A tiny wooden caravan parked in a field in south-west France has been named the country’s best delicatessen.
L’Epicerie d’ici near Baulou (Ariège), which is just 20m², opened in 2021 and sells more than 1,600 products from 145 producers who set their own prices.
The idea came to its owner, Christelle Record, after lockdown closed local markets in March 2020. She joined a team of local volunteers and farmers, linking worried consumers who could no longer find basic necessities with producers who did not know how to sell their food.
Owner Christelle Record began the business during lockdownL’Epicerie d’ici
The service was so popular she decided to make a permanent store in a roulotte (caravan) off the D177 road between Foix and Saint-Girons.
The business has grown organically with a turnover rising from €270,000 in 2022 to €350,000 in 2023.
Competition
Now, it has come top in the Concours Quintessences, a competition that rewards and promotes retailers who position themselves as ambassadors of ‘good eating’.
“This is such wonderful recognition,” said Ms Record, who finished 10th in the contest two years ago.
“I think the jury recognised my pluck and my fight to eat well and locally, as well as the business success.”
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Ms Record will be given her prize during the Paris Expo on September 16.
L’Epicerie d’ici is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 during the summer.
