Canned fish, popularly known as sardines, are becoming a scarce commodity in France, as shoppers in France find it difficult to access them at outlets, with threats of price hikes.
According to experts, the looming shortage can be attributed to overfishing as well as climate change, with warm waters causing a reduction in plankton and shrinking sardine populations.
A huge quantum of supply comes from Morocco, which is now unable to keep up with demand.
A seller said, “The water’s too warm, there’s no plankton anymore, so the sardines stay small, and there’s just less of them than before.”
Industry leaders say Morocco has become the backbone of the French market.
Jacques Gonidec, cannery: “For 20 years, we’ve seen Moroccan sardines taking over the French market. Two out of three cans are made in Morocco. It would be better if there were more transparency about where the products come from.”
The scarcity, felt by consumers and producers alike, is fueling fears that a French staple could become a luxury.