CAFÉS ENGAGÉS: ERIC BENCHETRIT'S PRODUCT QUEST

Coming back year after year, "Les Cafés Engagés" is working to promote speciality coffee, a high-quality yet sustainable beverage discovered all over the world.

The association was set up following a trip to Cameroon by Davis Serruys, the caffeinated executive who runs Proqua cafés, and Eric Benchetrit, France's best coffee roaster who runs two coffee shops in Orléans.

The two men driven by their mission to boost the quality of Cameroon's coffee industry, set up "Les Cafés Engagés" on their return. The association wants to promote a product produced via short, transparent circuits, in cooperation with local producers who are paid a fair price. It also wants to work with new producing regions around the world.

A visitor to Gourmet Selection for several years, Eric Benchetrit talks about what attracts him to the show in this interview conducted during the show.

Tell us about your business...

I created 3 shops, I started as a roaster with a fine food section.

What trend do you notice?

Today, the customer is looking for where the product was made, and we even go to the producers and even the country producers. They want to hear a story.

What do you expect from Gourmet Selection?

I am looking for new products, things that could be a bit innovative and that could also fit in my stores.

Which product really impressed you?

I have one, the guy made nougat. In fact, you can usually find nougat in bars, in slices. And he was smart, he changed the packaging of his nougats. He offers them in tablets, like a chocolate tablet, with a small window. I had never seen it before and I love it.

Gourmet Selection in 3 words…

Diversity, quality, innovation. See you next year.