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Exhibiting at International Food & Drink Event (IFE) 2025

2730b
ExCeL London
17 Mar - 19 Mar, 2025

Product Offerings

Products:

Chestnut Products: Chestnut Cream, Chestnut Purée, Chestnut Paste, Chestnuts in Syrup, Chestnut Vermicelli, Cooked Chestnuts

Fruit Preparations: Fruit Purées, Fruit Pastes

CONCEPT' FRUITS, based in Vernosc-les-Annonay, France, is a leading European manufacturer and processor of premium chestnut and fruit-based products. As part of the Groupe Roger Descours, a family-owned agro-industrial group with decades of experience in fruit processing, CONCEPT' FRUITS has earned a global reputation for high-quality chestnut derivatives and natural fruit purées. The company’s deep expertise in traditional and industrial food processing techniques has positioned it as a key supplier to the global food industry, including pastry, confectionery, dairy, and foodservice sectors.

Core Business

The core business of CONCEPT' FRUITS revolves around the processing, packaging, and international distribution of chestnuts and fruit preparations. By combining artisanal knowledge with modern production infrastructure, the company delivers products that meet the sensory expectations and technical requirements of global B2B customers.

With its operations deeply rooted in the Ardèche region—famed for its chestnut groves—CONCEPT' FRUITS leverages geographical advantages and regional agricultural partnerships to ensure a consistent and high-quality raw material supply.

Product and Service Offerings

CONCEPT' FRUITS provides an extensive range of chestnut-based and fruit-derived products suitable for use in manufacturing, gastronomy, and retail. These include:

  • Chestnut Products:

    • Chestnut Cream (sweetened and unsweetened)
    • Chestnut Purée (for ice cream, bakery, and sauces)
    • Chestnut Paste (used in pastry, confectionery)
    • Chestnuts in Syrup
    • Cooked and Vacuum-Packed Whole Chestnuts
    • Chestnut Vermicelli (Mont Blanc-style desserts)
  • Fruit Preparations:

    • Fruit Purées (apple, pear, apricot, raspberry, etc.)
    • Fruit Pastes (confectionery and baking applications)

Packaging formats range from industrial 1kg–5kg packs to foodservice-friendly tubs and retail jars, available in both ambient and chilled formats.

Specialization and Core USP

CONCEPT' FRUITS distinguishes itself through:

  • Chestnut Expertise: Operating one of France’s largest and most specialized chestnut processing facilities.
  • Raw Material Integrity: Use of French-grown chestnuts (including AOP Ardèche chestnuts) and strict origin control.
  • Vertical Integration: Complete process control from chestnut sourcing and sorting to roasting, puréeing, and final packaging.
  • Product Customization: Ability to tailor formulations and textures for client-specific applications.

Financials and Operational Scale

While exact figures for CONCEPT' FRUITS are not publicly disclosed separately from Groupe Roger Descours, industry estimates and group-level data indicate:

  • Annual Production Capacity: Over 4,000 metric tons of chestnut products
  • Estimated Revenue (Group-Level): €30 million–€40 million
  • Export Share: Over 70% of production exported to international markets
  • Workforce: Approximately 150+ employees including seasonal labor

The group has made ongoing investments in equipment automation and sustainable production technologies, ensuring scalability and compliance with global food standards.

Shipment Data

Trade and customs data, alongside group shipping activity, highlight strong export performance:

  • Key Export Markets: Japan, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, South Korea, USA
  • Port of Dispatch: Primarily Marseille and Le Havre
  • Shipping Volumes: Approx. 150–200 containers annually
  • Documentation and Standards: Products supplied with multilingual labeling, health certificates, and origin proof for regulated markets

Target Market

CONCEPT' FRUITS serves diverse customer segments:

  • Food manufacturers (pastry, ice cream, desserts, and spreads)
  • Artisan bakeries and pâtisseries
  • Hotels, restaurants, and catering services
  • Gourmet and natural food retailers
  • Importers and distributors seeking clean-label European fruit products

The brand’s offerings also appeal to vegan, gluten-free, and organic product formulators.

Capabilities

  • Automated Chestnut Roasting and Peeling Lines
  • In-house R&D and Pilot Plant for Custom Development
  • Quality Control Lab for microbiology, texture, and sugar content analysis
  • Certified Cold Chain and Ambient Storage Facilities
  • Co-packing and Private Label Manufacturing

Certifications and Compliance

The company complies with stringent food safety and international regulatory requirements:

  • IFS (International Featured Standards) Certified
  • BRCGS (British Retail Consortium) Certified
  • Organic Certification (EU and USDA standards)
  • Kosher Certification
  • AOP Ardèche Chestnut Certified (select lines)

These certifications position CONCEPT' FRUITS as a reliable export partner to quality-focused clients worldwide.

Customer Testimonials

“Their chestnut purée has become the hero ingredient in several of our signature pastries. The consistency and flavor are always spot-on.”
Executive Pastry Chef, Paris Gourmet Group

“For industrial dessert production, CONCEPT' FRUITS gives us the flexibility and consistency we need, year-round.”
R&D Manager, European Frozen Dessert Brand

Major Achievements

  • Among the top European exporters of processed chestnut products
  • Supplier to Michelin-starred kitchens and premium dessert brands
  • Maintained 100% traceability and EU compliance across all product categories
  • Long-term partnerships with regional farmers preserving chestnut cultivation heritage
  • Investment in sustainable production technologies reducing water and energy usage

CONCEPT' FRUITS combines the authenticity of French chestnut tradition with modern food processing excellence. Its premium offerings and ethical sourcing make it a valued partner in the global specialty ingredient and gourmet food industry.