After more than a century of operation, the last Saupiquet factory in France has closed its doors, marking the end of an era for the renowned fish canning brand. Located in Quimper, the facility employed 155 workers who produced canned mackerel and sardines. The final production run was completed on Friday, causing significant emotional distress for the long-standing workforce, many of whom have dedicated their careers to this factory.
"It is finished; we have produced the last cans," stated Valérie Bonder, union representative with CFDT, echoing the sentiments of her colleagues. "The production stopped at 2 PM. We stayed together for two hours in the workshop, surrounded by silence. It was really moving, sad, and there were many tears involved," she recounted to AFP.
Saupiquet, which has been part of Quimper's industrial fabric since its establishment there in 1901, faced closure due to dwindling sales and increased production capacities across Europe. Bolton Food, the Italian parent company, reported nearly 25% decreases in sales from 2020 to 2023, alongside losses of 5 million euros for the current fiscal year. This drastic decline forced the group to make the tough decision to close the factory.
"There is much bitterness around our bosses’ decision to shut down the factory," Bonder said. "People were truly attached to their factory." Employee termination notices are expected to be handed out at the beginning of January, according to Bolton Food. Several workers will be required to return briefly to assist with the closure process and to clear out the factory, which will see its machinery shipped off to factories overseas.
While some employees are approaching retirement, many will have to seek work elsewhere, especially as the closure coincides with the festive season, adding to the somber atmosphere surrounding the factory’s final moments. Workers expressed concerns over job security, with one employee reflecting, "Now it is time to turn the page." Another noted how the closure is particularly painful for those with young families or recent homeowners, as finding new employment will be more challenging under the current economic climate.
The last production lines will now relocate to locations with lower labor costs, primarily Spain and Morocco. The factory's shutdown continues to draw criticism, particularly from local politicians who see it as part of larger issues concerning the integrity of France’s food production sector. Loïg Chesnais-Girard, president of the Brittany Region, declared, "This decision by Bolton Food, driven by the pursuit of short-term profit, is contrary to our country’s and Europe’s food sovereignty needs. At a time when we should be bolstering our agricultural industries and safeguarding quality industrial jobs, this departure is troubling. We are committed to providing assistance for all workers impacted."
Isabelle Assih, the Socialist Mayor of Quimper, voiced similar concerns, arguing, "This decision occurs when the multinational enjoys significant profits. I lament this strategy, which disregarded both our consistent support for modernizing the Quimper site and the experience held by workers who have committed their careers here." She also noted her involvement with local worker representatives post-announcement, ensuring continued governmental support during this transition period.
Founded by Arsène Saupiquet in 1891, the brand became famed for its innovation, particularly the creation of the now-ubiquitous rectangular can design. During its peak, multiple sites across France produced the iconic conserves which became staples for many households. Over the years, acquisition and market changes resulted in the consolidation, leading to the closure of the Quimper site—the last operating Saupiquet facility—in December 2024.
Bolton Food plans to assist the affected workers through various measures, but the situation has left both employees and management grappling with the impacts of this closure. The sense of loss permeates the community as the closure signifies not just the loss of jobs but the erasure of local manufacturing heritage.
The mood during the factory's last operational hours was somber as employees shared stories and memories, marking their end of service with dignity and camaraderie. "It is hard emotionally; everything has come to an end," remarked one long-serving worker. "But we’re proud of what we achieved here, and those memories will last."
