The minister wanted “trade negotiations between manufacturers and major distributors reopen in May”while Bercy had so far considered them in June.
“I see that all food products are falling on the markets” wholesale, explained Mr. Le Maire, who judges that this situation should make it possible to reduce retail food prices, which increased in February by 14.8% over one year.
“I would like that when the price of wheat goes down, the next day the price of pasta goes down”underlined the Minister who says he has noted that “when the price of wheat goes up, the next day the price of a packet of pasta goes up”.
On Monday, on the occasion of the publication of its latest macroeconomic projections, the Banque de France said it expected a “pic” rising food prices “towards the end of the first semester”.
The latest negotiations resulted in an average increase of some 10% in the prices paid by supermarkets to manufacturers to take into account the increase in their production costs (energy, transport, raw materials, packaging, etc.).
An “irresponsible and inflationary” ceiling
Mr. Le Maire welcomed the law proposal of deputy Frédéric Descrozaille to rebalance the relationship between large retailers and their suppliers, but wished to widen the possibilities of promotion on detergents, perfumery and hygiene products (DPH).
“The bill of the deputy Descrozaille is a very good proposal”did he declare.
But he added find “a bit paradoxical that we wanted the lowest prices for our compatriots, and at the same time limit promotions for DPH products, detergents and hygiene products to 34%”.
This cap was judged last week “irresponsible and inflationary” by the employers’ federation of large retailers, the FCD.
“I would be in favor of allowing Michel-Edouard Leclerc and all distributors to make promotions not just at 34% on shampoos, hygiene products, detergent products but up to 50%”said the Minister of the Economy.