(AOF) – Ecomiam, the French number 3 in the specialized distribution of frozen products, has published a turnover up 12.9% over the last nine months (period from October 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023). The banner benefited from the opening of 3 new stores in Brittany (Bain-de-Bretagne), Occitanie (Cazères) and Pays de la Loire (Herbignac) and was able to compensate for the closure of 7 stores that did not offer insufficient development prospects.
With a network of 64 points of sale as of June 30, 2023, the Group remains focused and fully mobilized in the short term on improving the performance of its network.
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Soaring energy prices and a call for help
In the past, energy represented a fixed cost of 3% of turnover. This year, this percentage rises to 5% or even 7% for VSEs-SMEs, according to Ania (National Association of Food Industries). Professionals are very worried because until the end of 2022 they generally benefit from coverage to cushion these increases. However, they have not been renewed for 2023 and after. Consequently, 25 of the main inter-professional organizations (Intercereals, Inaporc, Semae, etc.) are calling on the State for help in the face of the erosion of their margins and their capacity to investment.
The State has proposed several devices, including an “electricity damper”, which are deemed insufficient. The organizations also deplore the failure of European negotiations to achieve a tariff shield to avoid distortions of competition. Agriculture and agri-food require a maximum ceiling price of €180/MWh, while many companies buy at prices above €500/MWh on the French market.