Meet the Digonnet family, producers of coulis in Haute-Loire
Berry farmers:
I really wanted to introduce you to Jean Pierre and Christelle Digonnet, the makers of our red fruit coulis. Their story began in the 1980s: the couple sold fruit at markets throughout the Haute-Loire region (Puy-en-Velay, Yssingeaux, Tence, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon). A few years later, they naturally decided to become farmers and purchased several large plots of land in the town of Mas-de-Tence, where they planted raspberries and redcurrants.
Behind the Scenes of the Mortar
The farm, bathed in sunshine this afternoon, lies right before us. Christelle reassures me: the raw materials are at the bottom of the valley, but we’ll start the tour at the end—on the terrace. Once again, we take the time to share our plans, the challenges and opportunities of the market, and our thoughts: there’s no shortage of ideas! A simple moment of sharing, with the joy of being together as if at home… with family. All accompanied by a delicious sorbet (raspberry, of course).
Christelle, accompanied by her children, Louis and Capucine, takes the time to show me the necessary equipment and processes, from blending in the vats to labeling the bottles. The equipment is both simple and modern, just like their recipe. One of the keys to success: high turnover ensures the freshness needed for the coulis to prevent it from losing its color and flavor. But the expertise lies in the field, in the meticulous work among the raspberry bushes, which benefit from a unique advantage: the pure air found only at high altitudes, above 1,000 meters.
The team: a perfect fit
The production process is fascinating, but I’ve chosen to focus more on the people behind it. Their journey, their hard work, and how they complement each other—that’s what makes the Digonnet family so strong. It’s through our conversations and their years of dedicated work distributing their fruit sauces that we’ve come to these conclusions.
Christelle, the epitome of balance and kindness: she’s involved in making jams and coulis, selling redcurrants at the markets, and serving customers on the patio. She’s always approachable.
Jean Pierre: production oversight, sales development… wow, he really knows his way around business! You can quickly tell just how much the markets have taught him.
Louis: Once he finished his marketing studies, he didn’t wait long to return to the farm. And he arrived at just the right time, bringing new energy and ideas, just as his father was thinking about retirement.
Capucine: Will she have a role to play in the future? Only time will tell.
The handover has gone smoothly and under the best possible circumstances. What a joy it is for his parents to see that all their hard work has not been in vain, and that there are still many years ahead!
It is thanks to this solid foundation that their efforts are bearing fruit: quince paste, jams, sorbets, and smoothies have been added to their line of fruit sauces. If you get the chance, stop by for a coffee on their terrace: you’ll hear the birds singing while enjoying a magnificent view of their fields. The Digonnet family welcomes you in the spring to sample these delicacies. It’s so peaceful!
