Around forty local products have been awarded the term “Produits Pays Réunion” as a guarantee concerning the origin of the produce:  this nomination is only given to producers who do not use any imported raw materials.

Last November, a decree was published in the ‘Journal Officiel’ about the notion of “Produits Pays”, the term that producers can stamp onto their produce.  The aim of this decree is to reassure the consumer about the origin of what they find on their plate.

“Faced with globalisation and problems concerning the control measures used to determine the origin of a product, this distinction is a guarantee of its quality and its traceability”, explains Maya Cesari, a regional advisor in charge of the ‘Commission Régionale des Produits Alimentaires de Qualité’ (CORPAQ).  CORPAQ, under the authority of the ‘Prefecture’ (Police Headquarters), is responsible for analysing the applications sent in by producers who wish for their produce to be recognised as a “Produit Pays Réunion”.  “The requirements are drastic.  However, if the producers were not as engaged as they are, the seal of approval would not already have been given to so many products.”

More than sixty products have been given the right to bear the multicoloured heart shaped logo.  These products either come from animals born and reared on the island or from vegetables planted and cultivated on Réunion Island.  “Most of them are products for which efforts have already been made concerning their traceability”, explains the president of the ‘Fédération Régionale des Coopératives Agricoles (FRCA), Jean-Pierre Avril.  “The producer is obliged to inform the client about the origin of the product”.

Better Creole eating

The FRCA has strongly defended this “local labelling” and has presented around fifteen different structures that work as cooperatives, to the commission.  Eggs, beef, umbra, fruit, vegetables, fresh fruit juices and honey have all been stamped with the new logo.

“The consumer is somehow reassured”, says Jean-Pierre Avril who would like the consumer to be faithful to products that come from their own country rather than to imported products.  “It is necessary to explain to the locals that by buying a product whose quality is of the utmost importance, they are contributing to the island’s economy.”

More products, such as cheese and sugar, should soon be able to boast of having the label “Produit Pays Réunion”.  “Not only must we defend the quality of our local produce, but we must also think about healthy living”, explained Nassimah Dindar, the president of the ‘Conseil Général’, at the official presentation of the label, held in December.  "We must also think about highlighting a better consumption of Creole food."

Textes and photos : Véronique Tournier
Dcember 2007