“We are Going Through a Real Crisis”… Cauliflower Producers’ Cry for Help

RAW OR GRATIN: Production of cauliflower is hyper prolific in the fields but consumer demand is not there

Calls for help are increasing. In Brittany, and more particularly in the north Finistère, the farmers are very worried about the sudden influx of a winter flagship vegetable. Production is good. Very good, even. But the demand is not there. Cauliflower producers have their hands full and are trying to awaken the French’s desire for this ancient vegetable that some love. But that others hate. This sudden overproduction is not without consequences. “We are currently going through a real cauliflower crisis”, recognizes Flora Boulinguez.

In a message posted on social networks, the marketing director of the Prince de Bretagne brand detailed the reasons for this crisis. The problem is simple. Due to the weather has been very mild for two months, market gardeners currently have exceptional production. “Up to two to three times higher than the same period last year”, according to the head of the Breton brand. The problem is that customers are not keeping up with household consumption “down 8%” compared to last year according to Prince de Bretagne.

Located in Finistère, the cooperative alone accounts for 80% of French production. His marketing manager did not hesitate to appeal for help to consumers. “Prices are collapsing and, for many producers, they no longer even cover production costs. ” And adds. “Producers have a hard time making a living from it. “Two years ago, many of them had already suffered greatly during the passage of storm Ciaran.

Breton elected officials are responding to the call

The problem with mild temperatures is that in addition to speeding up production, they don’t really make the French want to eat cauliflower. The crisis is such that the brand has decided to launch advertising campaigns and increase messages on social networks. Breton elected officials have already responded to the call, promising to “support producers by integrating more Breton cauliflowers and other field vegetables into the menus of canteens and collective catering places”. The Brittany region, which manages high schools, the presidents of three departments (Morbihan has not signed) and representatives of mayors have made this commitment to help the sector. The children will be delighted, there is no doubt about it.

More than 80% of French cauliflower production is concentrated in Brittany, where market gardeners are worried. - Damien Meyer/AFP

Last year, around 190,000 tonnes of cauliflower were harvested in France, more than 80% of which was in Brittany. Beyond just the climatic problem, the green and white vegetable faces a major difficulty: its consumers are aging. Behind the artichoke, cauliflower is the vegetable the average age of consumers is the highest, according to a study conducted by the Kantar Institute. He however, it has several nutritional qualities unique, particularly rich in vitamin C and K. And it has the advantage of being inexpensive. After Christmas this year, it’s cauliflower.