French garden centre operator Botanic is trialling branded organic food areas in selected stores in a partnership with specialist organic and health food chain La Vie Claire, French media have reported. 

Botanic, with 77 outlets nationally, will initially introduce La Vie Claire branded areas in four stores (Francheville, Pontault-Combault, Gaillard and Ville-la-Grand) during March and April.

Botanic already has a growing organic food offer under its own ‘Organic Market’ brand in around 30 locations. It hopes the new partnership with La Vie Claire , which has around 400 stores across France, will enable it to leverage the experience of a well-established organic food retailer bringing benefits to both businesses. 

The pilot phase wile be monitored closely over the coming months. If the partnership proves successful, there are plans to roll out the La Vie Claire franchises – likely to occupy between 200 and 400 – m² in 25 Botanic locations in the autumn.