After a long receivership process, the food company based in Hérault has finally been taken over by two major players in the industry: La Confiserie du Tech and Le Comptoir de Mathilde, a group based in Vaucluse. The experts at AURIS Finance, a consultancy specialising in mergers and acquisitions, give you their analysis.
A leading player in the confectionery, chocolate and biscuit industry has just collapsed. Founded in 1989 by Christian Berlan in the Hérault region of France, La Cure Gourmande was established with the aim of promoting French sweet traditions. In 1992, the company underwent a transformation with the arrival of Florence and Edouard Hennebert, two food experts. They developed a fully integrated offering, from production in France to in-store presentation. The company opened its first franchise in Belgium in 2005, followed by outlets in Spain and the United Arab Emirates. It was not until 2014 that the brand began to develop in this format in France.
Contained growth
After opening its first shop in Balaruc-les-Bains, La Cure Gourmande went on to open more shops in France and abroad. The brand offers 12 product lines, including biscuits, confectionery and chocolate. The brand has developed its own unique identity in its shops, with a carefully designed interior and customer-focused services such as tastings. While organic growth was real, it remained well under control. However, franchise development alone was insufficient. Already weakened by financial difficulties since 2017, with the company having been placed in receivership due to cash flow problems, it was then hit hard by the pandemic. Four years on, recovery remains difficult: the company is reducing its workforce and selling its logistics building. Although sales gradually recovered, the explosion in energy costs, coupled with high inflation, finally proved too much for the group. In the summer of 2025, the company went into receivership.
A new chapter
The decision handed down by the Montpellier Court on 30 June marks a new era for the traditional confectionery group. Based in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, La Confiserie du Tech (with 100 employees and sales of €10 million) is taking control of La Cure Gourmande brand name, its portfolio of brands, customer and supplier files, recipes, certain production equipment, and the goodwill of the Sète and Pézenas shops. Some production will be transferred to La Confiserie du Tech’s facilities in Cabestany. Le Comptoir de Mathilde (delicatessen and chocolates) is taking over the Narbonne-based chocolate manufacturing facility and will employ 15 people. Through the development of new products, the creation of events, the introduction of new products and the signing of partnerships with regional suppliers, La Confiserie du Tech aims to boost brand awareness.
Our experts at your service
The food and retail sectors are facing new challenges. In an uncertain macroeconomic environment, retailers must address new consumer expectations. By acquiring the well-established La Confiserie de la Tech brand, the company is gaining a valuable asset. It must now build on this reputation while continuing to innovate. At AURIS Finance, our experts specialise by sector. We can help you find the target company that will enable you to expand your business.
