"This is a real economic storm for our regions. A whole part of our economy is faltering." Sarah Escat, Managing Director of Mauco Cartex, a company specializing in packaging for wines and spirits based in Peujard, near Bordeaux, has a serious tone.
A third less sales in a year and a half
In just eighteen months, Mauco Cartex has seen its sales fall by a third, to 11.5 million in 2024. Faced with the scale of its difficulties, Mauco Cartex, which employs 80 people, opted for receivership last May.
Faced with a drop in business, the packaging manufacturer had already initiated restructuring last year, including the closure of three local branches and the loss of twenty jobs. "Things had been improving then in March Trump started talking... From there, the fall was brutal." says Sarah Escat. In her opinion, the Republican candidate's protectionist statements have completely upset the wine and spirits markets.
At the same time, Beijing has introduced a 35% tax on European spirits, in response to the customs duties imposed by Brussels on Chinese electric vehicles. "And we still don't know where we're going" deplores the manager.
Added to these geopolitical tensions are the effects of an unstable climate. Frost, hail, drought... these hazards are now repeated every year, with direct repercussions on production volumes and the economic health of winegrowers. Consumption of red wine is also declining among the younger generation, putting further pressure on the entire industry.
"Some customers are closing, others are pulling up their vines... Even our landscape has changed. It's very violent and very fast" says the entrepreneur, who doesn't hesitate to compare the current situation to that of the phylloxera aphid crisis that devastated vineyards at the end of the 19th century.
Banks on the sidelines
Faced with the emergency, Mauco Cartex approached the banks for transitional support. But to no avail. "So we had no choice but to file for receivership to avoid liquidation in six months' time. This should enable us to bounce back and get going again."
The measures envisaged as part of this procedure have yet to be defined. "We're in an administrative whirlwind at the moment: we have to give thousands of documents to dozens of interlocutors who are themselves overwhelmed with files. But we're working with staff representatives and the CGT to adapt the structure to the reality of sales."
But there's still plenty to turn things around
Despite this tense context, Mauco Cartex has several advantages. As of 2022, the company has launched a digital hub . "Word of mouth is working. Since the beginning of the year, we've recorded almost 200 account openings in other sectors such as health and wellness."
This business, which excludes wine and spirits, now accounts for 15% of sales. The range focuses on high value-added, short-run packaging, as well as decoration and fittings. "The idea is to develop everything to do with cardboard without turning our backs on our historic customers." And at the beginning of the year, Mauco Cartex also launched a packaging configuration and quotation tool developed by Packitoo.
With this ability to evolve, Sarah Escat is optimistic and determined: "I believe in it. We have committed employees, loyal customers and suppliers at our side. But we mustn't fight alone. Wines and spirits are part of France's heritage. The banks and the State must defend them too."
