Five years have passed since Arnaud Montebourg, his marinière, and his multifunctional food robot in the press. The former Minister of the Economy, Productive Recovery and Digital extolled the "Made in France" and swore by these three words to revive the French economy. But five years later, is there really a blue-white-red effect?

It was five years ago. Arnaud Montebourg, then Minister of the Economy, Productive Recovery and Digital appeared in muse ... of "Made in France". Three words that should have revived once and for all the French economy after the stormy episode of the subprime crisis, and its consequences. As this Friday opens the "Made in France" show [of which Europe 1 is a partner, ed] at the Porte de Versailles, in Paris, Europe 1 takes stock of the possible economic impact of this phenomenon.

Arnaud Montebourg poses for Le Parisien Magazine of October 19, 2012 on the cover and inside pages. Credit: Capture Le Parisien Magazine

No figures to calculate an impact

The first difficulty in calculating a possible effect "Made in France" is that there is no figure to say that the French buy more products tricolor, nor what impact the movement could have on the employment, or growth. "It's still marginal, everyone is cautious," summarizes at the microphone of Europe 1 the president of the circle of economists Jean-Hervé Lorenzi. For him, it is simply too early. "We are more exemplary than in the massive movement, it will take at least ten years," says the specialist.

Even companies have had a hard time knowing

Especially since the companies themselves have a hard time evaluating the impact of highlighting the "Made in France" on their sale. No figures either those who chose to relocate their activity on our territory. Only an estimate is possible, according to the general manager of France industry Vincent Moulinright: "We know that the factories that have chosen to relocate their activity on our territory have not left, that they are doing well and that their business model is good. for France".

What is sure, however, is that the made in France is a real plus in sales abroad. Asked about the importance of the label "Made in France" on its products, the CEO of Pyrex Jose Luis Llacuna had also stated on Europe 1 Wednesday evening: "If we did not do the real 'Made in France', we would not be able to sell in some countries like the United States ". Proof if it is that France, rhyme with quality, at least abroad.