« After starting in the business at a very young age, my father ran the company from 1975 until his death in 2003. Before that the company was managed by my grandfather, André, who started the company in 1967. Located at the time in Seine-et-Marne, it was already specialized in apples and pears and the warehouses were equipped with refrigerators and sorting machines. My father had even got into “controlled atmosphere”, now reserved for production. My grandfather started out in the profession in the 1950s, growing fruit and vegetables in Mortcerf (77), which he used to come and sell at Les Halles de Paris. In 1969, the company set up at Rungis. After doing a two-year business diploma, I started working in the audiovisual sector. Then I joined the family business in 1997, initially replacing my grandfather in charge of accounts. I then worked in every job (sales, cash register, etc.) because my father wanted me to understand every aspect of the business. Today, the company employs a dozen people; it’s a dynamic, competent team that includes my brother Olivier, my uncle Bernard, his twin Jean-Pierre and Fabrice who assists me with the apples and pears. Our flagship products are still apples (Pink Lady, Tentation, Jonagold, Granny, Golden, Rubinette, etc.) and pears, representing just over 7,600 tons/year. They are followed by apricots, Mirabelle plums (from the Lorraine and Vosges regions), plums, peaches, nectarines, melons, citrus fruit and tomatoes.
Our complete line contains about 200 listed products. Our products are mostly French (80%) with another 20% imported from the EU (Holland and Belgium) and the southern hemisphere off-season. We have three refrigerated lorries for transport. Our clients (about 1,500 in all) are essentially retailers (outdoor/covered markets, shops, restaurant owners, bakers, etc.) with some centralized purchasing agency platforms. Affiliated with the CSCGFL, our business has grown steadily over the last twenty years. It provides a real challenge and is a wonderful tool that deserves to be continued. Due to the heavy concentration, Rungis Market is a highly competitive, busy venue that drives us to ever better performance by offering the best produce at the best prices. It is a constant challenge that keeps you reassessing on a daily basis. Rungis is the most beautiful fruit basket ».
