Last week, the Federation of French Fruit Producers (FNPF) and the producers of Peaches and Apricots of France sent a letter to the main French retailers, urging them to switch from the Spanish to the French origin as soon as possible.
“There is a one-week delay in the start of the French campaign. Theoretically, French peaches and nectarines should have been on the shelves last week,” explains Raphaël Martinez, director of Peaches and Apricots of France. “We hope they will arrive this week. Retailers have to adapt and switch over to the French origin. Some of them will most certainly play along.”
“Fruit growers are waiting to see tangible signs from French distributors of the partnership they have announced with the agricultural world. As far as summer fruits are concerned, the switch from the Spanish to the French origin is always a delicate moment, made even more complex this year due to the difficult weather conditions. The arrival of the French fruit means that sales outlets are well supplied, and growers have informed all their partners,” according to the two organizations.
“It is now that the difference will be made between those who announce their partnership with the French economy and agriculture, and those who actually put it into practice!”
Letter addressed to French retail chains:
“Dear Madam or Sir,
The French peach and nectarine production has experienced a clear harvest acceleration linked to the humidity observed over the past 3 weeks, and the relatively high temperatures. The harvest delay has been made up, and our companies are offering fruit in quantities that will enable the season to get off to a good start. The quality, affected by the numerous storms in the south of France, is also improving day by day.
In these conditions, we hope that you will do your best to ensure that your sales outlets are supplied as quickly as possible to meet the expectations of French consumers. The support given to French fruit growers, and expressed by most distributors on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Peaches and Nectarines of France, can now be put into practice.
This rapid and effective season launch is essential if we are to achieve a successful summer fruit season together. We are counting on you!
Françoise Roch, president of FNPF
Bruno Darnaud, president of Peaches and Apricots of France.”
For more information:
Raphaël Martinez
AOP Pêches et Abricots de France
direction@aop-pechesabricots-france.com
aop-pechesabricots-france.com