Tomato growers belonging to the producers' association Tomates et Concombres de France, which includes 20 OP members and 2 independent growers, are launching a new 250g pack of cherry tomatoes. Their aim is to promote and identify the French origin on the shelves thanks to a common visual.
"Improving the visibility of the French offer"
The new pack will be available in partner stores (the list has not been released yet) from the start of the season. Through this initiative, French producers want to "improve the visibility of the French tomato offer on the shelves" thanks to a common 250g tray, making it easier for consumers to identify it. As for volumes (not communicated either), "the idea is to increase the number of trays each year," according to the association.
The cherry tomatoes will be packaged in 250g cardboard and flowpack trays, and in 100% cardboard for some producers.
Collective action to defend French products in the face of competition
Faced with stiff competition from the famous €0.99 [1.04 USD] trays of Moroccan tomatoes available on the shelves all year round, French cherry tomatoes are reacting with a French flag on the packaging and clear messages such as "Oui! A la souveraineté alimentaire française" (Yes to French food sovereignty ) and "Petites tomates de chez nous" (Small tomatoes from our region).
"This initiative comes at a time when providing clear and easily identifiable information to consumers on the origin of products has become an economic issue," explains the association. The new pack should be on the shelves "throughout the French production season."
For more information:
Tomates et Concombres de France
tomates-de-france.com
communication@tomatesconcombres.fr