Wholesalers in Rungis are closely monitoring the evolution of the Covid-19 epidemic. Fifteen days before Christmas, there are many uncertainties, in particular with cancellations which follow one after the other for professionals. The wholesale market sails on sight.
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It is 5 am in Rungis at the beginning of December, Sylvain Giraud chooses poultry that he will sell shortly on the Pantin market as usual. But he doesn’t choose anything for Christmas, there are still no orders. “I’m waiting and we’ll see at the last moment, he explains. Our clients tell us a lot that they will not be there but with their families. Make no mistake, people are going to leave a lot. “ It is the experience that speaks when December 25 falls on a Saturday.
Another uncertainty, the Covid-19 pandemic which is still present in France. “Indeed, it’s a complicated year, deplores Patrice Marna, deputy director of Avigros, one of the heavyweights of the Poultry pavilion. It is believed that there will be a lot of elaborate poultry, such as already stuffed roasts or capons. So, we have plenty of recipes with foie gras, figs or mangoes. These are products that will typically appeal to the holidays because they are small volumes for three, four or five people. “
The situation is even more complicated for Florence Hardi and her gourmet products. The owner of Maison Médelys supplies restaurateurs, and especially caterers for their receptions in December: “Everything is canceled. All events from December 10 or 15 are canceled. All of our customers’ order books are empty. This is a loss of turnover of at least 15% over the most important of the year. In addition, we have the merchandise on our hands. “
The icing on the cake, the more distant arrivals are sluggish. “All the products are there but with small supply problems because there are containers who have difficulty arriving for certain products, explains Philippe Stisi from the management of Rungis. Products that arrive frozen like shrimp will be a little less common, he explains: “It might take a little earlier this year to start shopping for fresh produce.”
The consequence for consumers will undoubtedly be a slightly more expensive festive table. “Raw materials have increased, says Véronique Gillardeau at the head of Maison Blanc, fish and shellfish. Transportation has also increased. Everything that is wooden crate for oysters, for example, has increased. Unfortunately, the products have jumped a bit in price. “ This does not prevent business, Rungis will end the year on a period of growth.