After more than a century of operations, the last remaining factory of Saupiquet in France closed its doors on December 20, 2024. Located in Quimper, Finistère, this plant had employed 155 workers, primarily producing canned mackerel and sardines. The decision to close the factory came from Bolton Food, the Italian group which owns Saupiquet, citing significant economic difficulties and falling sales.
On the last day, the atmosphere was heavy with emotion, as the factory staff gathered for one final farewell. "That's it, it's over: we produced the last cans," said Valérie Bonder, CFDT union delegate for the factory. The day ended at 2 p.m., marking the end of production as the workers spent two poignant hours together, reflecting on their years of service. "It was truly moving, sad; there were lots of tears," Bonder described, reiterate the deep connection the team felt to their workplace.
The closure of the Quimper facility means all production will now be relocated to Spain and Morocco. This shift stems from what Bolton termed as significant overcapacity within Europe, linked to the almost 25% drop in sales the company experienced between 2020 and 2023. Reports indicate they faced losses of around 5 million euros over the same period.
Saupiquet has had its roots deeply planted in Quimper since it began its operations there in 1901. Over the decades, its reputation as the premier French producer of canned fish grew immensely, once employing up to 300 people at its peak. Yet, economic shifts, changing consumer preferences, and stiff competition from supermarket brands led to its slow decline. This facility was the last of its kind still operational within France.
Following the announcement of the closure earlier this year, Bonder expressed the frustrations of the workers, noting, "People were really very attached to their factory. There is much bitterness about our bosses’ choice to shut it down." She added, "The conditions for departure offered to the employees were correct," but the loss was still felt collectively.
The emotional toll extends beyond just the workers, as local leaders and stakeholders expressed concern over the factory’s closure, impacting not just jobs but also the industrial fabric of the region. Loïg Chesnais-Girard, President of the Brittany Region, articulated this sentiment, stating, "This decision by Bolton Food, motivated by short-term profitability, goes against our country and Europe's food sovereignty needs. At a time when we must reinforce our agri-food sectors and guarantee quality industrial jobs, this departure is troubling for industrial progress."
Historically, the brand’s foundation traces back to 1877 when Arsène Saupiquet launched the first canning factory specializing in sardines. The brand gained prominence soon after and had several sites across France during the 1980s. Unfortunately, over the years, various economic pressures forced consolidation and eventual closure.
The Quimper factory evolved too, moving to modern facilities in the 1960s to sustain its growing operations until the market realities changed. The operational capacity was gradually cut, culminating with the final two hours of work on production day marking the end of its legacy. With sentiments swirling around the impact of this closure, employees now face the reality of seeking new jobs, with formal notification of layoffs expected at the beginning of January.
The news of the closure adds to the growing list of factories shut down across France, raising alarms around food security and local production capabilities. With the factory's operations now shifting overseas, questions arise about the maintenance of local industry and the future of traditional production methods within France.
While the future of Saupiquet’s branding remains uncertain, the emotional farewell from the Quimper employees marks not just the end of their jobs but the closing chapter of more than 100 years of rich traditions within the French seafood canning industry.
