To highlight these thousands of professionals who sometimes work in the shadows, the Monthly Grand Est Eco went to meet several personalities from the region who work to give the craft its credentials. Meet these enthusiasts.
Katia and Sylvie Lehmann: the emblem of Alsatian craftsmanship
Poterie Lehmann, founded in Soufflenheim (Bas-Rhin), is an emblematic example of Alsatian craftsmanship in the field of tableware. Under the direction of Kathia and Sylvie Lehmann, the company has successfully combined tradition and modernity in its creations. With an impressive turnover of more than 200 million euros and only 10 employees, Poterie Lehmann represents a real success story in the craft sector.
The company is renowned for its terracotta products that combine aesthetics and functionality. Kathia and Sylvie work to modernize the creations while preserving the artisanal techniques passed down through generations. Pottery is not only a utilitarian product, but also a decorative element that brings a touch of authenticity to every home. Their store in Strasbourg and an online sales space have expanded their reach, allowing their creations to reach a wider customer base.
Yannick Kraemer: just for your hair
The Kraemer Group, founded in Strasbourg in 1989 by Yannick Kraemer, is a network of high-end hair salons which stands out for its innovative franchise model. With more than 200 salons around the world, particularly in France, South Korea and Japan, the company has established itself as a leader in the hairdressing sector. The turnover of the parent company amounts to more than 100 million euros, which testifies to its success and its international influence.
The Kraemer Group’s commitment to quality is demonstrated through the ongoing training of its hairdressers, ensuring an exceptional level of service and skills at the forefront of the latest trends. Each salon reflects a chic and welcoming atmosphere, where clients can benefit from personalized treatments and expert advice. Yannick Kraemer’s passion for art goes beyond hairdressing: he also opened the Kraemer Gallery in Strasbourg, a space dedicated to contemporary art that highlights local and international artists.
Martine and Laurent Stoffel: the resilience of the craftsman
The Stoffel Chocolate Factory, founded in 1971 by Daniel Stoffel, embodies Alsatian chocolate craftsmanship in all its splendor. Located in Haguenau, Mundolsheim (Bas-Rhin) and Ribeauvillé (Haut-Rhin), this family business has, over the decades, built a solid reputation, notably thanks to a perfect mastery of chocolate work and a desire for innovation. constant. Today, under the direction of his children Martine and Laurent Stoffel, the chocolate factory continues its expansion while respecting traditions: around its 59 employees (9.6 million euros in turnover), the company places particular importance to the quality of ingredients and the art of chocolate making.
Martine Stoffel, in charge of local operations, ensures the smooth running of the stores and the quality of the products, while Laurent Stoffel manages international sales, opening new markets and ensuring the distribution of Stoffel products beyond French borders. The integration of the third generation, with Louis and Camille Casterot, ensures family continuity and a smooth transition towards a future focused on internationalization.
Véronique Ott-Hertzog: 202 years of history
Founded in 1822 in Hesingue (Haut-Rhin), Boucherie-Charcuterie Hertzog, with 202 years of history, is one of the oldest family businesses in the region, embodying nearly two centuries of know-how in the art of butchery and delicatessen. Currently managed by Véronique Ott-Hertzog, representative of the sixth generation, this artisanal company achieves a turnover which peaks at 4 million euros.
Véronique Ott-Hertzog, who was crowned with the title of Madame Artisanat in 2010, was able to modernize the business while respecting family recipes and traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. The addition of a catering service and the establishment of an online sales site under the leadership of his son Cyril Ott, representing the seventh generation, demonstrate this transformation necessary to meet new consumer demands.
Magali and Fabien Poulaillon: the family success story continues
Thanks to Moricette, a small bread made from pretzel dough, the Poulaillon bakery group based in Wittelsheim (Haut-Rhin) has been propelled to the rank of symbol of Alsatian artisanal quality. Founded in 1973 by Paul Poulaillon, the group has now passed into the hands of the second generation with Fabien and Magali Poulaillon at its head, respectively general manager and deputy general manager. The first oversees wholesale sales and the production site, while the second is in charge of the points of sale, which have multiplied throughout the Grand Est region and beyond. Last year, Poulaillon, 26 points of sale in the Grand Est, reached a major milestone in its history by reaching a turnover of 107.33 million euros, marking a new phase of growth for the company .
