"We cannot wait for Parisians and holidaymakers to return," a wholesaler at the Rungis market explains. The month of June was "particularly quiet" and "almost catastrophic" due to very slow sales, the gloomy political situation in France and the unseasonable weather. Some professionals at Rungis were hoping that the Olympic Games would boost sales and make up for the delay at the start of the summer. But did the event live up to expectations?
June is usually a very important month for summer fruits, but this year, "disrupted consumption patterns and unfavourable weather" have taken a toll on sales. An operator at Rungis, selling mostly clementines and oranges at the end of June / Photo © Rungis Market
"It will be hit-or-miss. It is totally unpredictable," explained a wholesaler two months ago. In the end, the Olympic Games have not improved the situation. "Paris is empty. Parisians have almost all left for the provinces. It is a disaster for our business." Although some locals have stayed and tourists have come for the occasion, it is not fruit that is consumed the most, but sandwiches and other snacks. Above all, the "excessive restrictions put in place (terrace closure, traffic restrictions and security perimeters) to ensure the smooth running of the event have totally penalized trade." Another Rungis wholesaler explained he is "working to clear his stocks, rather than selling."