### Theft of a Year’s Snail Harvest French police have launched an investigation after thieves stole an estimated €90,000 worth of snails from a renowned Burgundy farm supplying Michelin-starred restaurants. The heist wiped out a full year's production from **Jean-Mathieu Dauvergne’s** company, *L’Escargot des Grands Champs*, near Dijon. ### Precision Heist by Experienced Criminals Authorities described the perpetrators as “experienced professionals” who carefully broke into the storage facility without leaving significant traces. The stolen snails were destined for gourmet establishments that rely on Dauvergne’s highly regarded escargots known for their quality and consistent taste. Dauvergne expressed disbelief at the scale of the theft, noting that his farm specialized in breeding and processing the delicate Burgundy snails prized by chefs. He told reporters that the loss represented months of meticulous labor and would be “extremely difficult” to recover from. ### Impact on the Culinary Supply Chain The theft disrupts deliveries to several Michelin-awarded restaurants, where snail dishes are a traditional highlight. Each snail harvest requires precise temperature control, careful feeding, and months of growth — making the stolen stock nearly irreplaceable until next season. ### Ongoing Investigation Police are examining security footage and interviewing nearby residents to determine whether the theft was premeditated by professionals familiar with the escargot trade. Investigators suspect the stolen goods might be sold through informal food suppliers or across borders. > “They knew exactly what they were doing and what they were looking for,” a police spokesperson said. *** **Author’s summary:** Seasoned thieves stole a year’s €90,000 snail harvest from a top French supplier, crippling deliveries to Michelin-starred restaurants and triggering a police investigation.

more

The Times — 2025-11-28