On Tuesday, June 24, the annual meeting of the Coopération Maritime was held in Saint-Malo, which took the opportunity to inaugurate a new store. The Coopération is an association that federates most of the cooperative structures of the artisanal fishing industry, i.e. 1,700 employees. If there is one of its subsidiaries that works, it is the Comptoirs de la mer. With a turnover of 200 million euros, it represents " nearly half of our resources "explains Philippe Mérabet, president of the cooperation since 2007.
Bringing together seafood products under a common brand
These cooperatives have long worked in a closed environment. In operation for more than a hundred years, it was the fishermen who ran the supply stores necessary for their activity. But in the last fifteen years, the French fishing industry has lost more than half its workforce. While some cooperatives have closed, others have regrouped and reopened. "The movement started in the seventies. At first, the sailors weren't thrilled to have the general public buying from them." says Philippe Mérabet. However, in the face of success, mentalities quickly changed. "Today, 60% of our sales, excluding fuel, are to the general public.
Propose a varied offer to diversify its clientele
By diversifying its clientele and creating the Comptoirs de la mer as well as a central purchasing office (Cecomer), the Coopération maritime has varied its offer. "Textiles represent 40% of our sales. Tricots Saint-James are our biggest suppliers. Followed by Cotten and Armor Lux..." . The food, with the terrines of the sea, are also in increase. As well as for the fishing and leisure department. For the decoration, it is variable, "it's a little more complicated, there are fashion effects from one year to the next ".
An association in full progress
With 58 locations on the Atlantic coast and the English Channel, Comptoirs de la mer is constantly growing. "This year, two new stores are opening in Saint-Malo and Lannion. The one in Saint Guénolé is moving and expanding." Stores could also be set up in the Mediterranean basin, in the cities of Sète and Grau-du-Roi. "Without this diversification, the cooperatives would not have been able to continue to supply the professionals." closes the President of the cooperation.
Moreover, Erwan Tabarly, competitor in the Solitaire du Figaro, proudly displays the Comptoirs logo on the sail of his boat. This is a sign that the cooperative is well known in the nautical world.
