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An interview with Philippe CAPMAS

1/ What made you join Groupe Frayssinet ?

I joined Groupe Frayssinet in May 1998. It wasn't a group yet but the organization that was being implemented there at that time could let you anticipate it was bound to become one, or at least it was a well-structured medium sized business running ahead to be the best. But I was hired as a member of the sales force thanks to and for the human element. My father was still working with the company (he spent 20 years here, until he retired) and I already knew Luc Frayssinet I had met on many occasions and particularly during the internship I had to take as work experience when a student at business school. I noticed then that the human element was already central, that it was important for Luc and Thierry Frayssinet to bring the best out of everyone and to do so, it was essential everyone could grow up within the company. Let me tell you too, that my 2 grandfathers were winegrowers and arboriculturists, I've always felt attracted to and respectful for this trade, so we can say the ingredients were present.

2/ You are the sales manager for Fertil' France at the moment, can you tell us more about the company's activities?

Yes, we took over Procep in 2000, a company which marketed solid fertilizers and developed a line of liquid products as well. This aspect was very interesting to us. We obviously wanted to diversify while sticking to our trade. When Gilbert Garapin, an engineer who had done a lot of research into "liquid" organic matter, joined the company and was given the necessary means to achieve his research, we were able to revise completely Fertil'France's product offer and develop our liquid range. In 2006, the ANTYS range of natural antioxidants was born and has been a success. The synergistic action of our different antioxidants for foliar application allows crops to turn over the worst. These liquid products are less bulky than solid ones and have made it possible for us to enter the export market, even in faraway countries, SITEVI in Mendoza, Argentina but also Maghrib …
Fertil' France is a member of the network of suppliers and equipment manufacturers of the wine-growing and producing sector in Languedoc-Roussillon : VINSEO

3/ How has Fertil' France been working and evolving within Groupe Frayssinet?

We can say at the moment that our sales yearly progression is very significant and so is Fertil' France's position on the market. Our heading for liquid product development is a major direction too. All this is being done within the group in total transparency. Fertil'France is present at the best national dealers and distributors' outlets.

4/ With regard to the current economic situation and the important rise in the price of mineral raw materials, how do you see the future of the “organic”market and especially of Groupe Frayssinet?

Obviously the current inflation of input matters and fertilizers is alarming insofar as it’s surged over a wine-growing and produce market that find it hard to absorb the rise shock. However, I think we have got true assets with a return to the agronomic practice that’s being called for. Our products perfectly match the higher and higher consumer demand for “organic” products or more generally residue free clean products generating less pollution. This is due to a general public awareness initiated by Grenelle de l’environnement – the French environmental protocol lately. I mentioned agronomy with the option of restoring soils optimal working condition and placing the plant in the best possible environment. Products like the ones of the Antys range protect the plant cell and when associated with natural organic fertilizers they get all their meaning. (link to R&D synergy). To face the decrease of certain phyto molecules or their decrease in rates, we can offer all organic “package” programs. Groupe Frayssinet where the human element prevails, is well-structured. It markets products in the spirit of the times and keeps on working to offer its customers the best solution … ever ! For all these reasons I believe Groupe Frayssinet will be here at the same place where it’s standing today, namely : THE FIRST