Peugeot's pepper mill celebrates its 150th anniversary: a look back at a product with a well-oiled mechanism

A tradition of quality and innovation

The Peugeot success story began with Jean-Pierre and Jean Frédéric Peugeot who, in 1810, transformed the Sous-Cratet mill, inherited from their milling ancestors, into a foundry in the Doubs region to produce rolled steel strips and manufacture handsaws. Thirty years later, they set about creating their first mill... for coffee! But it was in 1874 that they really gained notoriety with the launch of pepper mills, whose patented mechanisms quickly spread across the globe.

In 1930, Peugeot struck again with its first electric mill, a minor revolution at the time. However, the imposing mechanism, attached to the outside of the product, made it impractical and cumbersome. Production ceased two years later. A new attempt in 1997, this time crowned with success, reintroduced the innovation.

Overwhelmed by the dazzling success of their automotive division, the Peugeot family sold a majority stake in Peugeot Saveurs to an entrepreneur from Besançon. Unfortunately, this entrepreneur took ill-considered risks and almost went bankrupt. In 2014, the Peugeot family, determined not to see their name disappear from the tableware sector, bought back the license. After modernizing the industrial facilities and changing the logo, the Peugeots relaunched the machine and continued their ascent in the mill market.

Today, with over 210 years of know-how, Peugeot still makes its mills in the Quincey factory, using beech, cherry, walnut and alder from farms located less than 100 km away. Peugeot Saveurs has been awarded the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (EPV) label. This government recognition distinguishes French companies with excellent craftsmanship and industrial know-how.

A company that knows no crisis

Like the phenomenon surrounding original coffees, there is a growing craze for quality peppers and the variety of aromas they offer. But a good pepper requires a good grinder! Peugeot, the market leader, is riding this wave. The company even managed to increase its sales by 13% during the Covid crisis, thanks to increased demand for quality products from confined individuals who have rediscovered the joys of cooking. This demand more than offset the drop in orders from restaurants, which were forced to close their doors.

Today, over 2 million mills leave the Jura factory every year. There are 23 models of table pepper mills, available in some 70 different versions, including the famous "Bistro" and its twin brother "Paris", which range from 10 to 110 cm. But Peugeot doesn't just grind pepper; it also grinds nutmeg, Guérande salt, chillies, linseed and even cheese. These are all challenges that require adaptation of the propeller mechanism, while preserving the flavors as much as possible.

A heritage and an international market

In the 1930s, during a visit to American car factories, Jean-Pierre Peugeot attended a sumptuous banquet. A chauvinistic guest remarked that everything in the room was of American origin. Stung to the core, Jean-Pierre grabs the pepper mill on the table and retorts: "Not quite, that's French. And it's a Peugeot too! ". An anecdote that illustrates the brand's international history, confirmed year after year.

Today, the market for Peugeot pepper mills is truly global, with 75% of sales made abroad in over 80 countries. In Germany, the brand's second-largest market, Peugeot has established itself as market leader, even overtaking local competitor Zassenhaus. But it's in France that Peugeot reigns supreme, firmly anchored in the collective imagination as an emblematic French brand. According to a survey conducted by the brand in 2021, households owning a Peugeot mill are not content with just one model: 42% own two different ones, and over 11% have three! Peugeot's impact in the catering sector is also notable, with 20% of sales made to cafés and restaurants. Their model of choice: the Hostellerie. Created in 1953, this slim-bodied mill offers excellent grip and precision, much appreciated by professionals.

Model Z: A story that begins at the end of the alphabet

Curiously named after the last letter of the alphabet, the Modèle Z began life in white porcelain, before moving on to metal, wood and even Bakelite. In the '30s, it was adorned with bright colors and became a veritable decorative object. In 1992, the "Z" gave way to a more fashionable name: "Bistro", now available in 25 versions and 15 different colors, illustrating the richness and diversity of the Peugeot Saveur range. To celebrate the anniversary of this emblematic model, Peugeot is launching a limited series of 8,000 salt and pepper mills, renamed "1874" for the occasion. The mill is restored to its original shape and knob, while retaining the famous mechanism unchanged for 150 years.

Available from September 2024 at a price of €54.90.