Cochonou renews Tour de France supplier deal

French sausage brand Cochonou has renewed its partnership with the Tour de France for another six years, until 2025.

The brand, along with its signature red-and-white-checked Citroën 2CVs, have been part of the Tour de France advertising caravan for more than 20 years.

During the race, Cochonou gives away almost half a million bags of mini-dry sausages and over a hundred thousand sun hats. It also hosts activities for families along the route.

Nicolas Lebrun, brand manager at Cochonou, said: “It is estimated that one million people can enjoy our sausage during the three weeks of the Tour de France. It corresponds to a strong selling moment, it’s a big event for us every year.”

This year’s Tour has tried to cut down on the amount of plastic waste generated by the caravan after complaints from French politicians

Christian Prudhomme, director of Tour de France, said: “The number of gifts, which reached 18 million in 2017, will fall to 15 million in 2019 from the 160 decorated vehicles and 31 sponsors.”

Cochonou is one of 16 brands in the third-tier Official Supplier category, which includes long-term advertisers in the caravan such as Bic pens and St Michel biscuits.