I should, I suppose, have realised that it was too beautiful to be true. The weeks since I last spoke with you have seen the election of Gilles Vignaud, president of the French greengrocers association, as the head of the French fresh produce association, Interfel - a move applauded as the resolution of a long-running saga that endangered the fabric of the whole industry.
We could have been forgiven for thinking that the time had at last arrived to resume working together to combat the common challenges faced by producers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers.
Now I don’t know whether it is a consequence of the heatwave hitting our side of the Channel as hard as yours, or something more deep-rooted in the French psyche. But as soon as one door opened wide, French retailers and producers started to tear themselves up again, and shut all the others.
The surface reason is the possible re-introduction of the “coefficient multiplicateur” a controversial system largely held in contempt by the retail sector. I tried to explain this in a previous column, but in case you missed it, the coefficient multiplicateur aims to establish an automatic price rise for some fruit and veg categories when they are considered to be in crisis and prices fall below the red line for a stipulated number of days.
Modifications to the definition of “crisis” have been proposed by an MP, which has really irritated wholesalers and retailers. So, here we go again.
Beyond the strife, real questions must be raised on the topic. How could it be practically implemented? Fixed price contracts are becoming more prevalent and the majority reckons it is a good way to smooth relations along the supply chain. Can someone tell me how to snap one’s fingers and suddenly make consumer expectations on prices rise? Particularly against a backdrop of ailing fresh produce consumption. And what about the catering sector? Does it have a role to play in all of this?
Of course, this comes as no surprise. After all, election days are closing in and pressures of all kinds are being heaped on the French Parliament. But this time it might be bad. Really bad. Retailers and wholesalers certainly appear to be really - now how should I term this politely? - fed up.
The only hope is that this sunny summer brings the desired hike in consumption and offers at least a modicum of peace of mind.