With its 130 years of expertise, the company Routin, born in the very heart of the French Alps, stands out as the top leader of high-end range of original syrups.
Taken over in 1938 by René Clochet, the company was later managed by his two sons. Jean Clochet, trend-setter, invented LAB 1883, the first sensory analysis Centre in Europe, and initiated a scientific approach to aromatization. In parallel, Georges Clochet used his head for trade and excellent people skills to develop the company and seek out new opportunities. For over 25 years, the in-house sensory analysis laboratory has been provinding accuracy, intensity and purity to the syrups made by this emblematic brand. Therefore, 600 new aromas were tested every year and 50 new recipes were prepared. He created an unrivalled database, the fruit of the knowledge of 20 palates and noses and of the performance of the Research and Development team who works like illustrious perfumers.
In 2012, the Clochet Family, who has been managing Routin for over 70 years, sold the company to Olivier Lecoeur and CM-CIC Investissement. After Kraft Foods, Ferrero France and Campbell’s Soup, he had been General Manager of Hero France. “I was charmed by the soul of Routin, its Savoyard roots,…” he explains. ‘Its assets include industrial expertise, high quality products, motivated teams and a cutting-edge Research and Development department!” Today, he is as the head of Routin. The company employs 185 people and generates an annual turnover of 62 million euros.
