• Publié le : 22-06-2023

  • Type : Projet

For 15 years, Agrisud and Club Med have been setting up local supply chains for fresh produce. The program covers 7 countries and has already supported more than 515 small family farms. This strategic partnership was presented at a meeting organized by the MR21 network on Thursday June 22 at L'Hôtel de l'Industrie in Paris.

Here's a look back at this two-way dialogue with Agnès Weil, Director of Sustainable Development and General Delegate of the Club Med Corporate Foundation, and Julie Terzian, DELFI Program Manager - Local Economic Development and Innovative Supply Chains at Agrisud International.

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Genesis of a meeting between a major tourism brand and a small NGO for a major cause

The partnership stems from Club Med's strong desire to strengthen the contribution of its villages to local economic development. Tourism generates positive spin-offs, particularly in terms of local purchases, from which local communities do not always benefit as much as they could, due to the lack of a viable economic fabric.

In 2008, this commitment led to a partnership with Agrisud International, to support very small farms near Club Med villages, and build sustainable supply chains.

On the one hand, the joint action resulted in buffets supplied in part with local, fresh, quality produce, and on the other, family farms gaining access to a buoyant market. 

"The impetus? Shared values and the desire to act together.” Agnès W.

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A partnership of many players...

A wide variety of players are involved in this program. First and foremost, the farmer groups and Club Med employees (purchasing department, chefs, suppliers, etc.), whose support and involvement are essential to progress.

Then there are the technical agricultural services and/or local NGOs to support the agroecological transition.

Last but not least, Club Med also involves its customers in the adventure by organizing farm visits, for example, to learn about farming practices.

Agnès and Julie agree that the convergence of views between companies and NGOs is important, but that patience is especially important, as setting up supply chains takes time: "For a first delivery, it takes between 6 months and 1 year. It all depends on the context. You also have to take into account the seasonal nature of agriculture" Julie T.

Key elements for successful action

Each project begins with a study of potential: analysis of Club Med demand versus local supply from family farms, feasibility at local level (dynamics, type of farming...), and the budget allocated to achieve the objectives. If the potential study proves conclusive, the project begins with field work by the various players to agree on an action plan. Throughout the implementation of the project, regular updates are scheduled both at the operational management level of the 2 organizations and at local level.

"Club Med trusts us for the operational part. We help small farms to improve their production in terms of quantity, quality and regularity, while respecting Club Med's specifications." Julie T.

"Agrisud has invaluable know-how in mediating between small producers and large groups like Club Med." Agnès W.

Multiple benefits for all stakeholders

To measure the impact of the projects, common indicators have been defined, such as the number of family farms taking part in deliveries, annual volumes delivered, annual sales for families, surface area cultivated using agro-ecology, diversity of fruit and vegetables delivered, etc. This is important to understand the interests of all parties, Agnès Weil underlines.

The benefits are many, both direct and indirect. First and foremost, there are the families supported, whose standard of living improves with higher incomes, the creation of local value, and the preservation of the environment through agro-ecological practices. As far as Club Med is concerned, the supply chain is secure, and the products delivered are fresh, healthy, seasonal and meaningful. The customer and employer image is also enhanced.

There is a general sense of pride in this program. Small family farms as suppliers to a major international group, a market they thought inaccessible. Club Med for its support of local communities and regional development.

"We had no preconceptions or prejudices about NGOs. Since the beginning of the partnership we've had a relationship of trust with Agrisud, which is a very professional organization." A.Weill

"This creates a natural link with the companies, because in the end we have similar needs. The most important thing for us is the impact the partnership has on the families we support." J. Terzian

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST (in French)

The partnership in figures

By 2022

  • 7 countries
  • 11 Club Med villages supplied
  • 515 VSEs supported
  • 2,985 program beneficiaries
  • 165 t/year on average of fresh produce (vegetables, fruit) delivered to the 11 Club Med villages

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROJECTS
"implemantation and development of local fresh produce supply chains"

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST (in French)