In the fresh sections of supermarkets, desserts made from coconut, almond or soy milk have gradually established themselves alongside traditional dairy yogurts. The plant market has, for several years, been on the rise and Andros has understood this well.
The French agri-food giant has therefore chosen to focus on its Novandie factory in Marcillé-Raoul, 40 km from Fougères. The only one of this ultra-fresh subsidiary to specialize in 100% plant-based products. A turning point taken in 2017 after the heyday of the Mamie Nova brand. It is also here that industrial tests are carried out before the launch of large-scale production.
15,000 tonnes in 2024
For the Bretillian site which has around a hundred employees, the bad times of 2013 now seem to belong to the past. Eleven years ago, a job protection plan led to the elimination of half of the workforce. “Today we are in full development”notes Sabine Burgot, human resources manager.
This year, a little over 15,000 tonnes of plant-based desserts left the factory for Andros but also distributor brands and a few exports to Spain, Portugal and England in particular.
Production is expected to reach 16,500 tonnes in 2025. “The volumes are lower with plants but we have nonetheless been gradually gaining momentum over the past ten years,” underlines Anne-Sophie Destres. For the operations manager, the reason is obvious: “ It's fashionable to consume fewer cow's milk products, observe-t-elle. Plant-based desserts are no longer just for the lactose intolerant. They are becoming popular with all consumers, vegan or not. »
Support and train
In order to expand production, Novandie wants to expand its workforce, including a replacement team for weekends. The company is looking for line managers (overpackaging, packaging), manufacturing managers and maintenance technicians. Around ten positions are to be filled.
“We are currently recruiting on an interim basis with the possibility of perpetuating the jobs later since we will have retirements which will have to be compensated, says Sabine Burgot. It is also a way to allow everyone to become familiar with the rotation work in 3 x 8 hours. »
In a context of almost full employment in the Fougerais area, the shortage of candidates is however felt. “We’re struggling to find people”recognizes the HR manager. The lack of attractiveness of agro-industry professions as well as the constraints linked to mobility and hourly rotation are obstacles clearly identified by Novandie.
But the company intends to use the means to encourage people to join its teams. “We are ready to support, train and improve the skills of our new recruits”insists Sabine Burgot.
A site in constant evolution
After having lived several lives, the farm products collection company, created in 1899 by the Clanchin family, joined the ranks of the Andros group at the beginning of the 1990s. Large investments have recently been made on the site, amounting to several million euros. Among them: a new process workshop with new tanks, in 2020, as well as two new lines, including one to develop a range of 400 g family pots. “We also invested in a wastewater treatment plant last year and we are in the process of switching our oil boilers to gas”adds Sabine Burgot. For the human resources manager, “These investments show that we are here to stay and last. »
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