The “mixed feeling” of Aveyron exhibitors present this week at the agricultural show in Paris

Benoît Mijoule et son épouse Cécile regrettent leur déménagement. CENTRE PRESSE – R.D.S

A successful baptism of fire for Gabriel Coulet Roquefort. PRESS CENTER – R.D.S

Creators of Evaness, Eva Catusse and Romain Brunet have “regrets”. PRESS CENTER – R.D.S

Lucien Conquet monte au salon depuis 1996… avec le sourire ! CENTRE PRESSE – R.D.S

The location allocated by the organizers is pointed out by some…hellip;

The 60th edition of the International Agricultural Show is currently in full swing until Sunday March 3, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris. If Upra Aubrac, Upra Lacaune, the Chamber of Agriculture and the Departmental Council are shared in the heart of Hall 1, a dozen Aveyron ambassadors are behind their stands. Many in pavilion 7, the majority on the ground floor (within the perimeter of the space reserved for Occitanie) and a handful on the first floor. If most have a smile, others are like the gray sky that has settled above the capital.

Lack of consistency

He counts in his head and counts again on his fingers. "I'll have to check because I've already been asked this question and I don't know how to answer it. Benoît Mijoule slips so he has been coming for a dozen years. "Being present at the Show is a strategic choice. It’s a calmer time. There is a need for visibility… and cash. The word is out. Surrounded by his wife Cécile and their employee Alexandre Viguier, the 48-year-old cutler, based in Laguiole since 1999 (where his father created the company in 1991) and having taken over the family business in 2012, will a little further in his feeling.

"Depending on the years, the financial results can be doubled. There is attendance which plays a role of course, but above all the location. We were very comfortable in hall 2 and there we find ourselves in 7 ". And to conclude: "He there is no consistency. The organizers should imagine, for example, a “made in France 2” which would radiate throughout France, in order to promote territories and raw materials.

Location problem

Eva Catusse and Romain Brunet are "on the same wavelength" that Benoît the Artisan. For their second participation in the Show, the creators of Evaness, cosmetics made from donkey milk, inherited a stand in hall 7.2 instead of 2 where they had celebrated their baptism there. rsquo;last year. "We are a little hidden, in the middle of many resellers", they regret in unison. "People come across us quite by chance and it requires even more effort to sell. When we know the importance of location and its impact on turnover.

"In contact with consumers "

After, in particular, the made in France and Bercy, they were however happy "to think bigger". "We had to try and it happened quite naturally. We knew that it was a different, broader audience , explains Eva Catusse. "I am the daughter of farmers and my dream was to have a stand at the Salon in Paris.< /p>

On the floor below, Élodie Pezous, associated with Sandra and Célia, are the actresses of the baptism of Roquefort Gabriel Coulet at the Parisian event. Indeed, if Jean-Pierre Laur and his cousin Emmanuel, masters on board, have been taking part in the cheese fair for a long time, which is aimed at professionals, this is the first time that this family business, since five generations, is in the credits of the largest farm in France.

"The change in graphic charter (packaging, logos…), has given rise to a new dynamic, assures Élodie Pezous. This stand allows us to build awareness among the general public. We are in contact with consumers, with tastings, and they taste the difference.

"This show is a chance with visitors from all over France "

If he still remembers his baptism of fire, in 1996, Lucien Conquet and his 29 participations is perhaps the best placed of the Aveyron ambassadors to measure the transformations of the show. The question amuses him: "When I started, we spoke patois at Porte de Versailles. The old ones left and a new generation took over. It’s different. But, I remain faithful because I want to be a witness to this transmission.

In any case, the famous mustachioed man from Laguiole is categorical: "The Salon certainly has a cost, but it is unavoidable. It is popular and there are many spin-offs after ". With its traditional butcher's department in hall 1, its Aubrac products boutique in 7 and its two restaurants, where it teams up with Jeune Montagne ("C’ is an association of benefactors!"), Lucien Conquet is in the front row. "It's another life today’ today, with visitors coming from all over France. It’s the only show that is in this case and it’s a chance.

No need to take the bull by the horns, Laguiolais Lucien Conquet is "very attached"  at the Agricultural Show: "He opened doors for me in Paris, to breweries but also to individuals. We deliver, all year round, five times a week in the capital.

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