Chocolate bears, produced near Rouen, seduce Cyril Lignac and French deputies
Near Rouen, an ESAT (work assistance establishments or services) produces confectionery tasted and validated by Cyril Lignac and… French deputies. A look back at a success and its manufacturing secrets.
It’s a great spotlight for the ESAT du Pré de la Bataille in Notre-Dame-de-Bondeville (Seine-Maritime). The highly publicized Cyril Lignac tasted and validated their delicious chocolate bears. It was the employees of the ESAT who wanted to have their creations tasted by the star of M6.
The chef with multiple shows was unable to visit the confectioners, but he congratulated them and offered a box of his bears in return.
The small animals were also to the taste of the deputies of the National Assembly. Gérard Leseul, MP for the 5th constituency of Seine-Maritime, had visited the ESAT during Disability Week. The chef of the kitchens of the National Assembly ordered 1800 pieces. The parliamentarians were able to taste the teddy bears at coffee time.
“ He is just unique! There is a real chocolate layer with quality chocolate. A smooth marshmallow! We sent the craft product » says Thomas Dumesnil Deputy Director of the ESAT Pré de la Bataille.
The 25 salaried operators of the confectioners, dressed in a traditional uniform and the famous chef’s hat, produce confectionery by hand all year round. Marshmallows come in bears but also in domes or hearts.
Mendiants, orangettes, fruit jellies, chocolate bars are available in their shop and in line. The famous Rouen sugar is also produced according to the ancestral recipe. In 1987, the Pré de la Bataille took over the manufacturing process for this famous Rouen candy designed by an apothecary in 1592, the famous apple sugar, also called Rouen apple or cherry sugar. Nearly 700 pieces are shaped per day. Everything is handmade. As soon as the 135° paste is on the marble, the operators cool it. Then they cut, roll and wrap. The transfer of skills is possible thanks to experienced instructors like Xavier Rouillard: “I’m just the conductor, it’s mainly thanks to the daily work that the team has been able to do with quality and rigor, that’s what brings us to have this small reputation on the products we made. »
These people with disabilities can enhance their work by validating a “Recognition of acquired experience” (RAE), choose to stay with the Confectioners or go to work in the ordinary environment.
Practical information
Workshop-boutique Les Confectioners. 12, rue de l’Abbaye, Notre-Dame-de-Bondeville. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tel: 02 32 91 60 75. Email: [email protected]