Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France

La Perle des Dieux

La Perle des Dieux is more than just a brand; it's a story woven through the lives and passions of the Gendreau family, who have dedicated themselves to the art of canning seafood since 1887. Nestled in the heart of Vendée, this family-run business has become a testament to tradition and innovation in seafood delicacies.

The Gendreau family, now in its fourth generation, continues to operate out of the last active sardine cannery in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. The company takes pride in its artisanal methods that have remained unchanged for over a century, emphasizing hands-on, meticulous craftsmanship. The team of 40 employees, spread across Saint-Gilles Croix-de-Vie and 18 stores, shares a deep-seated passion for delivering exceptional seafood products.

Quality and freshness are paramount at La Perle des Dieux. The sardines are locally sourced from the waters off Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, a region honored as Intangible Cultural Heritage of France since 2018. These sardines are fished during the peak season in summer, ensuring they are mature and full of flavor by the time they reach the cannery, less than two kilometers from the port.

The company's dedication to quality extends to its innovative approach to flavor. La Perle des Dieux constantly experiments with new recipes that blend traditional iodine flavors with a variety of condiments, spices, and oils. This pursuit of culinary excellence is evident in their diverse offerings, which include not just sardines, but also mackerels, tunas, fish soups, rillettes, and seafood tapas.