In the run-up to the "Let's block everything" blockade announced for September 10th, the details of which are still unclear, French companies have decided to plan ahead. This is the case of Les Mousquetaires Group, which has asked its suppliers "to bring forward deliveries before September 10th."
"We have between 3 and 10 days of storage, depending on the product family"
"We do not know the scale of the action, but we are concerned. In order to meet the needs of our consumers, we have given instructions to manufacturers to deliver a little more than expected, and to all our members to step up their workloads and stock a little more. We have between 3 and 10 days of storage, depending on the product family. If the movement continues, this will enable us to continue supplying French consumers," explained Thierry Cotillard, chairman of Les Mousquetaires Group.
He also reacted to certain appeals. "We understand the social movement, the anger, and the desire to demonstrate, but when the instructions go as far as to go into supermarkets and leave without paying, that is just theft."
According to an operator in the fruit and vegetable sector, who preferred to remain anonymous, the main retailers have also anticipated the situation, asking their suppliers to stock up in the days preceding September 10th, to avoid any risk of blockades on Wednesday.
Blockade of Le Boulou toll station
The movement is gaining momentum every day, with more blockades announced. Action is also planned in Perpignan, particularly on the A9 highway. According to ICI Roussillon (France Bleu), it was decided at a general meeting attended by 100 participants to hold a blockade at the Boulou toll station on the A9 highway. No details have been given about the blockade, which is likely to disrupt the arrival of supplies from Spain.