"There would be major advantages in developing the French pepper sector"

It was a satisfactory pepper season for French cooperation Kultive, although the competition with other origins was tougher than last year. "The season was quite good, but more competitive in terms of prices," reports Alexandre Picault, managing director of Kultive. "Historically, we used to sell peppers for more than €2.5 [2.65 USD]. But this year, faced with a European market below €2 [2.12 USD], we were asked to lower our prices. As a result, our average price for the season has fallen slightly."

Yield of 2,200 tons for the 2024 season
In terms of volume, however, yields were on a par with last year. "We produced 2,200 tons of peppers this year, which is the same as last year. Yields fell in the spring due to the lack of sunshine, but we made up for it at the end of the season in August, September and October. We usually do approximately 50 tons in November but this year, there was too much sanitary pressure and the market was too heavy, so it was not worth continuing."

Consumption that could grow
As far as consumption is concerned, there has been a slight increase in purchases compared to last year in terms of volumes. However, "we are still 5% below the average of the last three years." But Alexandre Picault is not worried. "Although consumption of this product has dropped slightly, peppers remain a popular product, especially with the younger generation. If we manage to promote this product well, consumption can be expected to grow."

Pepper production is time-consuming but advantageous
Kultive has decided to increase its pepper production and help develop the French sector. "It is a long crop. We plant in December to harvest the first volumes in March, and we finish the season in November. They are more difficult to grow than crops with short cycles, like cucumbers. But it is important not to limit ourselves to a single crop. The cucumber market is certainly interesting and consumption continues to grow slightly, but it is still a relatively mature sector. Peppers, on the other hand, are still a sector in need of development in France. Peppers have the advantage of being much less weather-sensitive than cucumbers and less susceptible to viruses than tomatoes. It would make a lot of sense to develop French production. Five years ago, Kultive produced around 1,500 tons, with the aim of approaching 2,500 tons today. "We have 10 hectares of greenhouses and will be adding two more next year. We really believe in the potential of this product and hope that other French professionals will also start growing peppers, to help develop this French sector, which I believe has a bright future.