Les Jardins d'Aquitaine (The Gardens of Aquitaine) specializes in the development and marketing of pre-packaged fresh fruits and vegetables, such as sliced squash, leek whites, hotpot, stew or ratatouille. The company employs 71 permanent staff including 63 disabled workers, with up to 40 seasonal additional disabled workers during the winter season.
Xavier Forline, director of the company, has been working in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry for about twenty years. He started his adventure at the Jardins d'Aquitaine almost 4 years ago.
"The societal and very inclusive aspect of our business is exciting. A suitable company produces at the same price-quality level as a regular business, but it does it differently, with a maximum of people on the packaging lines. We have very good relations with the GMS which understands our human commitment."
Xavier explains that winter is the busiest time for the company. Peak consumption of winter vegetables is in November and January, when everyone enters the market at the same time. "Normally, the beginning of consumption of our winter range starts in late September or early October. The Indian summer ended late this year, and we were a little late, "says Xavier. "But these past two weeks have been very busy. This will last until December 15th. After, consumers shift toward Christmas, and products a little more festive that we also have such as exotic fruit baskets to offer. Starting in January, the consumption of our pot-au-feu products resumes very strongly until spring, before giving way to our ratatouille range. "
The products of the Jardins d'Aquitaine are intended for French supermarkets. Some of the products are prepackaged for recipes such as beef stew, soups or hotpot. "These trays are intended either for urban consumers who do not want to spend too much time in the store, or consumers who live alone. Our consumer units allow them to prepare a recipe for two or three servings. "
Prepackaged products are a source of inspiration
According to Xavier, consumer units are inspiring. "When people have no idea what they want to eat or cook, by entering the fruit and vegetable section, they see a pot-au-feu, pork hotpot, garbure or ratatouille, and they buy it!"
Organic range
The company also has a range of organic products, which still represents a small part of the range. "We develop organic products at the speed at which our partner producers can meet our demands. There is no urgency for us, "said Xavier.
The company prioritizes French products with its planning, but also buys fruits and vegetables from southern Europe when necessary. The company does not export. "Our packaged, often sliced products are very perishable. The consumer must benefit from all their freshness. "
Food Safety
Xavier stresses the importance of food safety for the company. "With the prepackaging, we guarantee hygiene, practicality and traceability to our consumers. We try to facilitate fruits and vegetables for them."
Les Jardins d’ Aquitaine continues to develop. Currently, the company is examining the possibility of building a new factory in the heart of Agen, closer to its employees.
For more information: 
Xavier Forline
Les Jardins d’Aquitaine
M.I.N. Bat E
47000 Agen
Tel : +33 (0) 553 983 636
Cell: +33 (0) 632 733 515
xavier.forline@apiha.com
www.apiha.com/jardinaquitaine.php