The energy crisis threatens the chicory of the North. The 400 French endive producers, 95% of which are concentrated in the Hauts-de-France, are concerned about rising energy prices. Endive roots are currently collected from the fields, before being re-grown in dark rooms to remove the leaves. But, to be consumed throughout the year, the roots are stored in huge fridges between harvest and cultivation.
These huge, energy-hungry refrigerators run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to keep the temperature at 0 degrees. In the current energy context, the bill is very high: Philippe Brehon claims to have received from one of his suppliers a proposal of more than one million euros for its supply in 2023. “We are very worried” and “we cannot sign the contract” . because “it is not possible” to do so, he stresses.
“We are waiting for the State to wake up”
“We are really waiting for the State to wake up and help us, because the help it has given us is not enough,” said the producer, assuring that the survival of his business is at stake. “We have huge investments on our backs. , we can’t stop like this overnight,” fears Philippe Brehon, citing producers who have already thrown in the towel since the beginning of the year, and the energy crisis adds to the dryness.
Employees are worried. “It is a very dramatic situation for us, because we are 43 employees in this company, with different family levels. If there is a planned closure later, it will be very difficult for some to find work,” says Cathy, an employee of the endive, recalling that “some people are between 50 and 60 years old.” “We also think of our children who are behind us,” she explains.
At the end of the chain, these are also consequences for consumers: the price of chicory has already gone up a bit in supermarkets.
Source: BFM TV
