Maison Perrotte was created in 2016, but you started making jams long before that, in 2013. Why did you get involved?
I started the first jams in the summer of 2013.
At that time, my wife and I had several bakeries.
After losing everything because of the advice of a fake chartered accountant I started in November 2013, in the kitchen of the house under the status of auto-entrepreneur with the little savings we had left.
I decided to go for it because the initial feedback from our former stores was very positive, and because it didn't require heavy investment in terms of equipment and hygiene. After the company went into liquidation, we knew very well that the banks would no longer support us, and that it was urgent for our family to bounce back.
After only two years in the jam business, you were awarded the French Jam Champion in 2014 and World Champion in 2015. How does that make you feel?
A relatively simple feeling, since my family and I were on food aid at the time.
But on September 28, 2014 and August 23, 2015, the day after these headlines, I was once again in front of my tubs, as I have been every day since, with the sole ambition of doing well and satisfying the people who appreciate our products.
Why did you choose the name Maison Perrotte in 2016? Was there already the idea of a place to work as a family?
When the time came to switch from auto-entrepreneur status to corporate status, and I didn't have enough ego to put my first and last names forward, I chose Maison Perrotte because I remember that, in the old days, butchers, delicatessens and bakeries were called "Maison".
The idea was also that, like a house, we would grow and therefore inevitably welcome other people under our roof, who in turn would help Maison Perrotte grow.
We spend a lot of time at work and I like the idea of family spirit.
You're committed to the producers and you do your best for the environment. Was this already your vision at the start of the adventure?
I already had this vision of partnering with producers and also trying to have the least impact on the environment.
We work every day thanks to our producers and Mother Nature. It is therefore inconceivable for me not to respect them.
As far as the producers are concerned, the approach is simple. I never negotiate prices, and they decide when they deliver to me. I just want the best! It's all based on human relationships and trust.
Our growers are in the orchards, so they're in the best position to know when the fruit is ripe.
As far as price is concerned, if our producers and farmers can't make a living from their work, how can we claim and talk about self-sufficiency for our country?
It's true that we're a little more expensive, but there's a human, ethical and, above all, common sense reason for this.
We're not perfect, but every year we try to improve things at Maison Perrotte within our means, because we're still a small, artisanal company.
You now work with some of the world's top chefs, as well as with a number of gourmet food stores.
In the beginning, I didn't have any means, I just wanted to make a living from my work and support my family.
The most economical model was of course the use of social networks, but this was very time-consuming.
Above all, word of mouth is undoubtedly the best communication tool (it demonstrates the quality of our products and the reliability of our service).
Finally, a few outings in "confi-trotteur" mode, where I'd fill a backpack with pots and set off for a day or two to show off my work.
Do you have an anecdote or story to tell about the beginning of this adventure?
I especially remember the early days at home, when, after a day of production and looking after our family with my wife, we'd sit on the sofa with boxes of jars to label in our hands.
Our children often helped out too.
It's been 10 years since the adventure began. Would you like to say a few words to your partners and customers?
There's a saying in Normandy: "Big talkers, little doers", so I'd just like to say THANK YOU, for being there every day to provide us with the very best, and for being ambassadors for our craftsmanship.
Maison Perrotte exists thanks to you!