Through this article written for the Journal des Entreprises, discover the ambitions of Laboratoire Uspalla and the team that imagines, develops and manufactures your favorite Passion Marine products.
Uspalla Laboratory expands to develop shaping
The Uspalla Laboratory has expanded its premises in Perros-Guirec. The company which designs and manufactures cosmetic products based on marine ingredients intends to further develop manufacturing. It also has two own brands: BBO for mass distribution, Passion Marine for specialized stores.
"The Uspalla laboratory (7 employees, €1 million in turnover in 2023) has expanded its premises located in Perros-Guirec (Côtes-d'Armor). The 200 m² extension brought the total surface area of the building to 800 m². The investment amount amounts to 200,000 euros. The team from the laboratory specializing in organic cosmetic products based on marine ingredients (oyster shell, salt, sea water, etc.) has moved into the new space. at the beginning of February The development of the site will continue in the coming weeks “We needed offices worthy of the name, which we lacked and could prove to be a barrier to hiring,” explains Marion Zariffa, who bought it. in February 2023 the majority of the capital of the company to her brother, Jérémy, with whom she had worked for 10 years “We have also increased the storage space, which will allow us to seek out more markets in the sector. shaping,” she adds.
TWO BRANDS AND SHAPING
This custom activity that Laboratoire Uspalla carries out for French and European brands represents a third of its turnover. Just like the TPE's two own brands: Passion Marine, intended for the circuits of specialized seaside stores and Bio Bretagne Océan (BBO), sold in supermarkets. These two brands have regional influence.
If the turnover for the financial year ending in September 2023 stagnated, suffering from the decisions made by consumers, particularly in mass distribution, Marion Zariffa does not lack ambition. “With this team and these premises, we can reach a turnover of 1.8 million euros,” she estimates. To achieve this, several projects are currently being carried out.
The Passion Marine brand should take the path of export, via wholesalers or importers. “To Europe only, since our products meet European regulations,” rejoices the entrepreneur. The Costa Rican small business will also launch its B to C merchant site. “We are going to transform our Passion Marine site into a merchant site, to try to promote our community on social networks. We should launch it during the summer,” announces Marion Zariffa.
LIVING FORCES AND HARMONY
The manager, however, aims for reasoned development of her company, favoring the human aspect and in particular harmony in her team. “Journalists never mention them but they are our driving forces: Aurélie, Claire, Élodie, Céline, Ludivine, Marion, Hugo often multitask and give a lot. It’s important to me that they feel good,” adds the manager.
Claire - R&D, regulatory and quality manager, Marion - Manager, Elodie - Production and purchasing manager, Ludivine - Packaging and logistics operator, Hugo - Production operator
Aurélie - Formulator, Céline - Packaging and logistics operator, Céline - Accountant, Marion - Shaping project manager
Laboratoire Uspalla has a very extensive range of products, including shampoo, serum, creams, lotions, etc. “We have around forty references and release an average of three new products each year, for our brands but which we also offer for shaping,” says the business manager. The next new product could be a hair product, after food supplements and a cleansing oil."
Matthieu Leman for Le Journal des Entreprises - May 2024
