The news is obvious, yet it has just been adopted by the Intermarché brand for the first time. In December and January, there will be no restocking of strawberries and cherries on the Intermarché shelves.
Strawberries and cherries: few sales in winter
For the moment, only the two fruits mentioned will not be put back on the shelves by the brand. As for the Intermarché du Breuil, “we already didn’t have any,” underlines Vito Marinelli, boss of the hypermarket. If we have any, it’s frozen simply for the end of the year. But the approach is to consume locally and not at any time.”
The measure will therefore be applied in the store. “We respect. In any case, we are tamed by the purchasing center. So if they decide not to restock…” But it shouldn’t change much in the accounts. “It’s true that the prices were not cheap, between €13 and €14 per kg. And then the origin was often from South America. In the end, we didn’t sell lots of them.”
A measure extended to other products?
A novelty which therefore changes nothing for the boss of Intermarché. “But it is a measure that fits into our philosophy. We work with local producers for products like mirabelle plums and eggs when possible. There’s no point in looking for products 300 km away. » Meat, fish and poultry have also experienced restrictions. “These are only products of French origin.”
Pushing local and seasonal consumption is the objective, but will the measure be extended to other products? “Consumers are the justice of the peace,” defends Vito Marinelli. For our part, we try to stay with the locals. Already with the prices we find ourselves there. And then we view products from abroad in a negative light since we ourselves are producers.”
“It’s absurd to have fruit out of season”
In the meantime, this first measure has been received very positively by customers. “It’s a good initiative,” said all the customers. In the fruit and vegetable section, it even made sense. “It’s absurd to have fruit all year round,” explains Karine. I try to be careful to take what’s in season, so it’s a good thing they don’t sell strawberries and cherries in the winter anymore.
Cook, Julien could only approve of this decision: “It’s normal. The fact of putting fruits or vegetables throughout the year is to encourage consumption. » And as for most customers, the decision will not change anything. “I avoid strawberries and cherries, as I avoid tomatoes. I respect the seasons, says Christophe. It won’t change my habits, but it’s a good thing. » A good initiative which should even be extended for Marie-Jo: “You have to eat seasonal and local! Fortunately they don’t sell strawberries and cherries… But it would be nice to make this decision for all products throughout the year. »
