, from other products such as lambs lettuce, sucrine salad, and iceberg lettuce.