Over the past three years, weather hazards have sometimes impacted the offer, but this year has been good for both quality and volumes. “The campaign in the fields is taking place in good conditions. In all production basins, the yields are higher than in previous years. The quality is very good with a well-balanced distribution of calibers. The offer is therefore optimal to meet the demand,” explains Astrid Etèvenaux, director of the National PDO Carrot of France.
Low consumption and lack of promotion in stores
Despite the satisfactory production, consumption remains timid. “Since the summer, many fruits and vegetables have been confronted with a demand that is too low, which is disrupting the balance between supply and demand. It is the case of the carrot. We cannot blame only the weather anymore. There is a real underlying problem, such as the lower consumer presence in stores. Although we must be careful when comparing the figures from 2020, artificially impacted by the Covid effect, the reality is such that we register a significantly lower consumption. For example, looking at the Katar home consumption data, the month of October 2021 shows a 16% drop in terms of quantities purchased compared to October 2020.” The sector also notes with regret the lack of space given to carrots on the shelves, although it is the 2nd most consumed vegetable in France.
Increase in costs for the producer to pay
The shipping prices are down by 20% compared to the past three years, but the production costs, on the other hand, are clearly going up. “The situation is very delicate for the producers. The costs of production have increased a lot in recent years, partly due to the increase in labor to compensate for the reduction of phytosanitary products to fight weeds. Energy prices have also gone up, as well as the costs of transport and packaging, for which the sector has not found alternatives at a similar price, just as the AGEC law is about to be implemented. Not to mention the costs of the certifications in France to guarantee an exceptional product to the consumers. All these additional costs are being paid by the producers now, but they will eventually be felt in the selling price to the clients. But at the moment, the lower price paid to the producers is not reflected proportionally in the price paid by the consumers.”
For more information:
Astrid Etèvenaux
AOP nationale Carottes de France
astrid.etevenaux@carottes-de-france.fr
www.carottes-de-france.fr