“The radish season began 2 weeks earlier than usual,” explains Christophe Bonnet, director of La Fruitière Panier Malin. “The mild winter played an important role in the precocity of the harvest. Large local producers (Terroir Val de Saône) started 13 days ago with important volumes.”
“So far, the product has a good taste. The seasonal radish is neither too big, nor too small as the first bunches can sometimes be. It has a very regular appearance and is very mild, not too sharp. There is some demand, yet the price of the radish is not very high. When products like the lettuce or radish are present only in Provence, prices are high. But when they can be found in all producing regions, as is the case now, prices go down very fast.”
Demand evolving towards “ready to eat”
The demand on some markets such as catering has been evolving in recent years. “Our clients ask for stemmed radishes, which we sell more and more. Today, the famous radish bunch in its raw state as we’ve always known it is almost ‘vintage’. The demand is evolving towards a “ready to eat” product.”
Radish is a specialty of the house
The radish is a product which adapts perfectly to the sandy soils of the Val de Saône. “It is one of our specialties, because there is also the local aspect, very present in the mind of the consumer, and ours.” The company also has other local productions such as lettuce, root vegetables, cabbage, leeks and green beans.
About La Fruitière Panier Malin
“We have two businesses within the company: a pure trading business called La Fruitière, targeting a B to B clientele, mainly in the catering industry (schools, hospitals, companies), but also commercial catering and a little retail. Le Panier Malin is our second business and targets the final consumer, with various types of fruit and vegetable baskets which we sell directly or through retail points and work councils. Our team makes between 1,500 and 2,000 baskets per week, which can be purchased online very easily,” explains Christophe. From the 100% local to the organic basket or even the vitamin basket including nutritional advice for the athletes, there is a product for everyone. A unique offer coupled with a quality delivery service since the baskets are delivered within 24 hours anywhere in France. Each basket includes its share of recipes, for a diversified offer evolving each week and favoring local productions.
For more information: 
Christophe Bonnet
La Fruitière Panier Malin
95 Chemin du Champ du Château,
01570 Feillens, France
cbonnet@lafruitierepm.fr
www.panier-malin.com