Port Louis, November 20: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked with the aim to ensure the supply of French wheat to the Moulins de la Concorde in the presence of French Head of State His Excellency Mr Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister to the Republic of Mauritius Dr Navin Ramgoolam, by the Groupe chairman of InVivo Jérôme Calleau, and CEO of the Eclosia Group and CEO of the Moulins de la Concorde Cédric de Spéville.
In a global context marked by crisis and geopolitical uncertainties having an impact on logistics chains, Soufflet Négoce by InVivo and Les Moulins de la Concorde strive to reaffirm their collaboration designed to secure the wheat supply in future for Mauritius.
A long dated history of 35 years based on trust and commitment
The collaboration between Moulins de la Concorde (LMLC) and Soufflet Négoce by InVivo is the result of a long history spanning more than 35 years where in the year 1987, witnessing challenges linked to the importation of flour, in particular the recurrency of spoiled cargos, the Government launched an call for tender for the creation of a local flour mill with clear objectives such as ensuring a regular supply of fresh flour by means of local production taken into account that wheat was preserved much better than flour.
The project presented by the Eclosia Group under the name Les Moulins de la Concorde (LMLC) was retained, where it constituted a historic turning point towards food autonomy with the first ton of flour being produced on local shores in 1989.
To meet the taste and unique needs of the local population, in particular the manufacture of bread and Parata, the LMLC made a strategic choice to import the French and Australian wheat to locally produce quality flour suited to culinary uses. Since then, a strong trade partnership was established with Soufflet, French supplier of wheat rebanded as Soufflet Négoce by InVivo in 2021, following its takeover by the Groupe InVivo.
This partnership, based on constant mutual trust, has enabled the LMLC to receive every year the necessary volume suiting local needs for flour uninterruptedly, rising from 60,000 tons in 1980 to hit 100,000 currently.
Soufflet Négoce by InVivo: An unflinching support for food security
Even during the most challenging times, in particular the global food security crisis of 2007-08, Soufflet Négoce by InVivo honored its commitment while several wheat origins were lacking in supply. It was in this context that, in 2008, the first agreement for the guaranteed supply of 130,000 wheat tons was inked between Soufflet Négoce and LMLC.
CEO of the Eclosia Cédric de Spéville commented: “We wish to underline that the COVID-19 pandemic was no exception, where the supply chain was maintained rigorously, in ensuring food security for Mauritius in terms of the supply of flour uninterruptedly. We wish to thank our partner for this.”
CEO at Soufflet Négoce by InVivo Jean-François Lepy shared: “The agreement is not limited to commercial transactions and poses as a commitment to sustainable food security in the interest of Mauritius, for which we are proud to be a part of in the stable supply towards the island.”
The state visit today offers a privileged opportunity to formally renew this cooperation agreement, showcasing a strong French-Mauritius relationship geared towards the future.
