Food processing in Brittany – providing excellence for consumers

Bretagne is known for its rich and varied agriculture; meats, eggs and dairy products, from Breton stock breeding, are exported all over the world. Bretagne also provides very varied and high quality vegetable production: including tomatoes, strawberries, peas and green beans. It is also the largest maritime area in France with its 2,700 kilometres of coastline and its bustling fishing ports which represent over 40% of French maritime fishing in terms of landed fish values.

These large primary areas of activity provide the food industry with quality raw materials and have contributed to creating a powerful, dynamic and economic force.

Agriculture and fishing are very traditional activities in Bretagne, yet have constantly adapted and innovated over the years to meet the changing needs of the food industry and consumers.

Groups operating on a European scale as well as a multitude of small/mid size businesses across the region process the raw agricultural and fishing materials whilst adapting to market needs. The place occupied by the cooperative system and its dynamism are trademarks of the Breton model. They are united and work together, as part of a dynamic association of Breton food companies. Around this dense network of companies, to improve ranges and high added value research, a research and development system has been phased in which puts Brittany in a leading position. In this way, researchers and businesses join forces to cooperate within the Valorial innovation cluster] centred on “the food of the future”.

The proven experience of this ecosystem as well as cooperation, which is deep rooted in Breton genes, helps additional activities at the cutting edge of innovation to develop, in terms of food safety, traceability, taste and nutritional content.

To invest in Bretagne is to link up to these networks of companies where an abundance of skills, trust and partners can be found in order to aid your progress and make it stronger.

• See the maps of Bretagne’s food industry