Government criticizes absence of big retailers

The government expressed disappointment over the absence of large retailers from a first meeting regarding upcoming commercial negotiations with the agro-industry. The meeting, held on Monday, November 2, at Bercy, was attended by representatives of the agriculture and commerce sectors but lacked major retail players.

Empty chair policy criticized

The "empty chair policy" adopted by large retailers during the first preparatory meeting was described as "regrettable," "disappointing," "useless," "counterproductive," "contradictory," "surprising," and "paradoxical" by the entourage of two ministers, Annie Genevard and Serge Papin. This policy was implemented by the Federation of Commerce and Distribution (FCD) and Lidl.

Retailers' demands already addressed

The government found the retailers' decision incomprehensible, as the "two fundamental requirements" they are demanding have already been included in the agricultural emergency law passed this summer. This law is awaiting the necessary texts to be fully implemented.

Differences in treatment already in place

Large retailers emphasize the need to differentiate the treatment of SMEs and large multinational corporations, a distinction already provided for in the agricultural emergency law. The law also advances the deadline for commercial negotiations to January 31 for companies with a global turnover below 350 million euros.

Transparency condition for price revisions

Regarding "transparency" regarding the costs of agricultural raw materials, it is a condition for the application of the automatic price revision clauses provided for by the law. These clauses were approved by both agro-industrial companies and large retailers.

Government resists revising Egalim law

The government refutes any reconsideration of the provisions of the Egalim law of 2022, which allows industrialists to declare the evolution of these costs and have them certified by an independent third party. The government cites commercial secrecy and the unfavorable parliamentary context as reasons for this stance.

Meeting assesses cost increases

Despite the absence of large retailers, the meeting allowed for an "assessment of exogenous cost increases" suffered by farmers and industrialists due to the climate and geopolitical crisis. The goal was to ensure that inflation announced by both sides primarily benefits farmers and SMEs.

Call for fair value distribution

The entourage of Serge de Papin and Annie Genevard called for a "responsibility pact for a fair distribution of value." A new meeting is planned for the end of November or early December to begin "concrete discussions" based on the general sales conditions that should be presented in the coming weeks by the industrialists.