Cristel, the “Made in France” nec plus ultra
In a market where products can appear similar at first glance, especially through social media, it has become difficult for consumers to understand price differences. Yet behind the “Made in France” label, not all realities are equal. Cristel embodies an authentic difference: that of a committed manufacturer, mastering its entire value chain – from design to distribution – while upholding strong values of quality, innovation, and service. An interview with Damien Dodane, co-director of this jewel of French industry.
“What truly distinguishes Cristel is its deliberate choice to anchor its entire ecosystem in France,” begins Damien Dodane. From design to production, through manufacturing and distribution, every step is carried out on French soil. This strategic positioning ensures constant quality, end-to-end consistency, and complete transparency with customers. “Cristel’s priority is to offer the best possible product, combining quality, functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics – in the spirit of a manufacturer, not just a distributor,” he continues.
The bulk of investments are therefore dedicated to research, development, and manufacturing, well before communication or marketing. This strong commitment translates into superior quality raw materials, invisible components and finishes, and a continuous drive for innovation, enabling the company to adapt its products to market changes and increase industrial capacity to meet rising demand, particularly internationally. “Cristel fosters constant innovation, going against the grain of standardized products found on the market, which only aim to cover the most profitable segments — often limited to a 20/80 logic, focused on high-volume and commercially driven references,” he adds. “The company develops unique, high-performing, and sustainable solutions, thanks to the dedicated work of its teams and appropriate production resources.”
A symbolic example of this spirit of innovation is the detachable handle: launched in 1986 with 18 pieces, it has since been optimized to only three today, while ensuring safety and durability. This detachable handle guarantees food safety, ease of use, and optimized storage. More broadly, it embodies Cristel’s global vision: combining design, lasting quality, and comfort – excellence according to Cristel. These choices are also reflected in flawless finishes for high-end products, where quality, durability, aesthetics, performance, precision assembly, and manufacturing care reveal the legitimacy of an approach closer to craftsmanship than to pure industry. “At Cristel, service is not an extra – it is an essential component of the brand’s identity,” continues Damien Dodane. Indeed, each product made in Fesches-le-Châtel comes with a lifetime warranty and the support of a dedicated team. If needed, it will be repaired, exchanged, or taken care of.
Another major point of differentiation for Damien Dodane is the product range depth guaranteed by premium brands. “Unlike a market logic focused solely on high-volume products (the 20/80 principle), Cristel chooses to maintain specific references with lower turnover but which meet precise needs.” Such is the case with the 14 cm high graduated saucepan, which remains in the catalog because it makes sense for certain users. This rich product offering strengthens Cristel’s unique identity as a manufacturer.
Being a “premium” brand is much more than just a pricing position: it is about delivering, every day, on the promise to support users over time. At Cristel, this translates into the constant commitment of teams to guide, advise, and inspire. Usage tips, maintenance advice, simple and regularly updated recipe ideas: everything is done to extend the quality of product use and enhance customers’ culinary experiences. A bond of trust is built over time, rooted in proximity, service, and knowledge-sharing.
The year 2024 marked a turning point for Cristel, with 25% growth, driven by enthusiasm for stainless steel products. This momentum led the company to plan a doubling of its industrial capacity. While this growth is partly explained by a favorable economic context, customer loyalty and strong demand – both in France and abroad – confirm the solidity of Cristel’s strategic choices. To support this dynamic, Cristel has launched the construction of a new logistics building and continues to actively recruit, despite a strained labor market. This development phase is lived as a collective adventure, carried by engaged teams, where shared founding values — environmental, social, and societal — are as essential as results. As during the health crisis, this cohesion remains a driving force for the company, which became a “mission-driven company” in 2021.
The year 2026 will mark a double symbolic milestone for Cristel: the 200th anniversary of the Fesches-le-Châtel industrial site, founded in 1826, and the 40th anniversary of the Cristel brand. “These anniversaries will be an opportunity to celebrate the journey accomplished and to proudly reaffirm the identity of an independent, innovative, and demanding French manufacturer… resolutely turned towards the future,” concludes Damien Dodane.
Source: Home Fashion News Magazine – September 2025 (HFN58)
