French retail chain plans to strengthen ties with domestic fruit and vegetable producers through expanded long-term contracts
French retail chain Intermarché says it plans to sign a number of longer-term contracts with local fruit and vegetable suppliers next year, as part of a wider commitment to the domestic agricultural sector.
Last week, on the Interfel stand at SIAL in Paris, it is understood to have finalised a number of new contracts for six different products, securing guaranteed volumes that include a million heads of iceberg lettuce, 220 tonnes of green beans, and 500 tonnes of mushrooms.
The retailer also launched a new dedicated platform which it said would connect French suppliers with its store network.
“With these six new supply chains, we are strengthening our long-term commitment to French producers,” commented Thierry Cotillard, president of Intermarché’s parent company Groupement Mousquetaires.
“Contractual agreements are now one of the most effective ways to ensure economic stability, guarantee French origin, and meet consumer expectations.”
The strategy, while not entirely new, will be expanded in 2027 as the company looks to build even stronger links with French suppliers.
In 2025, it agreed a three-year deal to source more than 4,500 tonnes of pears, one which included a commitment to take on the entire crop and sell it via both the fresh market and processors.
