The French have discovered the talents of bakers and pastry chefs since the start of containment: according to the Nielsen firm, sales of flour and yeast exploded by 168% and 204% respectively compared to last year.
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" During the four weeks of confinement, consumer products increased on average by 15%: a considerable score but largely exceeded by different categories involved in pastry and baking, " said a spokesman for Nielsen to AFP. , which studies refer to.
Between March 16 and April 12, the turnover of flour sold in large retailers (hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores and convenience stores) jumped 168% compared to the same weeks of 2019.
According to Nielsen, “ flour is emblematic, with very strong changes each week: + 165% before confinement, then + 229%, + 159%, + 131%, + 150% and again + 150%, i.e. a figure d 'business multiplied by 2.5 compared to last year '. It is therefore not surprising to find these empty shelves sometimes.
Make your own wand
However, the flour in packages which is tearing off at this time represents only 5 to 6% of the French flour market. More than half of the sachets are imported, from Germany or Italy in particular. Logistical problems related to the slowdown in industrial activity since the beginning of the epidemic, in terms of packaging or transport, explain the difficulties of replenishment in supermarkets, according to professionals.
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" The French take out their bread machine, make their own baguette to avoid going to the bakery and spend a lot of time with family, the opportunity for different activities, including baking, " says Nielsen. These dynamics are very unusual in this product category: " in January / February of this year, flour increased by + 4%, butter by 1%, sugar decreased by 2% ", for example.
However, since the start of containment, the sales levels for these foods have been making you dizzy: + 50% for sugar, + 40% for eggs, + 35% for butter, but also + 87% for baking chocolate , + 82% for pastry products and + 77% for desserts to prepare.