Once you have determined the selection according to its potential, the section should be stocked. To do so and according to your central purchasing service, several solutions that you can mix, are available to you. The first is to go directly through your central purchasing service if they can offer this service. The second solution, to buy your products from a specialised wholesaler. Finally, the National Interest Market (MIN). It is that of Rungis that Karim Akanfar has chosen as the exclusive supplier for his CocciMarket located in Paris. We have hence followed him in the behind the scenes of the greatest fruit and vegetable market of Europe.
SUPPLIES
PURCHASES: THE FIRST CUSTOMER IS YOU!
INTERVIEW WITH KARIM AKANFAR, COCCIMARKET PARIS, RUE DE LA JONQUIÈRE (17TH)
WHY RUNGIS?
It is above all a pleasure. I love coming to Rungis, for its atmosphere, and because it is the most beautiful market in the world. And I have a passion for fruits and vegetables, I love what is beautiful and good. It is in connection with my first job, chef.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
I see and I taste everything that I buy. The first customer of the store, it’s me in some way. For the past four years I have been able to establish strong relationships with some wholesalers. Here, everyone has his specialty, in fruit or vegetable, exotic produce or mushroom… There is even the “Carreau des producteurs”, a kiosk with only small producers of Île de France. Apart from the variety and quality, coming to purchase my supplies at Rungis, it is also to ensure I perfectly manage my stocks and my offer, but the price level too. Because, the most important thing is to know how to set limits, those of the customers’ potential.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR SUPPLIES?
I am known for my demanding nature. I am very careful, I observe, I compare, I taste. Anyway, I look at the qualify first, and then we can discuss price (price is not displayed at Rungis; editor’s note). As for my committed stance: a maximum of France origin in category I and Extra.
It is almost five o’clock, Karim leaves to load his van.
WHY DO YOU ATTACH SO MUCH IMPORTANCE TO QUALITY?
I bet on fruits and vegetables to build my reputation in the neighbourhood, to be one with the best value for money. Today it is 50% of my turnover. For that matter, my biggest days are those I spend at Rungis. Generally, 80% of the products are sold at the end of the day. My customers know this and some of them sometimes make special requests.
WHAT IS YOUR SUPPLY RATE?
Twice a week: Tuesdays and Fridays between 4 and … in the morning. It’s a good rate to have fresh products all week, especially since I do not have a cold room.
Apart from the variety and quality, coming to purchase my supplies at Rungis, it is also to ensure I perfectly manage my stocks and my offer, but the price level too. Observation: the first reflex of the buyer.
“Precise, thorough, methodical and organised, Karim has the eye of the expert.” Remi, wholesaler and loyal supplier of Karim for four years. A relationship that now allows Karim to obtain the best products for his store.
NOTE:
Two solutions to stock up on supplies locally:
The National Interest Market (MIN) and the wholesale markets in France
The market gardeners and local producers
