depuis 1890 au cœur du Pruneau d Agen
Maison Roucadil, located in the heart of the Agen prunes production area, the specialist for good taste! Located in the heart of the Agen prunes production area, Maison Roucadil perpetuates knowledge and tradition which have been passed on from generation to generation. Our production system has been modernized carefully considering the importance of the human element in the process itself and with respect to the product it creates. Our prune producers can be considered as the last artisans of Agriculture. They are drying their Ente plums in the Roucadil ovens, and according to Roucadil s specific standards. Respecting nature s seasonal cycle, harvesting the Ente plums when fully ripe for the production of our famous prunes, is a key feature of our company s philosophy. Combined with our desire to achieve excellence of taste this ensures the highest quality. In full awareness of the work required to achieve this aim, I am proud to perpetuate the quality philosophy promulgated by the whole family of Maison Roucadil. Sébastien Larroque, Plum grower and prune packer Shinny and sated with sunshine, the Agen prune has been part of the local culinary heritage in the South West of France for centuries. Growing plum trees in the South West of France started in the 12th century when the crusaders (especially some of the monks) brought Damson plum trees back from their Syrian expeditions and planted them near the villages of Clairac, Saint Vite and in the Lot et Garonne area. In the Agen County, the plum trees benefit from a sunny climate and an ideal soil enabling them to produce at their best. The Ente plum once dried was shipped by boat on the Garonne river from the port of Agen and became famous as the Agen prune, appreciated and in strong demand all over Europe. This Agen county will be the key Jean Roudil, (1913 2007) took over his parents prune production estate (established 1890) and created the family company corporate name by combining his father s and mother s surnames: ROUCADIL. A man of great curiosity, a passionate entrepreneur and a genial inventor (holding several patents including one for a prune oven with modern ventilation) Mr. Roucadil rapidly succeeded in growing his small family production business to become a leader in his field. He was and still remains the soul of the company. Maison Roucadil has organized many of the independent Ente plum producers in a suppliers group. Thus Maison Roucadil can control the whole production chain from the source, from the drying process to the packing. This ensures that the Company s highest standards are achieved at all times.
The premium prune was developed using variations of traditional recipes: a lighter and shorter drying process in order to retain the nutritive values and the original taste of the fruit. A selection of the finest and sweetest plums to guarantee a top quality when semi dehydrated. Drying to a moisture level of 35%, with no addition of water nor preservative, the Premium prune is particularly appreciated for its fine flavored flesh and it s particularly soft skin. It is the best available Agen prune. Some years ago Maison Roucadil initiated the semi dehydrated prune brotherhood to propagate this traditional fruit. During the harvest period, the brotherhood meets to elect it s representative for the traditional Saint Luc Day. The Maison Roucadil premium prune (semi- dehydrated): the Fresh prune of the Saint Luc day. In 2009, the Maison Roucadil moved into brand new premises or, as we say, was born again. Some key facts about the Montayral location: Floor area : 3 000 m 2 export: 30% of its turnover Research and innovation: Number of employees: from 40 to 60 people during the season. Invention of the first ventilated drying oven (1949), invention of the hand pitting machine (1970); conception of the first stuffed prune with prune cream and prune coated in chocolate (1975); development of confectionery based on dried fruits and chocolate (1980) and creation of an extensive range of dried and soft fruits (2000). Market launch of organic French prunes in 2002, extension of our confectionery range (2005). Numerous kinds of packing and labelling in answer to our customers requirements. Thanks it s methodical business approach and it s careful marketing strategy, Maison Roucadil is constantly aware of the market trends and the customer s wishes (new quality product offers, improvement of the production process and research on new packaging).
Since the end of the 1970 s, Maison Roucadil and the plum producers continually decreased the use of chemical components, instead of which eco-friendly, natural solutions are chosen. For example the use of cow manure to substitute chemical fertilizers and nature based pest management practices to replace insecticides. Maison Roucadil offers a range of organic prunes and organic soft fruits. Environmental friendly production: Protection of geographical indication: The Maison Roucadil s prunes have been awarded the PGI label which guarantees the customers that the Agen prune is exclusively produced from the Ente plum variety, grown, produced, harvested and processed in the Agen area. We follow a strict and specific quality standard plan which enables us to assure a perfect traceability, from the orchards to the final products. IFS certification (International Food Standard) Thanks to its new premises and strict quality policy Maison Roucadil has obtained the IFS certification which allows development of its activity on international markets. Prunes and health Prunes are a perfect product for a good and healthy diet. They bring the pleasure of a tasty snack, whilst helping avoid the risks of an unbalanced diet. Rich in fibers, vitamins (A,B,E) and energy, they are a perfect product for snacking. 100% natural, they offer all the benefits of a fruit but bring the advantage of having a long shelf life as they are easy to store. Don t forget to mention it in your folders sports, health and convenience products, but have it also during festive times : Christmas, Easter, not forgetting the period of october to celebrate the pruneau mi-cuit de la Saint Luc, a fantastic semi dehydrated prune. Pruneaux Roucadil should be found in the shops all year round by your regular customers and promotions made on a regular basis will help to attract new customers. The quality of Pruneaux ROUCADIL will turn them into regular buyers. ROUCADIL prunes : Easy products to market and sell Products making a good turnover and profits Products you must have in your range
depuis Maison ROUCADIL, worldwide marketed 1890 Londres New-York Madrid Moscou Amsterdam Berlin Rome Izmir Alger Tunis Shanghaï Bombay www.roucadil.com tél. 33 (0)5 53 71 22 15 fax 33 (0)5 53 71 14 81 Maison ROUCADIL ZA du Haut agenais 47500 Montayral France Lyon Marseilles