The agreement was struck with Boscher Poultry, LDC Group, and Gaévol breeders in partnership with Sanders (Animal feed), all located in Brittany, in the presence of France’s minister of agriculture, agri-food and forestry.
The deal, which was ratified on 23 February, means McDonald’s France will be able to offer its customers McNuggets made exclusively from chicken breast originating from within the country.
The restaurant chain expects to source almost two thirds of its chicken meat from French farms in 2016, double the proportion it drew on four years ago.
‘Qualitative partnership’
“We have the will to develop not only a quantitative but also a qualitative partnership with French agriculture,” said Nawfal Trabelsi, president of McDonald’s France. “We are pleased that the minister recognises our commitment.”
The contract establishes a set purchase price for one year, protected against market fluctuations and offering guaranteed returns to ranchers, loggers and processors.
Denis Lambert, president of French poultry group LDC, said: “We are building with McDonald’s and Gaévol a long-term project … allowing us to confidently invest and build innovative projects.
‘Significant incentive’
“This agreement is a significant incentive for all players in the sector and fits our plan to reconquer the French market. It demonstrates our ability to provide quality products and an environmentally responsible plan.”
Stéphane Dahirel, president of Gaévol, said: “The committed partnership … offers a definite advantage, allowing farmers to plan their production and investments.”
The three-year agreement involves the annual supply of 9,100 tonnes of chicken and represents a welcome boost for the French poultry sector, which has been struggling for the past few years.