When it comes to the French, you have to admire their priorities. If there’s going to be a riot, it’s not over something mundane like a gaming console or a quirky gift basket. No, the French will mobilize for something truly significant—like Nutella.
Nutella: The Chocolate-Hazelnut Delight Igniting Fights
Recently, French supermarket chain Intermarché sent shoppers into a frenzy with a staggering 70% discount on Nutella jars. The chaos that ensued resembled scenes from a Black Friday sale in the U.S., but with a distinctly French twist. “Violence and chaos,” as one witness put it.
Reports from the BBC revealed a woman describing the scene as reminiscent of “animals.” One shopper had her hair pulled, while another, an elderly lady, suffered a box to the head; and yet another ended up with a bloody hand. At one location, an employee trying to quell the Nutella scuffle was punched in the eye. Some stores were sold out of their Nutella stock in just 15 minutes, and at least three locations had to summon the police to restore order.
While some supermarkets attempted to rein in the madness by limiting the number of jars a customer could purchase, footage from various stores showed a wild scramble as people—young and old—pushed past each other in pursuit of that creamy, dreamy hazelnut goodness.
How beloved is Nutella? It’s reached the kind of popularity that incites people to “punch an old lady in the face” for it. According to BBC data, approximately 365 million kilos (or about 804 million pounds) of Nutella are consumed each year. That’s equivalent to 15 Statues of Liberty or around 2,000 blue whales—all made of pure Nutella.
Sophie Beaumont, a French anthropologist specializing in consumer behavior, pointed out that such riots are rare in France, typically only occurring during exceptional sales, akin to what one might expect in developing nations facing product shortages. Nutella has become the apocalypse toilet paper of France.
But let’s not throw stones from our glass houses, America. Remember the Walmart Waffle Iron Riot of 2011? It might be best to keep the judgment to a minimum here.
Ferrero, the Italian confectionery giant behind Nutella, took a step back, stating that the discount was a unilateral decision made by Intermarché. And speaking of decisions, your mom would like you to know that it was your choice to venture out in December without a hat.
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In summary, the Nutella discount debacle in France is a testament to how far people will go for their beloved treats. While it may have resulted in chaos, it’s also a cultural reflection of the significance of Nutella in French society.
Keyphrase: French Nutella riots
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