Dany Rochefort has officially taken over the presidency of Eureden, the leading agricultural cooperative, during its recent general assembly held on December 13, 2024, in Lorient, Brittany. Rochefort succeeds Serge Le Bartz, who has helmed the cooperative since its establishment four years ago.
The 55-year-old pork producer from Jugon-les-Lacs has extensive experience within the cooperative sector, having been involved for over two decades. According to Eureden, Rochefort's tenure has equipped him with substantial knowledge of the cooperative environment and the oversight required for efficient operations across multiple branches, including canned vegetables, frozen food, eggs, and meat distribution.
Following the assembly, Rochefort expressed pride at his election, stating, "This is the culmination of my commitments to serving cooperative farmers. I hope to maintain the strong, trusting, and stable governance established during Serge Le Bartz's presidency." His vision seems to reflect continuity, aiming to uphold the cooperative's strengths built over the last four years.
Serge Le Bartz, who also spoke during the transition, originates from Lignol, Morbihan, and has been instrumental within the cooperative's framework since it was formed from the merger of the groups Triskalia and Aucy. Now semi-retired after successfully guiding the organization through its formative years, Le Bartz noted, "Dany has the utmost knowledge of the cooperative’s philosophy and objectives and will undoubtedly navigate the group effectively."
Frédéric Conq, based out of Plouarzel, was elected vice president, adding additional leadership depth to the cooperative's governance structure. Conq's experience includes dairy, cereal, and potato production, enhancing the agricultural expertise present during this pivotal transition.
Under Le Bartz's leadership, Eureden saw remarkable growth, with reported revenues hitting approximately €3.8 billion for 2024, slightly down from €3.9 billion the previous year. The cooperative has achieved considerable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of €119.8 million, up from €107.9 million year-on-year, indicating healthy profitability and business operations.
Eureden boasts 40 industrial sites and operates across six primary sectors: agriculture, egg production, meat distribution, frozen foods, canned vegetables, and general distribution. Their brand portfolio includes well-known names such as Aucy, Jean Nicolas, Globus, Paysan Breton, Cocotine, Aubret, Point Vert, and Magasin Vert. This diversified strategy has been key to the cooperative's financial resilience amid challenging market conditions.
The election of Rochefort not only marks the beginning of new leadership but also reflects Eureden's commitment to cooperative values and continued growth. While Rochefort is stepping forward as president, he acknowledges the path laid by his predecessor and the collective experience of the board and staff as they move forward together.
The cooperative's guiding philosophy aims to empower its members—17,000 farmers and 8,000 employees—ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met within the expansive agricultural market. Given the increasing challenges faced by the agricultural sector, including environmental regulations and fluctuated prices, Rochefort's leadership will be pivotal as he addresses these pressing concerns.
Rochefort's election is anticipated to cultivate strong relationships with local farmers, stabilize Eureden's market presence, and commit to sustainable development as the cooperative ventures through this new chapter under his leadership.
The continuity of governance alongside innovative strategies will be at the forefront of Eureden as it seeks to adapt to future challenges and maintain its positioning as a leader within the agricultural cooperative framework. With Rochefort's experience and strategic approach, the cooperative looks set to embrace new opportunities and grow its legacy sustainably.
