If the mass distribution sector ensured that there would be no shortage during containment, many consumers could only note an increase in the prices of certain products since mid-March. In lack of manpower in the fields, the agricultural sector faces great difficulties.

"What did I hallucinate? Where did this price increase come from?" Like many consumers, Virginie can only deplore the fact. Since the start of confinement, decided to try to stem the spread of Covid-19, this single mother living in the agglomeration of Grenoble has seen a sharp rise in the prices of certain products, in particular fruits and vegetables, he explains. she at the microphone of Europe 1.

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Endives which go from 2.50 to 5.50 per kilogram

Virginie takes the example of lettuces, which at the beginning of March sold for one euro each and whose price has now gone up to two euros, or even 2.50 €. "It goes from simple to double," she regrets. But the most glaring example is that of endives, says this single mother. "Before confinement, I found 2.50 per kilo, but there, surprise, it went to 5.50 per kilo! It has become a luxury product! It's just crazy!"

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"How far will it go?"

And because containment requires it, shopping is done less often, which means that we have to make more stocks. At the end, the note can be very salty at checkout. "I am worried, because it is the first time that I have been faced with having to make choices in relation to prices in the fruit and vegetable department," said Virginie, who wondered, "how far will it go?".

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The rise in prices of certain products is however explained by the production difficulties encountered by the agricultural sector, in shortage of labor in the fields due to confinement. To the point that Didier Guillaume, the Minister of Agriculture, asked on March 24 for people without activity to join "the great army of agriculture".

While waiting for a return to normal and to continue giving vegetables to her child, Virginie found the solution: fall back on frozen foods, because vegetables are "downright cheaper".