The supply of French carrots is larger than last year. At Fort&Vert, distributor of organic fruits and vegetables, volumes are so high that the company can export its carrots for the first time this year. It is currently in the process of identifying markets. “Despite a dry summer, we have good yields in terms of caliber, volumes and taste,” reports Alexandre Obert, business development manager. “We now need to manage the offer well, so the market can absorb the surplus.”
High demand on the French market
According to Alexandre, organic carrots are in high demand. “With the growing demand for organic products in general, the demand for our carrots also increases. Besides, winter is around the corner, It is the peak season for consumption.” Alexandre adds that there is an increasing demand for local products on the French market. “We are still recruiting producers to meet this demand.”
An additional label
Besides organic carrots, Fort&Vert also offers carrots with the Demeter certification. These carrots must comply with the EU organic label specifications, as well as biodynamic specifications related to the brand itself. “There is a high demand from Austria, Germany and Scandinavian countries for this type of products. In France, the label appeals to specialized stores, who want to stand out from supermarkets.”
The carrot harvest started in August and is now coming to an end. Thanks to his storage capacity, Alexandre hopes to be able to offer French carrots for 12 months this year. “Last year, the volumes were smaller and we sold our last carrots in March. This year, we will end the campaign in April or May, when the new harvest of French carrots will begin in the south.”
Fort&Vert offers two different Nantaise carrots: the Norway and Nerac. According to Alexandre, both varieties keep very well in the fridge. “By managing our stock well, we can easily sell our carrots based on the demand.”
Alexandre explains that the Hauts-de-France was not the first region to convert to organic production. “We accompany the producers to catch up. In addition to our technical support, we guide the right producer to the right market with the right product. For some, the ideal client is a highly specialized store; for others, the supermarkets.”
Fort&Vert was founded in 1997 and sells a wide range of organic fruits and vegetables produced in the Hauts-de-France region by more than 50 partner producers. In February, it will attend Fruit Logistica in Berlin.
For more information:
Alexandre Obert
FORT&VERT
Phone: +33 (0)3 21 15 28 28
bio@fortetvert.fr
www.fortetvert.fr