Sausage, wine, cheese, oysters, nuts… Artisanal products are in the spotlight until November 25, 2024, at the Tours exhibition center, for the 22e edition of the Mer et Vigne show, which attracts between 12,000 and 14,000 visitors each year.
But in a context of declining purchasing power, coupled with a crisis in the agricultural world, with farmers who do not fail to express their anger, consumers are changing their habits. In any case, this is what Pierrick and Mélanie, who came out of curiosity and “for the love of good products”.
More cautious consumers, who focus on quality
“A few years ago, we would surely have come to buy a few bottles, or we would have stayed here for lunch to eatsays Pierrick. But here, we pay more attention. We came saying to ourselves that we weren't going to buy anything unless we fell in love with it. »
On Saturday morning, the aisles of the Mer et Vigne show were already full.
© Photo NR, Bastien David
However, the aisles were already full, from the end of the morning of Saturday November 23, 2024. While hunger arrives slowly, but surely, Philippe let himself be tempted by the tastings of the different stands. “The sellers are always very friendly hererejoices those who come to each edition. There are people there, it's lively, but we're not in a hurry and we can discuss what we taste. We don't have the impression of being at the Paris Agricultural Show, where we have to make figures. »
On the other hand, “I tell the sellers from the outset that I am not coming to buy, at least not right away. But that’s part of the game and the atmosphere of the shows. »
Domaine Maurice-Huguet, from Vouvray, was present at the Mer et Vigne show for the first time.
© Photo NR, Bastien David
Others, on the contrary, come with purchasing ideas already in mind. Véronique came to collect a box of wine bottles. But here again, she emphasizes that she “be more careful than before. I limit myself and I know that if I buy these bottles, I won't take anything else. It's a shame, because there seems to be a lot of appetizing things. »
It therefore favors quality over quantity. “But that doesn't mean we can't have fun. We have to keep the business going. And then we know that, when we uncork these bottles, it will be for special occasions. »
Maison Drouet participated in its first Mer et Vigne trade fair, in Tours.
© Photo NR, Bastien David
“We must support French producersclaims for his part Patrice, resident of Saint-Cyr-sur-Loire. Cold meats, wine, cheese, everything is a little more expensive than imported products, but that is the price of quality. Without farmers, the countryside would no longer look the same. »
He came to buy cold meats from several regions of France. “When it’s good, I’m not chauvinistic”he jokes. But above all, he regrets to see that the proportion of young people in the public is not high enough for his liking. “Some people don't have the means, I understand, but others no longer have this taste for artisanal products. This is something that would have to be relearned. »
Colors and scents play a big role in attracting the curious to the Mer et Vigne show.
© Photo NR, Bastien David
The Mer et Vigne gastronomic fair continues at the exhibition center until November 25.
“A human relationship with producers”
While farmers are mobilizing throughout France to demand better working conditions and fairer remuneration, certain artisans are highlighting their proximity to farmers. “We are on good terms with our suppliersindicates for example Annaïg Drouet, of Maison Drouet. These are small producers, with whom we have a human relationship. For sheep's tommes, our supplier only produces 150 per year, for example. »
