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Thieves Steal Over $100K in Escargots from French Farm Supplying Michelin Restaurants

L’Escargot Des Grands Crus, a family-run snail farm in Bouzy, said thieves stole more than $100,000 worth of escargots — nearly 450 kg — overnight, emptying refrigerators and shelves. Some of the stolen snails were not ready to eat because shells had not been cleaned and the garlic-butter accompaniment had not been prepared. The farm, which breeds about 350,000 snails annually and earns roughly 60% of its revenue over the holidays, is seeking replacements and receiving help from other farmers while continuing to serve some Michelin-starred clients.

01:38 AM, 11/29/2025Society
Thieves Steal Over $100K in Escargots from French Farm Supplying Michelin Restaurants

L’Escargot Des Grands Crus, a family-run snail farm in Bouzy in northeastern France, says thieves stole more than $100,000 worth of escargots overnight, emptying refrigerators and shelves and leaving the business scrambling to rebuild stock before the holidays.

Break-in and loss

The farm reports that the burglars cut the perimeter fence and forced their way into buildings where snails were housed. The intruders encountered shelves "full of snails: in jars, fresh, frozen," according to owner Jean-Mathieu Dauvergne, but photographs taken after the incident showed refrigerators almost completely emptied. Authorities estimate nearly 450 kilograms (about 990 lbs) of snails were taken.

Not all the haul was ready to eat

Dauvergne said some stolen stock had not been prepared for consumption: shells had not been cleaned and the customary garlic-butter accompaniment had not been made. "You can't consume it directly," he said, underscoring that part of the theft involved product still in an intermediate production stage.

Impact on the business

L’Escargot Des Grands Crus breeds roughly 350,000 snails a year and prepares escargots for high-end restaurants, including Michelin-starred clients. The farm estimates that about 60% of its annual revenue is earned during the Christmas and New Year period, making the timing of the theft particularly damaging.

Community support and next steps

Other snail farmers have stepped in to help, offering to sell stock at reduced prices so the farm can fulfill orders. "We're ready to help him quickly so he can save his season," said fellow farmer Alexandre Maire. Dauvergne has been able to supply some clients despite the loss, and the farm is working to replenish inventory while cooperating with authorities investigating the burglary.

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