There are many ways to send a message to someone - especially if you have some recriminations to get across.
Some weeks ago, the professional fair Equiphotel in Paris was the scene of what we might call an act of defiance from small retailers of fresh produce towards their long-time suppliers and brothers in arms, the wholesalers.
Although this fair is not really food-oriented, the French greengrocers’ union UNFD chose Equiphotel to sign a partnership with its Italian counterpart, Fida. Different topics that the two bodies have in common will fall under the spotlight in the coming months. The first one will be jobs and tuition. There are several professional schools in Italy that will be open to French retailers, certainly during the first semester of 2009.
Another area of interest for French greengrocers was specialised Italian co-operatives, grouping together up to 3,000 small retailers and acting almost like a supermarket chain’s centralised buying unit. During the event, UNFD did not hide its interest in the concept, which would bring retailers closer to producers. The press learned of current perceived frustrations between small retailers and wholesalers and, at one point, the word “diktat” was even used - a “diktat” similar to the one big retailers employ with producers. The group’s message was clear.
The two sides, champions of the traditional way of selling fresh produce, are now working on the evolution of their relationship.
Clearly, the wholesalers were not happy with events at Equiphotel and would have preferred to talk face to face. The two groups are now working on the creation of a range of fresh produce strictly aimed at the small retailers, with specific requirements in terms of quality, packaging et al. Of course, the temptation to control sourcing is certainly strong among greengrocers, who are equally at risk from the credit crunch as the supermarkets - if not more so.
But perhaps the Italian model is the wrong one for the French industry to copy. The small retail sector remains far stronger in that country than in France. Does France’s small retail sector possess enough force to represent a real counterweight to the supermarkets? To what extent could producers be sure that greengrocers would guarantee them a more interesting price than a supermarket if the latter was buying centrally?
It would be wise to let the dust settle. This sad story shows at least one thing: communication between greengrocers and wholesalers has certainly slackened off, without any side really noticing. Ladies and gentlemen, please get back to the drawing board and discuss your shared future...
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