Christmas meal: "there will be no shortage", assures the boss of Rungis Stéphane Layani

Juliette Moreau Alvarez 09:47, December 03, 2022

One month away from Christmas, the holiday menus begin to be prepared.

But after the many supply difficulties this year, it is difficult to know if all our dishes will be present on the table.

At Rungis, at the heart of the international market, there is reassurance.

Guest of the morning of Europe 1 this Saturday, Stéphane Layani, boss of Rungis affirms it: "there will be no shortage. I certify it." 

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“We were scared, but we organized ourselves”

The alleys of Rungis are already starting to buzz with the approach of the end of year celebrations.

"From Monday to Saturday, it's absolute effervescence", underlines Stéphane Layani.

"Our customers prepare for Christmas early to be sure of having the right products when you go to buy them, the fortnight before the two New Years Eve."

If the holidays are going to happen more or less normally at Rungis, it sometimes came close.

It is thanks to a very strategic organization that Rungis can offer so many products in time for the end of December.

Among the many food crises this year, there is for example the bird flu.

“We were scared”, confides Stéphane Layani, “but we organized ourselves. With inventory and price management, with smart purchases. Normally, there will be poultry for everyone, foie gras for everybody."

Nevertheless, no illusion, "it will be quite expensive", admits Stéphane Layani.

"The foie gras, it will have to be used with sobriety. In the costs, it has grown by several tens of percent."

"There will be no shortage at Christmas", @slayani, the President of the International Market of Rungis @marchederungis was the guest of @lenaigmonier in Europe Matin # europe1pic.twitter.com/8YEhj7MpT4

– Europe 1 (@Europe1) December 3, 2022

Alternatives at low prices for a quality Christmas

However, the rise in prices should not slow down the French according to Stéphane Layani.

"The Christmas meal is sanctuary," he explains.

He notes that as Christmas approaches, the French "never tighten their belts".

"I have never seen a drop in turnover at Christmas time. I think they would rather go without gifts and decorations than a good meal where they gather with family or friends."

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It is therefore a hearty Christmas that awaits the French.

This year, Stéphane Layani is highlighting many products, particularly from Île-de-France.

In the studio of Europe 1, the boss of the market presented a tray filled with many foodstuffs from local producers.

Cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, edible flowers… all of these products may find their way into festive menus.

"Put edible flowers on your tables, or in your salads, I think it's the right idea for this year", notes the boss of Rungis.

Because to compose his menu despite the price increase, Stéphane Layani calls for "consumer smartly".

According to the boss of the international market, one should not hesitate to "choose products which have increased much less than the others" and which are "just as good".

On Europe 1, Stéphane Layani gives his little tips for being original while keeping quality products.

Why not turn, for example, to the “coquille Saint-Jacques, which is affordable when it was much less so last year because of Brexit.”

The same goes for the clementines which are plentiful and sweet thanks to a very hot summer.

"In poultry, I tell you to go for chickens, especially from Bresse. It's smaller than a free-range turkey but it's very, very good."

On the cheese side, the boss of Rungis opts instead for Saint-Nectaire and Mont-d'Or.

So many products that will delight your taste buds for Christmas without breaking the bank.