Whendid the company start ?
The company was originally created by Mr Emile Messent, our father Yves’ uncle, who used to produce and distribute paper bags for fruit and vegetable retailers at Les Halles de Paris. Our father took over the company in 1974 after its transfer to Rungis. It became Bocca-Sacs in 1977 after the takeover of a company in the D2 pavilion. At the time, our mother was in charge of the purchasing department. Then we bought a company in the A3 pavilion in 1980. Three years ago, we both took over the family business and we regrouped it into two large stores.
What is the company's activity ?
Our parents developed the packaging and equipment essential to our retailer clients like marquees, trestles, tables, tarpaulins, platforms, plates, handling ramps, etc and they also created “Services Plus”, a store primarily specialized in tools, handling equipment, lighting and repairs. They always listened closely to their clients to better satisfy them. Since the beginning, we work by preference with French craftsmen who make specific, custom-built products for us, which helps us to stand out. In the context of our development, customer service has been a key factor for the company’s activity and we have added a consultancy service too. Our offer is top quality because it is primarily French. We have a product range that groups 5 000 listed products, including paper and plastic bags, which are still flagship products. We also sell all the small handling tools (trolleys, manual carts) and the corresponding fixtures that we can repair ourselves in our workshop. In September 2010, we also bought a brand specialized in stationery and printing via the Buro+ group, where we are developing a line of 900 products (office supplies, computer consumables, folders, etc.). We supply about 10 000 clients (80% local shops and 20% wholesalers on the Market) some of which are located in a wide belt around Rungis. Accessories are a key sector of Rungis Market today.
How do you see your business developing ?
We plan to develop by offering an even broader range and we would like to create an online service soon to have a presence in e-commerce.
We expanded the floor space of our storage warehouse to 2 000 m2 to better meet the demand from all our clients. Lastly, we also plan to develop exports, which are still marginal for us.
What do you think of Rungis Market ?
To tell the truth we are “Rungis kids”. We have seen Rungis Market change, modernize and become more professional. This is a lively market, which is unique for its quality and the diversity of the products.
Background
Yves-Charles Boccassini (age 35), Chairman of SAS Bocca-Sacs, and his brother Alexandre (age 33), Managing Director, are both natives of Juvisy-sur-Orge (91).
After passing vocational fishmonger diplomas (CAP and BEP) (Ecole Ferrandi) and a professional Baccalaureat (mass distribution option), Yves-Charles graduated from ECAL (Ecole du Commerce Alimentaire) in Rouen. He worked for several small fresh produce retailers before joining the family business in 1999, after it opened the “Service Plus” store.
Alexandre passed various vocational diplomas to become a cook (CAP, BEP and professional Baccalaureat) (Ecole Ferrandi) while working as an apprentice (L’Amandier restaurantin Antony - 92) and then did several work placements (La Tour d’Argent and several English restaurants in Chester). In November 1999, he also joined the family business, as first as a salesman and warehouse operator, then in the administrative department.
As company directors today, Yves-Charles is in charge of the commercial department and Alexandre deals with purchasing, management, accounts and administration. Yves-Charles is mad about sailing and Alexandre loves to hunt and fish.
Credit photo : FD