Sauniers de l'Ile de Ré Cooperative

The Cooperative des Sauniers de l'Île de Ré traces its origins back to the XIXᵉ century, at a time when salt production was at its peak. However, the sauniers were under the domination of the traders and did not benefit fully from their work. In the early 20th century, several factors contributed to the decline of the business, including competition from industrial salts, the 14-18 war and new methods of preservation. Faced with this situation, the salt producers became owners of their salt marshes and sought to unite in order to sell more effectively. Several associations were set up over time, including a Syndicat de vente in 1901, a Comité de défense salicole de l'Ile de Ré in 1911 and, in 1933, an Association de vente en commun des sels de l'Ile de Ré.
The Cooperative des Sauniers de l'Ile de Ré was founded in 1942, but the decline continued until the 1990s. In 1995, a revival programme was launched, involving the cooperative, local councillors and the Chamber of Agriculture. Thanks to this initiative, around forty new salt producers were set up, ensuring the continuity and renewal of the profession.
Today, almost 70 producers are members of the cooperative, which continues to prosper as a food business.