For the 16th consecutive year, Mountain River is the exclusive supplier of venison to Picard. There are more than 900 Picard stores in France. Surprisingly nearly all the products in their stores are frozen. The company works closely with suppliers to ensure the best quality product range. Many of the products in a Picard store are semi or fully prepared dishes. The venison product is a pavé, which is similar to a steak, requiring assembly into a dish with other Picard products such as foie gras and mushroom sauce.
While there’s no promotion of the Mountain River brand, as we custom pack the steaks in pouches and in a Picard branded box, we acknowledge the Picard brand is only applied to high quality food products. The box explains that the venison is produced on farms in New Zealand and that the steaks are hand cut from the hind leg (see our video below).
Over the years Picard has grown an almost cult-like following after it cracked the frozen food market.
Contrary to the belief that frozen foods are low quality alternatives to fresh produce, Picard have found the perfect balance between the convenience and high quality frozen food. Aside from a few counter items, almost all stock is found in freezers.
Their supply chain is strict and only allows raw ingredients of the highest standard. They maintain close relationships with suppliers, have regulations against pesticides and fertilisers, and have a strict food preparation and quality assurance process before a product makes it to the shelf.
This is why Mountain River Venison fits so well - the care that we all take, to produce the finest venison, meets the standards that Picard set in sourcing products for their stores.
One 5-star reviewer states, “An extremely tender and tasty meat”.
We look forward to the continued custom and relationship with Picard, while spreading the good word of New Zealand venison in France.
A short video of Mountain River Venison being packed for Picard: