05.08.2009
Adapting the responses to each situation Proximity procurement is a concern that is very much in line with the times. At first glance it seems to be totally beneficial: less transport for foods meaning less CO2, stimulation of the local economy, guaranteed fresh produce… "It's not all that simple ", explains Philippe Baguet, Elior Food Quality and Safety Director. “For instance, when we put things into perspective, for instance when we consider that a tomato grown in the open air in Morocco results in fewer CO2 emissions, transport included, than a French greenhouse-grown tomato".
For some products like exotic fruit (pineapples, bananas), there is no way of getting away from import. It's also true for "out of season" products. «Using local supplies exclusively would mean complying with the demands of the seasons. But our guests would never accept eating tomatoes only in summer or cabbage only in the winter! ", adds Philippe Baguet.
Meeting customer demands But Elior is not giving up on proximity procurement. It is even considered favourable and should be implemented as quickly as possible to address economic or ecological requirements. For some products, proximity procurement is systematic: bread, for instance, is supplied every day by more than 600 bakers all over France to Elior sites! Fruit and vegetables are also bought locally whenever possible. Production diversity in France means that an approach like this can be made systematic.
Among customers, there is an increasing demand for local procurement. «Some customers, for the most part local institutional customers, increasingly ask us to prefer local procurement. Among guest, the demand often goes hand-in-hand with other demands, like organic or bio or fair trade products … We address these demands: our concern continues to be the satisfaction of our customers and guests!", underscores Philippe Baguet Some links... - Our article entitled "Institutional restaurants and organic products" - See all the Groupe Elior commitments - Find more information based on "Production and consumption" on the official Grenelle Round Table site
