Secrets of the longevity of the family businesses of the Pays-de-la-Loire - Journal des Entreprises - Loire-Atlantique - Vendée

In western France, it's not uncommon to be offered a refreshing drink - almond paste - after a meal. This drink was created in 1885 by pharmacist Emile Giffard in the city of Angers.

The first customers at the time were guests of a neighboring hotel in Alsace Street. Since then, the Giffard house has grown considerably. Today it is a thriving company with 140 employees, a turnover of 45 million euros, exporting 70% of its production to 80 countries and dividing its activities into liqueurs and syrups.

Giffard, a world leader in its industry, is largely a family business, where the fifth generation takes over the management of this 138-year-old company. In January, future co-CEO Emily Giffard and her cousin Pierre Juanno Giffard will take office.

"My father Bruno, the current CEO, will remain as president and my aunt Edith will become acting CEO. "

- says Emilie Giffard. "We are in the process of transferring. This is an important moment in the life of a company.

In a few sentences, future co-CEO Giffard reveals several secrets that explain the longevity of family businesses: accompanying the new generation with the previous one, clear management, jointly developing the company's strategy with the rest of the family, articulating the company's values and forecasting for the long term.