If chocolate factories are counting on this weekend to increase their sales, the vast majority of French people get their supplies from supermarkets. And at Easter, children are fond of Kinder. But this year, the various cases of contamination with salmonella bacteria are scaring consumers. 150 cases of infections linked to Kinder brand confectionery have been identified in Europe by two European monitoring agencies. A bacterium that mainly affects children, and which can cause diarrhea, nausea, and fairly high fevers.
Kinder does not seduce this year
The Ferrero factory, leader in chocolate sales at Easter, has withdrawn many products from sale, like the Schokobons and the Kinder Surprise. And the remaining products do not attract Toulouse consumers, who do not want to take the slightest risk.
We will fall back on the sub-brands
So they pay attention, and change their plans for the children’s egg hunt. “Sometimes we buy Kinder, but this year, we will fall back on the sub-brands for sure”, explains for example Stephanie.“No worries for his daughter, who”love all chocolates.” Same story for Bénédicte, who waits in front of a chocolate factory in the city center: “This is the first time this year that I buy good chocolates even for my children. When they asked me for the usual chocolates I thought maybe it wasn’t a very good idea. But it is sure that it will hurt them.“
A pleasure that has a cost
The chocolate shop regulars, on the other hand, line up in front of the Toulouse artisans’ shops. Hélène prefers a downtown store: “This case of contamination confirms my idea of remaining faithful to my traderto provide me with good products.” No question either for Monique, her arms full of bags full of chickens and eggs, to buy supermarket chocolates “way too sweet” according to her. But with her big family, this weekend represents a real budget every year. “I have about twenty different chocolates, for the whole family. I got it for about 250 euros, but that’s how it is it’s tradition, it’s important.“
And even without the Kinder, this tradition should not fail to bring together millions of foodies.