According to the Tomatoes and Cucumbers of France producers' association, "stocks of French tomatoes are piling up, sales are stagnating, and unsold produce is multiplying. Paradoxically, while French tomatoes are struggling to leave the packing stations, imported tomatoes are making their way back onto the shelves in droves."
Consumption at half mast
As the weather cools off, there is less appetite for summer meals. "The cooler weather of recent weeks has curbed our appetite for salads, so the consumption of cherry tomatoes has dropped sharply. However, French production is plentiful, fresh, and of high quality, and growers struggle to sell their products."
Imported tomatoes back on the shelves
French growers are struggling to sell their crops. Yet, "supermarket shelves are once again being filled with large volumes of Moroccan cherry tomatoes. Sold at much lower prices, these products are dragging prices downwards, further slowing down the sales of French tomatoes."
"Price gap that kills rotation"
"The price difference between imported and French products is such that French cherry tomatoes are no longer sold on the shelves. Despite donations to associations and attempts at export, the unsold volumes are too high and the economic losses are mounting."
The producers' association is asking supermarkets to promote French produce
French producers are now asking consumers to choose the French origin. "It is not just an act of good citizenship, but it really is a gesture of survival for our farms." Supermarket chains "that have not yet done so, should shoulder their responsibilities, by promoting French products at the end of this critical season and encouraging them to be displayed on the shelves."
For more information:
AOPn Tomates et Concombres de France
[email protected]
tomates-de-france.com