Overview
- Thieves stole about 990 pounds of fresh and frozen escargot worth more than $100,000, wiping out nearly a year's production at L’Escargot des Grands Crus in Bouzy.
- In the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 24, intruders cut a fence, forced doors, and cleared shelves and freezers, according to the family owners.
- Police are investigating and have not identified suspects, though the family believes the timing and precision point to industry-savvy perpetrators.
- The Dauvergne family says full restocking is impossible for the holiday season, though fellow snail farmers have offered supplies to help meet some orders.
- The farm supplies high-end clients, including Michelin-starred restaurants, and the breeding snails were left untouched, allowing plans to rebuild next year.