A week ahead of the first fresh fruit and vegetable conferences organised on the 20th October by the Prime Minister, representatives from Interfel have revealed some of their ideas for developing the sector.
Over 200 people have already signed up to the conferences, during which a new logo for French fruit and vegetables will be presented. “This logo will allow us to see what is ‘Made in France’ and will be available for all professionals in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector,” says Louis Orenga, Director General of Interfel. He explains that fruit and vegetables were the first products for which indication of origin was compulsory, but that they are also the products that clients find the hardest to know the origin of as “The indication is not visible enough for the consumers”.
Laurent Grandin, Vice President of Interfel, believes that France is behind other European countries such as Italy or Spain when it comes to adding value to produce by underlining the quality. PGI’s (Protected Geographic Indications) for example are very much developed in Europe, but a lot less so in France. Mr Grandin says that “Except for the Agriculture Biologique label (Organically Farmed), there are very few other labels of quality, such as PDO’s (Protected Designation of Origins), Label Rouge or product certifications, that are used for fruit and vegetables”.
In 2016 a study will be launched to develop and look into labels of quality for the fruit and vegetable sector, a plan will then be made in order to fulfil consumer expectations on the subject.