The cooperative
Our history
Les Celliers Associés : created by and for the producers
We are not a private company like the others, it’s a cooperative, and that changes everything! Our cooperative was created by and for the producer-members. It all started in 1953, when 12 apple growers from the Rance Valley decided to share production and distribution meanss. Sharing the same passion and the same aim, they launched the “Les Celliers Associés” cooperative in Pleudihen-sur-Rance in the Côtes d’Armor, on a 5-hectare site bordering the Rance River. Our raison d’être: to provide an outlet for producers-members by transforming apples into cider and apple juice, for the pleasure of all.
The cooperative model : sharing the fruits of success
The cooperative model is based on strong human values: democracy, transparency, equity, responsibility, solidarity. Specifically, the producer-members of our cooperative elect a board of directors composed of 12 members, representing all the members. It defines the purchase price of apples, the remuneration of producer-members, the major strategic orientations and the sharing of value (the balance between producers’ remuneration and future investments). Our producer-members have the assurance of being able to grow their orchards in a sustainable and responsible way. And to secure the future of their cider apple farms, often handed down from generation to generation.
Our cooperative : Genuine values
What a long way since 1953! Today, our Cooperative has 401 producers-members and our cider house has a team of 102 permanent employees.
If our cooperative has become an important local economic player in Brittany and Normandy, it remains more than ever faithful to the values that make it so successful. A human company that has the concern with responsible and sustainable apple growing, in which producers and employees share the same passion for cider and representing our local heritage..
Internationally renowned
Today, our Cooperative is one of the major players in cider in France. Val de Rance ciders can be found in most creperies, supermarkets, restaurants and bakers, in over 70 countries, including USA and Japan, Canada, UK, Europe, Russia …
For 64 years, we have worked with determination to preserve the quality and the naturalness of our Val de Rance ciders. Our ambition: to be a major player in cider in France and abroad. We commit ourselves day after day in a total quality approach, to make French cider unique with various flavors, , and in accordance with the new uses and desires of the consumers!
_Philippe Musellec / General Manager
CHRONOLOGY
1953
Creation of the cooperative Les Celliers Associés
1955
Installation in the current premises
1976 – 1980
Installation of the first refrigerated tanksChange of important production technique with the planting of the first low-growing orchards and contracting of the members.
1995
Export development
1997
First Private Label production
2002
Installation of the warehouse.Agri Confiance and ISO 9001 version 2000 quality certifications
2007
IFS certification version 5 and diversification :
Still & sparkling Apple juice,
Sparkling drinks
Lemonade
2011
Installation of new presses
2012
Purchase of Dujardin and Val de Vire cider factories in Normandy
2015
New visual identity and new ranges of cider for GMS and communication to develop new consumer opportunities
Oscars 2015 international development of Côtes d’Armor companies.
2016
New ranges for creperies, bakeries & gourmet stores
2017
Launch of a range of cider cans
2018
Presence in + 60 countries abroad
