This year, Natexpo is launching a new series of content. Its objective: to give a voice to experts in the organic sector, professionals who have been observing market developments for many years and who have valuable insights to share.
This month, we welcome Guillaume Fiévet, President of the Organic Commission of the FEEF and President of the Savonnerie du Midi.
Guillaume FiévetYou are President of the Organic Commission of the FEEF and President of the Savonnerie du Midi. What is your background in a few words?
You’re visiting a leader who has been involved in the world of SMEs and French industry for several yearsToday, I manages our family-owned SME, PRODEF whose Savonnerie du Midi is one of the production sitesThe Savonnerie du Midi is a Marseille-based company that perpetuates a historical know-how surrounding soap and in one’s life. One of the main focuses is the Marseille soape, with the brand The Corvette.
My career path has led me to work on topics related to the promoting French industrial expertise, the naturalness of products and the development of more responsible supply chainsThese are themes that resonate with the growing expectations of consumers.
In parallel, we joined the Federation of French Businesses and Entrepreneurs (FEEF) many years ago. I now preside over it. Bio CommissionThis mission allows us to to give a voice to SMEs and mid-sized companies committed to organic farmingand of contribute to discussions on the future of this sector.
After several years of tension, the organic market is showing signs of recovery. How do you interpret this new momentum?
The organic market has indeed gone through a complex period these past few years, marked by a inflationary context and total evolution of consumer trade-offs.
Today, we are observing a gradual return of confidenceConsumers remain deeply attached to the values associated with organic products: transparency, quality of ingredients, respect for the environment and health.
This new momentum shows that the Organic was not a passing trend but one underlying movementThe phase we went through was more like a period of market adjustment.
The challenge now is to continue to make organic products accessible, understandable and credible, based on products that provide real added value and on companies committed for the long term.
How is this momentum reflected among the organic SMEs and mid-sized companies that are members of the FEEF?
For SMEs and mid-sized companies in the organic sector that are members of the French Federation of Businesses and EntrepreneursThis recovery translates into a renewed optimism and dynamism, even if caution remains required.
These companies often have a strong culture of innovation and commitmentand they continue toinvesting in the development of new offerings, in aimprovement of formulations or in sustainability initiatives.
We also note a desire to better showcase the specific characteristics of organic farmingincluding the quality of ingredients, traceability and positive impacts on agricultural and industrial sectors.
The SMEs play a key role In this ecosystem: they are often agile, close to consumer expectations and capable of carrying out committed projects, which helps to revitalize the market.
What levers does FEEF have at its disposal to help entrepreneurs succeed?
The Federation of French Businesses and Entrepreneurs plays a vital role in supporting SMEs and mid-sized companies in an increasingly complex economic environment.
Its first lever is the representation and defense of the interests of independent companies with distributors, public authorities, and various industry bodies. This is a crucial point to enable SMEs to make their voices heard in a market often dominated by large groups.
The FEEF also acts as a true rnetwork for exchanging and sharing experiences among leadersThematic committees, such as the Bio Commission, allow us to work collectively on the challenges of the sector, to anticipate market developments and to share best practices.
Finally, the federation provides very concrete support to businesses through... tools, training and initiatives that foster relationships with distributors, in particular to facilitate market access and enhance the value of SME innovations.
In a changing context, this collective dynamic is a major asset to enable entrepreneurs to remain agile, innovate and continue to grow.
Finally, do you have a hidden talent or an unknown passion to share with us?
Outside of my professional life, I have always been very attached to the sea. I have notably had the opportunity to be instructor at the Glénans sailing schoola very formative experience that taught me the sense of transmission, rigor and collective effort.
Sailing remains a true passion of mine. For me, a boat is a... moment of freedom but also a excellent learning ground At sea, as in business, you need to know anticipate, adapt to conditions and stay the course.
Furthermore, I am also citizen reservist within the French Navy, a commitment that is particularly close to my heart because I did my military service on a Navy patrol boat, with The first important management responsibilities at that age. This allows you to stay connected to strong values such as service, commitment and team spirit.
Thank you Guillaume Fiévet!