Major Expansion of Saint-Charles International Market Underway
Saint-Charles International Market is expanding by 16 hectares, sparking economic growth alongside environmental concerns.
Key Points
- • Saint-Charles International is expanding by 16 hectares at the mas Orline site.
- • The land was acquired for €4.7 million, and development will cost about €5 million.
- • The expansion will support logistics improvements and job creation for nearly 10,000 people.
- • Local leaders, prioritizing economic growth, acknowledge environmental concerns yet assert job creation is vital.
The Saint-Charles International market in Perpignan, the largest platform for fruits and vegetables in Europe, is set to expand by 16 hectares. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on July 17, 2025, marking the long-awaited start of a project discussed for 15 years. The urban community of Perpignan acquired the land for €4.7 million, with nearly all new plots already sold to existing businesses in need of expansion.
According to Denis Ginard, president of the national syndicate of fruit and vegetable importers-exporters, this development, which will cost around €5 million and is expected to take one year, is part of a broader logistics enhancement strategy in the region. This strategy includes collaborations with SNCF freight services and the construction of a third dock at the Port of Port-Vendres, heralding Saint-Charles as a key logistics hub.
Currently, the market supports about 700 companies and provides direct and indirect employment for around 10,000 people. However, this expansion has stirred environmental concerns, especially regarding drought and climate issues. Local leader Robert Vila outlined a pragmatic approach, prioritizing economic growth, stating, “I prefer to create jobs and bring wealth rather than worry about a few creatures, and I fully assume that.” This reflects an ongoing debate about the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability in the region.