After eight years of growth alongside Solexia, Antoine Pichat has become the majority shareholder of Maison Bissardon and is partnering with Crédit Mutuel Equity to support the company’s ambitions in France and internationally.
A recognised specialist in the artisanal processing of premium fruit juices, nectars, purées, and compotes, Maison Bissardon has completed a capital restructuring that allows its CEO, Antoine Pichat, to become the majority shareholder. To finance this project, Antoine Pichat turned to Crédit Mutuel Equity to support its growth in France and export markets, whilst diversifying its product ranges. The SME generates a turnover of approximately €10 million and employs 32 people.
Founded in 1994 by Jean-Louis Bissardon and led since 2018 by Antoine Pichat - then a minority shareholder alongside Solexia - Maison Bissardon is entering a new stage in its history. Following eight years dedicated to structuring and developing the company, this transaction marks the continuation of an entrepreneurial project driven by its CEO.
This transmission operation enables Crédit Mutuel Equity to support the company as a minority shareholder. This MBO allows Maison Bissardon to pursue its growth strategy, notably by investing in innovation to address the consumer trend towards alcohol-free and lower-sugar beverages, whilst expanding its geographic footprint in the French market by reinforcing sales teams in the Île-de-France and PACA regions. Export markets have also been identified as a key growth driver.
Anchored in a region rich in orchards, the company relies on a network of over 250 partner fruit growers mainly located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It prioritises French sourcing to promote the quality, traceability, and origin of the fruit.
With a production capacity exceeding 8 million bottles per year, Maison Bissardon highlights the authentic taste of fruit by combining artisanal know-how with a structured industrial framework. Operations are carried out in a processing facility in Saint-Paul-en-Jarez on a 3,000-square-metre site acquired in 2011. The company controls the entire production chain, from fruit selection to processing (washing, pressing, gentle pasteurisation), and offers a wide range of products : 100 % pure juices, nectars, purées, and compotes, with no artificial colourings or preservatives.
Driven by a multi-channel strategy, the company markets its products under three complementary proprietary brands :
- Bissardon, the historic premium range, targeting delicatessens, high-end restaurants, caterers, wine merchants, hotels, and specialised distribution networks ;
- Bio Les Cœurs, the organic range, aimed at beverage distributors and specialised organic networks ;
- L’Arbre à Jus, designed for the out-of-home food sector.
Maison Bissardon also offers toll processing, transformation, and packaging services on behalf of fruit growers and business partners, as well as private-label products for distributors.
"First of all, I would like to thank Solexia for their trust and support since 2018. These eight years have allowed us to structure the company, consolidate our know-how, and lay the foundations for our growth. Today, a new chapter begins for Maison Bissardon as Crédit Mutuel Equity joins our capital. I share their vision and long-term approach. Their recognised expertise in the agri-food sector and the potential synergies with their portfolio companies are real assets to support our ambitions, " explains Antoine Pichat, who aims for 30 % growth within 5 years. " Our aim is to continue moving our company upmarket by placing an even greater emphasis on the quality of our fruit, its origin, and our processing know-how. We want to accelerate our commercial development in France and internationally, whilst continuing to invest in innovation, particularly around new natural, lower-sugar beverages inspired by fruit. Our goal is to make Maison Bissardon a French benchmark for premium juices and drinks, combining high quality standards, local roots, and innovation" he continues.
"We are delighted to support Antoine Pichat in this essential transition from minority to majority shareholder, and to back his growth strategy in a sector we know well. This great regional SME - whose business model prioritises ultra-short supply chains from the orchard to the bottle, respect for the fruit's natural rhythm, and a connection to the land - has all the qualities to become a leader in the premium juice market. Its artisanal know-how, its positioning based on rigorous sourcing with complementary ranges, and its selective distribution channels allow it to target significant development in France and Europe. It may also seize external growth opportunities to consolidate its regional footprint," adds Stéphane Simoncini of Crédit Mutuel Equity.
New trends in the fruit juice market
As the second-largest European market behind Germany, the French fruit juice market was worth approximately €2 billion in 2025 and is experiencing limited overall growth. However, certain segments remain dynamic, driven by changing consumer expectations. Consumers are increasingly demanding natural, healthy and transparent products. They favour additive-free products and pay particular attention to the ingredients in juices. At the same time, demand for local and short-supply-chain products is strengthening. Consumers and distributors are seeking more traceability, a reduced carbon footprint, and support for local fruit growers. This momentum is part of a broader trend towards responsible consumption. In this context, moving upmarket represents an opportunity for differentiation, particularly in specialised distribution networks, hotels, and restaurants. The search for authentic products, identified origins, and high-quality recipes also accompanies the rise of premium alcohol-free drinks and lower-sugar alternatives. These developments open up new perspectives for houses capable of combining know-how, rigorous sourcing, and innovation.