Today is the sixth day of the mobilization of yellow vests. In the fruit and vegetable sector, the situation is dire. From the beginning of the week, stocks at the producer level increased, deliveries are no longer being made to stores and the risk of ending up dumping many products increases.
The company Ribambelle specializes in vegetables such as endive and cabbage. Jean-Pierre Dalle, in France-export sales, describes the seriousness of the situation. "All products are impacted by the strike. There is no transport and stocks of leeks, endives and all other vegetables in the north of France are increasing."
Trucks blocked
"On Monday, we had no departures from the north of France to the rest of France and all of Europe," explains Jean-Pierre. "On Tuesday, a few left, but the trucks that delivered to the southeast and southwest were blocked. They have not returned, there were therefore not many available to collect endives in the north. On Wednesday morning, many stores had not been delivered. Now, half of the goods can leave, in comparison to a normal day."
Producers' stocks grow
Meanwhile, endive producers continue to produce. "Producers's stocks have been growing since Monday/Tuesday. This is possible for 72 hours. After that, the quality of the product is no longer fresh. The first leaves begin to go brown. It's a real problem for us."
Normally endive growers work 5 days a week. Ribambelle has asked producers to work 3.5 days this week, and 6 days next week, if the strike is over. "We will try to shift production to have some nice fresh goods next week. We can delay the harvest by 48 hours, but not more. If endives grow for over 23 days instead of 21, the flower will grow above the endive."
Lack of fruits and vegetables in stores
"In stores, all fruits and vegetables are lacking," says Jean-Pierre. "Many stores have not been restocked since Saturday morning. Wholesalers in medium-sized cities can deliver with small trucks and small vans, but central buying services cannot supply stores in at least 20% of France."
Falling prices
Last week, the endive market was good, with a very good dynamic. "We had very good prospects. Since Friday, the situation has become complicated. At home, prices have fallen. Our producers are paid €1.45 in France; almost 1 euro less than our Belgian and Dutch friends, because everything is blocked. The goods stay too long with the producers, the carriers, or with companies like us ... We cannot pay the producer 2 euros when we will sell the goods at 1 euro in 3 days, because the product will be unsellable."
Ribambelle is in the dark. "They announced serious blockades again for Friday and Saturday, with very few departures in transport. We keep trying to send goods. At home, 15% of those that left last Friday have not yet been delivered. Most trucks are stuck in the regions surrounding Toulouse, Bordeaux and Perpignan, and Agen."
According to Jean-Pierre, people are starting to stop joining the movement. "At first, Saturday, it was nice. On Monday, many people could not go to work. Tuesday was the same. Turnover continues to decline."
