Although actually cucumbers and tomatoes are the showpieces of the Loire-based French growers' association SAS Racines Carrées, gathering 16 certified 100% organic growers from the Nantes region, it also cultivates and markets a wide range of other products: everything from zucchini, eggplant, melon, and corn salad to seedlings, carrots, leeks, and radishes. Simon Plantive, representative of the growers' association, talks about both the organic market generally and the zucchini market in particular.
The organic market needs to come together again with attractive prices
"The French origin is experiencing growing interest," Simon begins. "Previously, we were more focused on Spanish origins, but some supermarket chains are now asking us to cater to products offered during one season as well. We wouldn't necessarily have responded to purchasing orders like this a few years ago."
The French provenance trend is gathering momentum, but it's just one of many trends that are going on. Unlike the past two years, the number of organic products seems to be stabilizing this year. This trend has been confirmed by several industry stakeholders for quite some time now. "Last year was very complicated, but this year - despite a very difficult context - a certain amount of stability has been achieved. With fewer operators in the market, the situation is better overall. Some of the competitors have stopped, and others are entering the market with fewer products, numbers more in line with the demand. Overall, the organic market should regain its balance with attractive prices which are not the same as conventional products.
With a turnover of €30 million, SAS Racines Carrées covers more than 450 hectares in total. The producer group grows 100% organic vegetables marketed under the 'French&Bio' and 'Bio²' brand names.
Zucchinis: competition from gardens and local growers
While Simon observes less competition from Spain on this key product of the summer season - "because they have been focusing more on seasonal differences for the past 2 or 3 years" - enabling the company to take advantage of this window of opportunity to increase its acreage, he still observes competition from private individuals. "The market is fairly stable, even if, as is the case every year around this time, there is an excess of production and a drop in sales due to the summer school vacations and the competition from gardens and local farmers. Because it's a vegetable that's easy to produce for any amateur gardener".
At SAS Racines Carrées, zucchinis are produced by 5 growers outdoors. The season starts around mid-May and finishes in mid-October. During production peaks, part of the produce is sent to processors "to avoid overloading the market and keeping prices too low, which would be harmful to everyone."
For more information:
Simon Plantive
SAS Racines Carrées
2 La Brosse Tenaud
44310 Saint-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu, Frankrijk
Tel: 02 40 78 40 13
racinescarrees.fr