Specialized in the production and packing of fruit from the Rhone Valley for nearly 50 years, Comptoir Rhodanien ships more than 50,000 tons of fruit each year, together with its subsidiary, Metral fruits, acquired in 2008. Strawberries, cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines during the summer, and chestnuts, walnuts and apples in the winter. With the HEV, Global GAP and IFS Food certifications, the company based in Tain l’Hermitage (Drôme), has more than 400 hectares of production and works together with nearly 450 partner producers.
The group has continued its growth with the acquisition of Valnoix in 2020 and is now the French specialist in Grenoble walnuts.
This year, the walnut market has suffered from the low consumption level. “The start of the campaign was promising,” explains Grégoire Limone, “but the market is actually quite tense, especially the export market, even though the calibers and quality are the best we’ve seen in 20 years.”
Valuing the entire production
Nearly 10 million tons of food are thrown away each year, including 42% of fruit and vegetables. More and more professionals are therefore committed to fighting against food waste. Comptoir Rhodanien has decided to value 100% of the fruit harvested. “In 2019, we invested in a processing line to value the entire production.”
All the fruit that do not meet the specifications for mass retailers are processed into puree or juice and fruit nectar. These products, available in many different forms, are then sent to supermarkets, cafes, hotels and restaurants, which appreciate this local action.
Packaging: necessary adjustments
The implementation of the Agec law earlier this year has forced Comptoir Rhodanien to make some investments. “We are in constant contact with our suppliers because we want to meet the demand from our clients while maintaining our productivity. We are looking for the best solutions to continue this transition while guaranteeing the quality of the product and a good visibility for the consumer.”
For more information:
Grégoire Limone
S.N. Comptoir Rhodanien
Phone: 04 75 07 00 50
Mobile: 06 72 72 94 12
Fax: 04 75 07 15 60
[email protected]