Marketing blah blah

A new concept in high-end online food markets has arisen. Thanks to the website Epicerie de Rungis (grocery store of Rungis), the world’s largest fresh food market – whose location near Paris, France was previously the exclusive domain of food professionals – is now accessible to everyone.

Rungis is a 7,420 billion € (in 2009) business that sells 1.5 tons of foodstuffs daily – foodstuffs that are ultimately consumed by 18 million people. Now the market’s rare, impeccably fresh, high-quality products, which range from lemon caviar and white truffles of Alba to more than 160 different seafood items and a host of other delicacies, are available not only to chefs, but to individual customers as well.

A fact sheet supplying background information (including exact name, origin, history, taste, and preparation) accompanies each item, and delivery in 24 hours and cold chain refrigeration during shipment are guaranteed.

Epicerie de Rungis also has a blog that highlights seasonal products and offers behind-the-scenes views, for example, of the market’s seafood pavilion and poultry areas. The blog and a Facebook page also promote Rungis through the use of games, with € 120 shopping vouchers as prizes.

Especially at this season – the end of the year – full-fledged foodies and demanding amateurs alike can find true culinary happiness at Epicerie de Rungis.

Founded in 1934 to serve the press, Studio Harcourt soon became widely known for it celebrity portraits. Now, the prestigious photography studio has launched “Cabine Photo Luxe,” an express service that offers the public a unique expertise in portraiture. Studio Harcourt – 10, rue Jean Goujon, Paris – promises “more than a photograph … an experience.” The studio’s ordinary charges range from 900€ for an “Instant” one-hour portrait, to 1900€ for a two-hour “Prestige” portrait. But now, in 10 seconds (and for just 10€) Cabine Photo Luxe offers the mainstream market a free, playful, and spontaneous approach – a kind of ready-to-wear version of photographic haute couture. Available as one 10×15 cm photo or four ID card–size ones, the Cabine Photo Luxe portraits are printed using a thermal process. The studio’s new service is currently available in Paris at the cinema MK2 and the store Franck & Fils. It will soon be launched in other parts of France as well; look for “Cabines Photo Luxe” to pop up in the winter at the cinemas Pathé and Gaumont.
As part of its strategy to boost brand visibility, the studio will also carry lines of home fragrances, candles, special reserve wines, and champagne under the Studio Harcourt name.