Les Moulins de la Concorde and Soufflet Negoce by InVivo : A lasting collaboration with France to ensure Mauritius food security

A memorandum of understanding guaranteeing the supply of French wheat to Les Moulins de la Concorde was signed today in the presence of Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, by Jérôme Calleau, Chairman of the InVivo Group, and Cédric de Spéville, CEO of the Eclosia Group and Director of Les Moulins de la Concorde.

In an international context marked by crises and geopolitical uncertainties that can disrupt supply chains, Soufflet Negoce by InVivo and Les Moulins de la Concorde reaffirm their collaboration to secure Mauritius’ wheat supply for the future.

A 35-year history of trust and commitment

The partnership between Les Moulins de la Concorde (LMLC) and Soufflet Negoce by InVivo is the result of a long-standing relationship that has lasted for more than 35 years.

In 1987, faced with challenges related to flour imports—particularly recurring shipments of spoiled flour—the Mauritian government launched a tender for the creation of a local flour mill.

The goal was clear: ensure a regular supply of fresh flour through local production, as wheat preserves much better than flour.

The project presented by the Eclosia Group under the name Les Moulins de la Concorde (LMLC) was selected. This marked a historic turning point toward food autonomy for the island, with the first ton of locally produced flour in 1989.

To meet the specific tastes and needs of the Mauritian population—particularly for homemade bread and faratas—LMLC strategically chose to import both French and Australian wheat to produce high-quality flours adapted to local culinary uses.

Since then, a strong commercial partnership has been established with Soufflet, a French wheat supplier that became Soufflet Negoce by InVivo in 2021 following its acquisition by the InVivo Group. This partnership, based on trust and consistency, has enabled LMLC to receive the necessary volumes each year to meet the growing local demand for flour, which has increased from 60,000 tons in 1989 to over 100,000 tons today.

Soufflet Negoce by InVivo : an essential support

Even during the most critical periods—such as the global food crisis of 2007–2008—Soufflet Negoce by InVivo always honored its commitments, while many other wheat origins failed. In this context, in 2008, a first memorandum of understanding guaranteeing the supply of 130,000 tons of wheat was signed between Soufflet Negoce and LMLC.

"We would like to emphasize that the Covid-19 pandemic was no exception: supply chains were rigorously maintained, ensuring Mauritius’ food security in terms of flour without interruption. We thank our partner once again for this," said Cédric de Spéville, CEO of the Eclosia Group.

For Jean-François Lepy, Head of Soufflet Negoce by InVivo: "This agreement is not just a commercial transaction; it is a commitment to the sustainable food security of Mauritius, which we are proud to support by guaranteeing the stability of our supplies to the island."

The presidential visit today provides a unique opportunity to formally renew this cooperation agreement, symbolizing a strong Franco-Mauritian relationship focused on the future.