Paris, Vitrolles, December 3, 2024 – Sofiproteol, Avril's investment company dedicated to agricultural and food industry players, supports CIACAM, the French leader in dried vegetables, in its development. This financial commitment aims to consolidate its balance sheet by providing quasi-equity and to support it in its strategy to strengthen its French supplies.
70 years of expertise in the trade of dried vegetables
Founded in 1950 by Samson Cherqui, CIACAM is a family business based in Vitrolles (PACA) and Merville (Hauts-de-France). Specializing in the trade and marketing of dried vegetables (chickpeas, lentils, beans, peas...), it relies on unique expertise in sourcing, serving French and international food industries. With a turnover of 70 million euros, growing thanks to the market's dynamism, and an annual sales volume of 65,000 tons of products, CIACAM positions itself as a key partner in the agricultural and food industries.
Strengthening French supply in a market dominated by imports
In a market where more than 60% of dried vegetables are imported, CIACAM aims to strengthen its French supplies. Faced with the challenges of the sector, this challenge relies on close collaboration with all stakeholders (producer organizations, storage organizations, industrialists). CIACAM aims to base its supply strategy on the agronomic (nitrogen fixation, fertilizer reduction, interest in rotations) and nutritional benefits of legumes.
Cyril Melin, Associate Director of Sofiprotéol
"Legumes play an essential role in agricultural, food, and environmental transitions and are at the heart of the issues supported by Sofiprotéol. We are pleased to support CIACAM in its desire to boost local production, in line with our purpose to Serving the Earth."
A long-term partnership for sustainable development
With Sofiprotéol, CIACAM intends to sustain its historical relationships with its French and international partners while investing in the future of local sectors. "Thanks to Sofiprotéol's support, we will strengthen our financial structure and accelerate our development while consolidating our model," says Illan Cherki, President of CIACAM.
Key figures :
- 65,000 tons of dried vegetables sold per year
- Two industrial sites: Merville (59) and Vitrolles (13)
- Turnover of 70 million euros
- 45 employees
Sofiprotéol participants in the Ciacam operation : Cyril Melin, Géraud Nolorgues, Gaspard Chabaille d’Auvigny, and Anne-Sophie Dubourg.