French food groups Euralis and Maïsadour are mulling the future of their respective duck-meat operations.
In a short statement, the co-ops said they started talks “in order to together reflect about the future” of the businesses, which encompass products such as foie gras and confits.
Their joint statement added: “The Euralis and Maïsadour cooperatives are constantly thinking about the future of their activities to ensure that they are optimally positioned in the face of market developments.”
Just Food has approached Euralis and Maïsadour for further comment. Asked if Euralis and Maïsadour could merge their assets in this area, a spokesperson for Euralis said: “As you have read, we are discussing the future of the whole duck industry and its developments.”
Euralis has three factories in the sector, one each in Maubourguet, Sarlat and Les Herbiers. Around 800 staff work across this part of the co-op’s business. The turnover from the operations amounts to EUR205m (US$243.6m). Its brands include Maison Montfort et Rougié. Euralis’ business also takes in areas including vegetable production and animal nutrition.
Maïsadour had not replied to a request for comment at the time of writing. The co-op markets food brands including Delpeyrat salmon, Marie Hot chicken and Comtesse du Barry foie gras. It says it employs 5,200 staff across its operations.
