Paris 2024 Olympic Games: why the mascots of the Olympic Games are not 100% made in France?

The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are getting closer! And to mark a new stage, the Committee unveiled the mascots of the competition,"Phryges", in the form of red Phrygian caps, with two legs and big eyes! If the announcement sometimes amused, considering the shape of the plushies, it is especially their origin which raised question. Indeed, it was revealed that the majority of the production will be made in China, and not in France. But why is 100% made in France not possible for these mascots?

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Almost 2 million stuffed animals and other goodies will be produced in China. Only a small part, 20%, could be entrusted to two French companies: Gipsy and Doudou & Compagnie, to encourage the relocation of companies in the country. The newspaper Ouest France reports that 200,000 mascots will be manufactured in the Guerche-de-Bretagne factory, which has been expanded for this purpose. In all cases, the raw materials and the preparation of the parts will take place in China, but the stuffing, assembly and sewing will be done in France, concerning these 20% of mascots.

At present, the country is not yet able to produce the volume of mascots required, a pity for French know-how. Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition, considers that it is a"problem" and would like to"correct the issue", while for the Minister Delegate in charge of Industry, Roland Lescur, "it's still better than nothing". This is also explained by the small size of the mascots, which makes them more difficult to manufacture, and which requires more working time. Not to mention the difference in cost between the made in France plushies, at 49.90 euros, against 34.90 euros for the Chinese version.

Paris 2024 Olympics: discover the mascots of these Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Phrygians are coming to Paris: these are the names of the two mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, presented on November 14, 2022 by the Paris Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games. [Read more]