Gard winegrowers protesting against the price of a liter of wine

1.39 euros for the price of a Côte-du-Rhône, on sale, is one drop too many. Monday, November 4, nearly thirty wine growers gathered in front of the entrance to the Lidl brand to protest against the ridiculous price of a liter of wine. A striking action led by the Young Farmers of Gard, Vaucluse and Drôme: “ This action comes following wine prices observed in the various Lidl stores, completely uncorrelated with the cost of production. There are bottles at 1.39 euros, 1.99 euros. So the wine that was purchased was sold at a loss by the winegrower », Explains a union representative. The winegrowers then took the next step by sticking labels on the bottles of wine concerned, “without theft or damage ».

“The true price of good things is more expensive

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A mobilization which aims to challenge both customers and store managers: “It was a desire on our part in the agricultural and wine-growing world to alert the consumer. The Lidl brand says in its slogan “the true price of good things”. We want to tell them that the true price of good things is more expensive. We are aware of the declining purchasing power of the French, but farmers are the first victims of this vicious circle. The aim was to make mass distribution face its responsibilities ».

“Major distribution is bleeding us

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A speech that echoes the shocking slogan attached next to the barcodes “GB Balance” or even “Major distribution is bleeding us.” A firm tone but the mobilization was peaceful and took place in agreement with the director of Lidl in Bagnols/Cèze, who was attentive and “to thank the winegrowers” for coming to express themselves without damaging the products. smoothly and without wine bottles being broken, as was the case for example outside the same store in Orange. Some customers present at the time of the incident supported the wine growers by calling them “not to be stepped on to live”.

A mobilization which comes at a time of crisis for the wine sector. “They have both feet in the problem, they have cellars with stocks that the winegrowers are unable to sell. On average, we concede a drop of -30% to -70% in production “. New actions of this kind could take place “if the situation does not improve”.