You have surely noticed it on the shelves of your supermarket: sunflower oil is lacking everywhere. This shortage is the consequence of the war in Ukraine. The country is one of the largest exporters in the world. 50% of world production comes from Ukraine and 100% of European imports come from the country. “Sunflower oil prices have explodedsays Stéphane Douence, the general manager of the Tête Noire vinegar factory, based in Prigonrieux. Before we paid 1,500 euros per ton, now we reach 3,000 euros.” The leader was the guest of the New Eco Monday morning on France Bleu Périgord.
A price that has doubled
The company uses 350,000 liters of sunflower oil per year. Faced with the rise in these prices, it therefore had to adapt, in changing her vinaigrette recipe. “We use rapeseed oil instead, explains Stéphane Douence. It’s not a problem because it’s neutral in taste and rapeseed oil is more nutritious.” However, he does not yet know how much the price of this new product will be set. Negotiations are still ongoing.
Rapeseed oil replaces sunflower oil
In France, sunflower oil is produced but in much smaller quantities. By chance, la Tête Noire launched a new brand called “Fabrique des Saveurs”, which uses French oils. They already have a balsamic vinegar and three dressings. A coincidence that fell well.