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Famous French market Rungis goes online for home fruit and veg deliveries

The Local France
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Famous French market Rungis goes online for home fruit and veg deliveries
Rungis food market to the south of Paris. AFP

Food markets are a huge part of life in France, but with lockdown rules also closing all markets, some have gone online including the famous "Marché de Rungis", known as the "belly of Paris".

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Markets in France have been closed since the decree on Monday that tightened the conditions of France's lockdown (although local mayors can make exceptions in areas where the market is essential to daily life).

READ ALSO These are the rules of life on lockdown in France

There had been several fake 'Rungis online' sites set up, but now the market itself has announced that it will be setting one up, from next week.

The vast market of Rungis covers a 243 hectare site on the outskirts of Paris and is usually used by wholesalers and restauranteurs to stock up on fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products.

But now it has been announced that the market will be opening online and offering home deliveries.

Customers can fill a virtual basket with fruit, vegetables and fresh produce and get them delivered to their home.

Deliveries are only available to customers in Paris and the petite couronne - the inner suburbs - at first, but could be expanded.

AFP

Alexandra Dublanche, vice-president of the Île-de-France regional council, said: "On the one hand, it helps producers who have been hit hard by the epidemic and who no longer have anyone to sell to, such as market gardeners.
 
"On the other hand, we are responding to the demand for fresh produce in the Ile-de-France region. It's a win-win situation. All of this, using the logistical strength of Rungis Market."
 
One market seller called on people to use the site to support producers.
 
"Our operators absolutely need us to buy their products from them, the merchant told La Tribune.
 
"Since the lockdown, our activity is zero.
 
"Our 22 employees are unemployed. If we could get half of them back with this operation it would be cool.
 
"The idea is to set up a real virtuous circle, and to support our agriculture. Our farmers absolutely need us to buy their produce to start preparing for the next season."
 
The site is called Rungis livré chez zous (Rungis delivered to your home) and goes live next week.
 

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