It's a shame for producers: after having battled against the episodes of black frost in April and coping with the capricious weather at the beginning of summer, consumers are now shunning their fruits and vegetables.
In its monthly report on the fruit and vegetable sector, FranceAgriMer gives several explanations for this weak demand, in particular “
the autumn weather
” and competition from vegetable gardens.
Read also: August: what are the vegetables and fruits in season?
"
Showers and cool temperatures (...) have an impact on consumers who are less interested in summer products
," notes the National Establishment of Agricultural and Seafood Products (FranceAgriMer) in its note published Monday.
Melons, nectarines and apricots are less attractive to the French, who are reluctant to eat summer fruits when the rain is pouring outside.
Weak demand despite limited supply
Market gardeners and arborists could have expected a tight fruit and vegetable market and even an increase in prices: in fact, bad weather this year limited the production of certain foodstuffs. But on the salad for example, “
although the weather slows down the growth of the plants
” the offer on this vegetable flows “with
difficulty
”, illustrates FranceAgriMer. On other products such as tomatoes and nectarines, the situation is less delicate, "
a certain balance is established
" and the limited supply makes it possible to compensate for the weak demand.
Prices tend to stabilize.
Apricot producers had to make concessions from the end of June to keep the market fluid.
As for melons, the situation is even more complicated, producers resort to "
destruction of fields practiced, especially on small calibers
" indicates FranceAgriMer.
However, all the territory is not housed in the same boat.
The south-east of France suffers less: "
the sunny weather has imposed itself for several weeks and has boosted consumption
", especially in the peach and nectarine segment, notes FranceAgriMer.
Green belt and family garden
Another factor that could explain this lack of consumer interest in summer fruits and vegetables: self-production.
"
Competition from green belts and allotment gardens also affects commerce
."
The French have spent a lot of time working their garden with the confinements and the onset of spring.
The soaring market for garden products in recent months is proof of this.
Does the second part of the summer season suggest better days?
"
A clear improvement in weather conditions would probably allow renewed dynamism on all markets
", hopes FranceAgriMer.