France: Aeon eyes frozen food production for Picard
Aeon plans to hold discussions with the French firm about the possibility of producing Picard’s frozen food items domestically, as imports alone may not provide a sufficient quantity and range of products, sources said.
The retailer also hopes to cut the costs of low-temperature ocean transport by starting production in Japan with the cooperation of domestic makers, according to the sources.
Picard operates about 1,000 stores in four European countries. Its food products are popular, especially in France, for serving at parties at home.
As Aeon President Motoya Okada believes there may be further demand for French cuisine in Japan, the company approached Picard and started trial sales of its frozen food items in the Tokyo metropolitan area in November.
Aeon currently carries about 50 items including croissants, sautéed duck and sliced foie gras. Prices range from $4 to $18.
Source: the-japan-news.com
