The Rhone Valley is one of the foremost regions for the production of fruit and is considered to be the largest orchard in France. It is protected by mountains to the east (the Alps) and west (the Massif Central), which together lead to a harsh winter climate but hot summers. A current of hot air from the south follows the course of the river and contributes to optimal conditions for developing the flora in the valley.
Soil from the basins and valleys form the alluvial plains that have been essential to the rapid growth of modern intensive production methods. This exceptional growing environment is the result of centuries marked by numerous periods when the river has burst its banks bringing with it nutritive elements to further enrich the soil.
Irrigation has also played a major role (79,000 hectares are involved).
Thanks to the exceptional soil, the region has prospered and has become famous as the French leader in the production of sweet chestnuts, apricots, raspberries, walnuts and cherries.
Our teams have concentrated their efforts on searching out the best land for developing the best fruit varieties, both in the Rhone valley and in other parts of the world. 30% of the fruit we process is produced locally: apricots, blackcurrants, quinces, figs, strawberries, Mara des Bois strawberries, wild strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, kiwi fruits, melons, blackberries, bluberries, white peaches, Ruby peaches, yellow peaches, Comice pears, William pears, pears.
Furthermore, we have made great efforts to find the regions throughout the world that are the most propitious for fruit growing.
We have paid particular attention to the Ivory Coast, rich in fertile volcanic soils, with a particularly balanced climate (optimal sunshine, regular rainfall, well organised irrigation) and a long tradition of fruit growing. Consequently we have set up in-depth studies and instigated close collaboration with the local producers.
We have already done the same in various countries in Eastern Europe and Chile. We are in the process of setting up partnerships with producers in India and in other Asian countries. Wherever we go we are looking only for the best soils, the best overall environments, and serious agricultural partners able to guarantee the irreproachable quality we require.