From left to right: Marie-Edith Lecoq (director of Le Monde de l'Épicerie Fine), Samy Vischel (CEO Fauchon), André Terrail (owner of La Tour d'Argent), Émilie Bonaventure (interior designer Be-Attitude), Alessandra Pierini (Italy specialist, France Inter columnist and author), Florent Simonneau (sales and marketing director Chronofresh Delifresh), Lucie Basch (co-founder of Too Goo To Go), Alexis Roux de Bézieux (president of the Fédération des Épiciers de France and founder and director of Causses), David Gallienne (chef of Le Jardin des Plumes restaurant in Giverny), Bruno Lecoq (editorial director of Le Monde de l'Épicerie Fine), Pascal Mièvre (founder and director of L'Épicerie Fine Rive Gauche).
The jury, chaired by owner André Terrail and sponsored by Michelin-starred chef David Gallienne (Le Jardin des Plumes, Giverny), met in a privileged atmosphere at L'Appartement de La Tour d'Argent on April 18.
With the addition of two new personalities - Lucie Basch, co-founder of Too Good To Go, and interior designer Émilie Bonaventure - the jury agreed on a shortlist that reflects the diversity and richness of today's delicatessen landscape.
Over 70 entries were sifted through, category by category: Épicerie Fine Française, Épicerie Fine Étrangère, Commerce Mixte, Site Marchand and Réseau.
Mixed trade and French delicatessen had the highest number of entries, and naturally provided the most fodder for debate, with each juror able to develop his or her own arguments in defense of their preferences. In the end, five awards and a "Coup de Coeur" for one of the candidates in the Mixed Retail category made up this landmark prize list.
