For the second consecutive year, the Toulouse MIN is launching its 2023 solidarity calendar in limited edition, sold in support of food aid. The opportunity to discover 26 unpublished photos which reveal the figures of the companies of the Grand Marché. All have agreed to get naked for the good cause. And among them, we discover Thomas Fantini, the boss of the Pergola and the Esprit Pergo group, vice-president of Medef 31. Interview.

This year, you are therefore in the calendar “The Gods and Goddesses of the Grand Market”. Is this a first for you?
Absolutely. I had been requested previously but I had not been able to do so. Therefore, this year, I wanted to participate.

We discover you in a different light since you reveal part of your anatomy…
I do not reveal much anyway because part of my body is well hidden. All I did was pinch myself at the game for a good cause. We see me with a cap on my head, since I appear in February, high shoes and a rib of beef that serves as a cache-sex.

A sizable steak! Where does it come from and why this choice?
It’s a prime rib from Aubrac, from our supplier “La table de Solange”, which produces very fine products. It weighed 2.5 kg. She was gorgeous. On a product chosen because our Pergo workshop, which we use for the preparation of charcuterie and pastries for the whole group, is at the MIN.

Was it obvious for you to pose in this outfit?
No way. It was not easy and I would even say that it was disturbing. Honestly, I would have liked to keep my underpants but I was forced to take them off, it was very difficult because I am naturally modest. Never, I would have thought to do that in my life, it’s not my style at all.

What motivated you to overcome your modesty?
It’s the fact that at MIN we are a big family where everyone is very close. Also, when I was asked to participate in this solidarity operation in favor of the SOLAAL Occitanie association which organizes the donation of farmers for the benefit of the most deprived people, it was obvious.

After we feel that it is on the mode of the joke?
Yes, it is very light. Besides, I usually say that you can be serious without taking yourself seriously. There, we went to the extreme of the concept but it was for a good cause, as I said before.

What was the reaction of those around you?
Surprised and amused because everyone knows that I’m rather reserved and that I don’t like to show myself like that. At the same time, they were surprised. In the end, it has more. For the moment, I have very good feedback from customers who have had a good laugh.

As vice-president of Medef Haute-Garonne in charge of food, events, tourism and sport, aren’t you afraid that your image will be damaged?
No, we don’t have to take ourselves seriously to be. It does not question my skills or the work I can do for others. Even if it is badly perceived, I will stay straight in my boots.

If we had to redo it ?
I’ve done it once and it’s good. If there were needs in the next few years, I would always be available for the good cause. When you have a bit of luck in your life, it’s good to give it to those who don’t have it.