Founded in 1682, the French Maison Dalloyau, renowned for its gastronomic expertise, has been placed in receivership with a view to being sold on August 1, 2024, due to major financial difficulties.
At the beginning of August, the Paris Commercial Court placed Dalloyau in receivership. Despite the joy of the Olympic Games and the country’s international reputation, France’s oldest and most prestigious caterer, founded in 1682 and historic supplier to the court of Versailles, is going through a difficult period. And this, despite its reputation for excellence in pastry-making, catering and gastronomy.
Dalloyau: a fragile heritage
Since its creation by Charles Dalloyau, the gastronomic house has undergone a number of financial trials. Awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label in 2007, Dalloyau was placed under a financial safeguard procedure at the end of 2020. This enabled the company to draw up a recovery plan and pay off its debts. In August 2024,the company faced a major difficulty and was now on the verge of bankruptcy.
The company was placed in receivership, marking a worsening of its financial difficulties despite previous attempts at recovery. In 2010, before Perceva acquired a stake in the company, sales amounted to €65 million. By 2023, revenues had fallen to an alarming 11 million euros, compared with the pre-pandemic period . This drop in revenue is also accompanied by a significant reduction in headcount, from 200 pre-pandemic employees to just 120 today.
In 2010 Perceva acquired a 50% stake in Dalloyau, before buying out the remaining 50% in 2015. This investment fund tried to expand the company’s activities by opening new stores and restaurants in Paris and Marseille, but without any notable success. The insolvency administrators have given themselves until September 12, 2024 to find potential buyers to save Dalloyau.The takeover offer includes the remaining sales outlets in France, as well as international boutiques in Japan, Hong Kong and Qatar. The current owners have not commented on the situation, leaving the future of the company uncertain, despite its previous relaunch in 2018.
A symbol of French excellence
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