Nearly a decade ago, the Swiss company Reitzel set out to revive the French gherkin industry. Following several years of record harvests, the 2024 season was notably impacted by unfavorable weather, which significantly reduced yields.
Gherkins thrive in temperatures between 15°C and 35°C, and can double in size within a day / © Emmanuel Julien
"A year of transition"
Typically, the gherkin harvest begins at the end of June. This year, however, it started almost two weeks late and ended two weeks earlier than usual. Despite the shortened season, farmers managed to deliver a satisfactory campaign. Unlike recent years, which featured optimal weather conditions and record harvests of smaller gherkins, the 2024 campaign required an adjustment in strategy. Reitzel adapted by focusing more on harvesting larger gherkins to balance production sizes.
This transitional year prepares the ground for the 10th anniversary of the industry's revival in 2025. A total of 464 tonnes were harvested in 2024 (328 tonnes of conventional gherkins and 136 tonnes of organic), compared to 900 tonnes in 2023.
"Reviving a sector takes time, and no two years are alike since farming is inherently weather-dependent. While we are still far from a fully mature sector, we continue to work closely with farmers, maintaining the same commitments we've upheld in previous years," says Léopoldine Mathieu, Sector and Sustainable Development Manager.
In June 2024, Reitzel introduced the "My Home-made Gherkin" kit, allowing consumers to grow and enjoy their gherkins at home.
Reitzel's efforts to localize French gherkin production
Currently, 98% of gherkins consumed in France are imported, primarily from India (80% from India, 18% from Europe, and just 2% from France – Circana CAM P12 2022). Since 2016, Reitzel has been working to reverse this trend and relocate gherkin production to France.
The initiative began modestly, with two farmers cultivating 3 hectares and yielding 54 tonnes in 2016. By 2024, the company has expanded to 26 producers (22 conventional and 4 organic) working nearly 30 hectares.
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Reitzel distributes its gherkins through a variety of dedicated brands: HUGO: French-grown gherkins available in supermarkets and for food service providers / Jardin d'Orante: Targeted specifically at supermarket distribution channels / Hugo Reitzel: Designed for catering professionals / Bravo Hugo!: Aimed at specialist organic networks.
For more information:
Reitzel France
16, rue d'Athènes
75009 Paris
Tel: +33 01 44 58 92 00
Fax: +33 01 44 58 92 09
[email protected]