France: Pasta, yes, but at a low price

In August 2021, forests are blazing all over the world as well as grain prices, two phenomena partly linked by episodes of drought and climate change at work. Falling supply, strong demand, low inventories: the equation is unstoppable. Chance: The French grain harvest is expected to rise by 15%, according to figures from the Ministry of Agriculture. After years of food shortage, producers should find some fresh air, as long as they are not held in a vice and hostage by a large distribution anxious to preserve our purchasing power ... on their shelves. The Egalim law at the top The makers of pasta and semolina were the first to sound the alarm. And for good reason, they operate on a species, durum wheat, less generic than common wheat. And unlike mill and biscuit products, the price of the raw material weighs more heavily in the final cost price. Hence a greater exposure to price fluctuations. Manufacturers fear that they will not be able to pass it on to their retail price. Not ...