Maison Cotolot: A Legacy of Excellence in Dried Fruit Production

Company Overview

Maison Cotolot is a renowned French company specializing in the production and processing of high-quality dried fruits, particularly Pruneaux d'Agen (Agen prunes). Based in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France, the company has been at the forefront of dried fruit manufacturing for over four generations, blending tradition with innovation to provide premium products to both domestic and international markets.

Core Business & Product Offerings

Maison Cotolot is a leader in natural and organic dried fruit production, catering to a wide range of industries including food processing, retail, and hospitality. The company focuses on:

• Pruneaux d'Agen (Agen Prunes)
  • Pitted Prunes
  • Unpitted Prunes
  • Organic Prunes
  • Preservative-Free Prunes
• Figues Moelleuses (Rehydrated Figs)
• Abricots Moelleux (Rehydrated Apricots)

Each product is carefully processed using advanced dehydration and rehydration techniques, ensuring superior taste, texture, and nutritional value.

Financial Performance & Market Position

Maison Cotolot has achieved steady growth over the years, driven by export demand, premium product positioning, and organic product expansion. Key financial highlights include:

• Annual Revenue: Estimated at €10-15 million.
• Production Capacity: Over 4,000 tons of prunes processed annually.
• Market Reach: Products distributed in over 30 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Growth Rate: Averaging 7-10% annual revenue growth, driven by organic and natural product trends.

Export & Global Presence

Maison Cotolot has established itself as a trusted supplier of Agen prunes and dried fruits worldwide. The company exports a significant portion of its products to:

• Europe: Germany, Italy, UK, Spain
• North America: United States, Canada
• Asia: Japan, South Korea, China

Export Statistics:

• Annual Export Volume: 2,500+ tons of dried fruits.
• Key International Clients: Food manufacturers, health food brands, and premium retailers.

Competitive Advantages & Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

1. Authentic Origin – Certified Pruneaux d'Agen, a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product, ensuring premium quality and authenticity.
2. Organic & Preservative-Free Options – Meeting the growing health-conscious consumer demand.
3. Sustainable Farming Practices – Works directly with local farmers, ensuring fair trade, quality control, and sustainability.
4. Cutting-Edge Processing Techniques – Advanced dehydration and rehydration technology to maintain fruit flavor and nutrition.
5. Customization for B2B Clients – Offers tailor-made packaging and processing solutions for food manufacturers and retailers.

Certifications & Compliance

Maison Cotolot adheres to the highest food safety and quality standards, holding certifications such as:

• PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) – Pruneaux d'Agen
• ISO 22000 – Food Safety Management System
• Organic Certification (EU & USDA)
• IFS Food & BRC (British Retail Consortium) Certifications
• Kosher & Halal Certifications

These certifications reinforce Maison Cotolot's commitment to delivering safe, high-quality, and sustainable dried fruit products.

Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Maison Cotolot integrates eco-friendly and ethical practices across its operations:

• Sustainable Agriculture: Partners with local prune growers using eco-friendly farming methods.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Implemented energy-efficient drying and packaging processes, reducing CO₂ emissions by 25% over the past decade.
• Zero-Waste Approach: Utilizes prune by-products for natural fertilizer production, ensuring full resource utilization.

Customer Testimonials

• "Maison Cotolot's Pruneaux d'Agen are the finest quality prunes we've sourced. Their natural sweetness and texture make them ideal for our organic product line." – European Food Manufacturer
• "We appreciate Cotolot’s commitment to sustainability and organic farming. Their prunes have become a key ingredient in our premium health snack range." – North American Retailer

Major Achievements

• One of the Top 5 exporters of Agen prunes worldwide.
• Expanded organic product line by 40% in the last five years, meeting growing consumer demand.
• Over 80 years of expertise in prune production, maintaining traditional craftsmanship with modern processing.
• Implemented state-of-the-art traceability systems, ensuring full transparency from farm to consumer.

Conclusion

Maison Cotolot remains a benchmark of excellence in the dried fruit industry, combining heritage, innovation, and sustainability to serve global markets. With a focus on quality, authenticity, and responsible sourcing, the company is well-positioned for continued growth in the premium and organic dried fruit sector.