In France, fruit and vegetables are holding up against inflation. At market stalls, courgettes in particular are 47 cents cheaper than in 2022. How can this be explained?
At market stalls in Bessières (Haute-Garonne), they are resisting inflation. According to the latest surveys, the prices of some French fruit and vegetables have even fallen compared with 2022. For example, courgettes are 47 cents cheaper. Early strawberries (Gariguettes) are also a few cents cheaper than last year. “Strawberries are not more expensive. They cost the same as last year,” a woman told France 2. Stable prices can be explained by mild spring weather.
A fragile situation
After two years of frost damage, producers are delighted this year. “There was no frost. We will have more fruit in our region,” a fruit grower assured. Average prices are staying the same or even falling slightly. “Gariguette strawberries are still quite expensive,” a customer regretted in the supermarket. According to expert Olivier Dauvers, the situation may not be sustainable. One cause for concern for producers is the drought in Spain. If water also becomes as scarce in France, this will affect prices.