The International Market of Rungis, based in the southern suburbs of Paris, today celebrates its 40th birthday, with French prime minister François Fillon due to attend the festivities.
The market took over from Les Halles in 1969 when the latter became too small and the market was moved out of the city centre for the first time since its origins in the 10th century.
Rungis was chosen as the location due to its easy access by train and road and its proximity to Orly International Airport. The market stands as the largest in the world for fresh produce.
What’s more, according to the market's Philippe Stisi, Rungis appears to be holding up extremely well in the face of the current financial crisis.
“The crisis has not had a noticeable effect on Rungis,” he said. “The only change is that buyers are looking around more, exploring new opportunities. At Rungis, there is no fixed course - everything is negotiated between the buyers and the sellers.”
