Relais Vert is committed to working with local producers located in close proximity to the company (Pernes les Fontaines, Monteux, Mazan, Malemort, and l'Isle sur la Sorgues) and then to those from neighboring areas such as the Gard and Bouches du Rhône.
"We are located at the heart of a region that combines strong vegetable production in the plains and fruit production at the foothills of Mont Ventoux: the Comtat Venaissin," explains Christophe Besnard, head of fruit and vegetable purchases at Relais Vert.
The long-term partnerships with its producers provides Relais Vert with a secure supply, allowing the group to offer quality fruit and vegetables while maintaining short circuits. "Partnering with local producers is a win-win relationship that also gives us more flexibility in our demands. Our partnerships allow us to have confidence in each other and help us to understand the challenges of the business. By favoring short circuits, we work in the interest of both producers and consumers," explains Céline Guesdon, fruit and vegetable buyer at Relais Vert.
"Working with us means entering into a real partnership. Our priority is to respect planning, defend the products, and search for solutions in times of crisis," explains Christophe Besnard.
The Cléry strawberry is produced a few kilometers away
On his family farm in Mazan, just a few kilometers from Relais Vert, Mohamed grows Cléry strawberries. This passionate producer took over his father's farm 14 years ago and has been growing organically ever since.
In order to guarantee freshness and quality, the strawberries are harvested by hand in the morning, then put directly into cardboard trays and delivered the same day to Relais Vert.
Each day, we pass through the fields in order to harvest only those strawberries that have reached their ideal maturity. This meticulous work ensures that the strawberries are delivered in the best possible conditions.
The Cléry variety is harvested from the end of March in the five unheated greenhouses of the farm, and a little later come the open-field strawberries.
According to Mohamed, "the variety has all the desired criteria: a bright red color, a fragrant and sweet taste, and a naturally shiny surface."
Relais Vert has not "significantly increased the number of producers this year due to the economic situation. And despite a real improvement in the last three months, it is still too early to speak for the coming year," explains Christophe Besnard. "Moreover, some of our local producers have the possibility to produce more, and it is therefore a priority for us to turn to their development if necessary."
For more information: 
Relais Vert
Zone Bellecour 3
621 Allée Bellecour
84200 Carpentras
Tel.: 04 90 67 23 72
https://www.relais-vert.com/