Andros is a French multinational food company specializing in fruit and dairy products. Founded in 1959 by Jean Gervoson and Pierre Chapoulart, the company is headquartered in Biars-sur-Cère, France. As of 2021, Andros operates 44 factories worldwide and employs approximately 10,000 people. In 2020, the company reported revenues of €2.4 billion.
Product Portfolio and Brands
Andros offers a diverse range of products, including fruit juices, jams, compotes, biscuits, and candies. Its notable brands encompass:
- Bonne Maman: Renowned for jams, marmalades, compotes, desserts, cakes, and biscuits.
- Biscuiterie Saint-Michel: A French manufacturer of cakes and biscuits.
- Mamie Nova: Specializes in yogurts.
- Pierrot Gourmand: Known for candies.
- Buddy Fruits: Offers ready-to-eat fruit snacks.
- Solo Italia: Produces frozen desserts.
Additionally, Andros Chef provides gastronomic fruit products tailored for the catering industry.
Global Presence
Andros has established a significant international footprint with production facilities in various countries, including China, Vietnam, and the United States. Its subsidiaries include Andros Asia, Andros Foods North America, Andros United Kingdom, and Los Nietitos in Uruguay. In 2022, the company expanded its operations by opening a new industrial site in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, enhancing its influence in its native region.
Market Position and Performance
As of 2017, Andros held significant market shares in various segments:
- Fruit Juices: 19.5% in the fresh section.
- Jams: 47%.
- Refrigerated Compotes: 62.4%.
These figures underscore Andros's strong position in the fruit-based product market.
Sustainability and Innovation
In recent years, Andros has shifted towards environmental consciousness. In 2018, the company launched "Andros Gourmand & Végétal," a brand offering plant-based desserts made from coconut and almond milk, serving as low-carbon alternatives to traditional dairy yogurts. By the end of 2020, Andros introduced a recyclable compote pouch, reflecting its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions.
Sponsorship and Community Engagement
Andros has a longstanding tradition of investing in sports sponsorships. The company is the primary sponsor of the Andros Trophy, an ice rallycross championship in France, and supports the French rugby union club CA Brive. These sponsorships not only enhance brand visibility but also demonstrate Andros's commitment to community engagement and support for local sports initiatives.
Challenges and Controversies
The company has faced legal challenges, notably in 2015 when its subsidiary, Novandie, was fined €35 million for participating in a "yogurt cartel" that conspired on dairy product prices. In 2019, Andros was again fined €14 million for its involvement in a "compote cartel," coordinating price increases in the compote market. These incidents highlight the importance of compliance and ethical practices in maintaining the company's reputation.
