A French snail farm is reeling after thieves made off with a staggering €90,000 (£79,000; $104,000) worth of snails, a devastating blow to the business ahead of the lucrative holiday season. L'Escargot Des Grands Crus, located in Bouzy, near Reims, reported the theft of its entire stock of fresh and frozen snails, leaving the farm scrambling to restock.
The Great Snail Robbery
The audacious heist occurred overnight on Monday when thieves cut through the farm's border fence and broke into storage buildings. The crime was reported to police later in the week, prompting an immediate investigation. The stolen snails represent a significant loss for the farm, which supplies high-end restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Les Crayères in Reims, as well as delicatessens and private clients.
A Holiday Nightmare
For producers of escargot, the period leading up to Christmas and New Year's Day is crucial, as sales surge with demand for the French delicacy. Edible snails, typically cooked in garlic butter or wine and served in their shells, are a staple of festive celebrations. The theft has left L'Escargot Des Grands Crus struggling to fulfill orders and facing potential financial losses.
Farm's Response
In a statement released on Thursday, the farm expressed its shock and disappointment. "This is definitely not the kind of post we thought we'd write as the holidays approach," the statement read. Describing the incident as "a shock, an incomprehension, and a real blow to the entire team," the farm vowed to do its best to replenish its stocks to satisfy customers for the holidays.
Impact on Operations
Jean-Mathieu Dauvergne, the farm's manager, described the extent of the theft to Franceinfo, a local news site. "A whole section of finished products was stolen from the store, and raw material stock from my laboratory," he said. He emphasized that the stolen snails represented his entire end-of-year stock, carefully planned to meet holiday demand. Photos from the farm show empty shelves and refrigerators, stark evidence of the thieves' haul.
Police Investigation
Authorities are currently investigating the theft and pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the culprits. The motive behind the crime remains unclear, but the high value of the stolen goods suggests a potential organized operation. The incident highlights the vulnerability of small businesses and the lengths to which criminals will go to profit from the demand for luxury food items, especially during peak seasons. The farm is hoping for a swift resolution to the case and is focusing on rebuilding its stock to minimize the impact on its customers and its bottom line.
