CRISTEL : 200 YEARS OF HISTORY AND AN ACCLAIMED INDUSTRIAL SUCCESS

For two centuries, Cristel has embodied the very best of French industry. By celebrating the 200th anniversary of its factory in Fesches-le-Châtel, the company recalled that lasting success is built above all on people and the transmission of expertise.

It was in Fesches-le-Châtel, where the world’s first saucepan was deep-drawn, that Cristel celebrated the 200th anniversary of its factory in June 2026. Employees, customers, partners, elected representatives and friends of the company gathered to pay tribute to an extraordinary industrial adventure. Rather than opting for a spectacular celebration, the Dodane family chose to honour what has always constituted Cristel’s true wealth: its industrial facilities, its expertise, and the women and men who bring the company to life every day.

The day also provided an opportunity to reflect on how far the company has come in just over thirty years, since Paul and Bernadette Dodane revived a factory that many believed was doomed. Today, supported by three generations of the family, Cristel has established itself as one of France’s leading names in premium culinary equipment, recognised by consumers and by some of the world’s greatest chefs alike.

To mark this bicentenary, Paul and Bernadette Dodane received the Palme d’Or from the Comité de France, together with a Diplôme de Mérite et de Prestige National. Created under the French Fourth Republic and placed under the patronage of President Vincent Auriol, the Comité de France recognises individuals, companies and institutions that contribute to France’s economic, industrial and cultural influence.

The distinction awarded to Cristel recognises its role in preserving and passing on outstanding industrial expertise, its commitment to French manufacturing, and its status as a mission-driven company.

Already certified as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV), Cristel is one of the most highly awarded French companies in its sector. Awards for its innovation, environmental commitment, French manufacturing and product quality regularly recognise an industrial model that has become a benchmark.

This bicentenary provided further proof of that. More than an anniversary, the day celebrated two centuries of history, exemplary entrepreneurial success and the conviction that French industry still has many great chapters left to write.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Matthias Marc, chef for Cristel’s 200th anniversary dinner.

Fesches-le-Châtel, 25 June 2026.

Paul and Bernadette Dodane (founders), their sons and son-in-law, Damien Dodane and Emmanuel Brugger (Co-Managing Directors), together with their grandchildren Léo Dodane, Julien Jean and Antoine Jean, who have joined the company.

Cristel’s management team alongside Fabienne Delahaye, founder and director of MIF Expo, and Gilles Attaf, President of Origine France Garantie.

Home Fashion News #62 – Sept 2026 / Translation: Leila Ahmad