Isigny Sainte

Isigny Sainte-Mère, a cooperative based in Normandy, feeds 2.5 million babies in nearly 100 countries with its exceptional dairy products, sold in American supermarkets and used in the kitchens of top chefs worldwide. This global presence comes with a high level of risk: distant markets, complex regulations, and diverse commercial partners. Behind this export success lies a proactive approach to commercial risk management built over 30 years with Coface.

Benoît Aubry, the financial director, explains how the cooperative turns risk into a growth lever.

Isigny Sainte-Mère is a century-old cooperative that has become a global player in the export market. Over the years, they have faced economic crises and industrial changes while maintaining their cooperative model. Their unique model is embodied by their 1,250 employees and hundreds of farming families who transform dairy products into a globally recognized range of exceptional products such as AOP butter, AOP cream, Normandy camembert, Red Label mimolette, and internationally acclaimed infant milk powder. These products, distributed on all continents, currently generate hundreds of millions of euros in export revenue.

One of the key aspects of their success in more than 100 countries is their ability to manage multiple risks: commercial, regulatory, financial, environmental, technological, and cultural. Every entry into a new market requires more than just a commercial contract, as Isigny Sainte-Mère engages in a comprehensive risk assessment process.

In the global context of economic instability and increased commercial risks, Isigny Sainte-Mère’s entry into international markets requires rigorous credit risk management and a deep understanding of their commercial partners. For over 30 years, the Norman cooperative has relied on Coface for managing their commercial risks, enabling them to make timely decisions, even on complex cases.

The diversification towards infant milk powder production in the Asian market exemplifies this approach. Facing a highly regulated and demanding market, Isigny Sainte-Mère took a long-term vision to evaluate risks accurately before committing to the market. This strategic choice, based on solid decision-making frameworks and detailed partner analysis, allowed them to secure their decisions and achieve growth in this key market segment.

Today, Isigny Sainte-Mère’s infant milk powder produced locally in Isigny-sur-Mer feeds over 2.5 million babies in a hundred countries, representing more than 60% of the cooperative’s turnover. Their strategic developments in international markets, such as the adaptation of their cheese products for a major American retail player, showcase their ability to take bold industrial bets while ensuring a strong financial foundation.

Isigny Sainte-Mère’s structured approach to commercial risk has enabled them to transform uncertainty into growth and protect their cooperative model, business diversification, and stakeholders. This approach allows them to remain open to global trade, growth, and innovation.

Experience how Isigny Sainte-Mère keeps their world open to opportunities and growth, even in the face of uncertainty, by integrating risk into decision-making processes and leveraging solid partnerships to turn risk into opportunity. Managing risk is not about closing doors; it’s about protecting to continue opening new ones. That’s the essence of keeping your world open!

Benoît Aubry, financial director of Isigny Sainte-Mère.

Keep your world open too!