He is traditionally one of the stars of the end of the year. Chocolate, in all its forms, takes pride of place during this period on almost every festive table. “But it must remain a pleasure product, and not become a luxury dish”worries Yann Bertrand, manager, with his brothers Lionel and Fabrice, of the Poitevin brand Rannou Métivier.
A moderate impact on finished products
For several months, like others, the Montmorillon-based company has suffered from the sharp increase in the price of cocoa. “The price of which has increased from 4,000 pounds per tonne to more than 11,000 pounds per tonne since the start of the year. We've never seen that. There is very strong tension on the cocoa markets, which are now speculative markets. Particularly due to those who buy futures before the harvest, which artificially increases prices. »
Chocolate is also the star of the end-of-year celebrations in the Rannou-Métuvier workshops in Montmorillon.
© (Photo archives, Mathieu Herduin)
However, the entrepreneur only passed on this significant increase to his production moderately. “We are at the end of the chain. This impacts us structurally and financially, however, it is impossible for us to hit our products with such an increase, firstly to keep ranges that are attractive, then to maintain our image and our loyal customers. Our job is to please, to offer a little sweetness in this anxiety-provoking world. »
A pricing policy also adopted by Alexandre Burgault, manager of the La Mélusine chocolate factory in Châtellerault. “In 18 months, cocoa has increased by almost 70%, which is obviously impossible to pass on. We have also moderated the increase in our prices to 10 or 15% and taken care of the rest. » Which is not everything according to the craftsman. “The problem is that we talk too much about this cocoa crisis, which panics customers a little and that affects our sales. It's therefore a rather timid Christmas and for the moment we are seeing a drop in turnover of around 15 to 30% compared to last year. It's complicated, we're keeping our heads down but I don't know if we'll be able to make up for this somewhat gloomy start to December. It's a big time for us, which allows us to live all year round. A failed Christmas is hard. »
Related News :