The Transition of Leadership at Camva
After an impressive thirty-two years at the helm of the Aude meat trade cooperative, known as Camva, Michel Rabat, a prominent butcher from Carcassonne, has officially stepped down, handing over the reins to his son Jean-Baptiste and fellow butcher Raphaël Morin. This transition marks a significant moment not only for the Rabat family but also for the local community that has come to rely on the cooperative as a cornerstone of the regional economy. Michel Rabat remarked on his journey, stating, "I’ve had my fill of it." His decision to resign comes after a long tenure that saw the cooperative grow into a vital economic player in the area.
Reflecting on how he came to lead the cooperative, Rabat shared that it was a natural progression. He initially felt out of his depth, entering leadership in his thirties, particularly as his father had previously been a member of the cooperative's board. "The older members encouraged my involvement, and it felt like a logical step at that time," he explained. Throughout his presidency, he was fortunate to have the support of Nicolas Nydegger, the cooperative's director for twenty-four years, with whom he formed a dynamic team. "We complemented each other well, and despite my role being entirely voluntary, I was committed to our mission," he added. Now, with the cooperative in capable hands, Michel has taken on a part-time role within his own business, which is also co-managed by Jean-Baptiste.
Achievements and Future Prospects
On June 29, 2026, Michel officially submitted his resignation, which was promptly accepted by the new board. The succession plan was seamless, as both Jean-Baptiste and Raphaël had been working closely with Michel for quite some time. The cooperative, which focuses on bridging the gap between livestock farming and artisanal butchery, has seen remarkable growth under Michel’s leadership, boasting around 400 client accounts and expanding its services beyond traditional butchers to include public institutions and restaurants.
Under his guidance, the cooperative has formed strong ties with local farmers, facilitating the sale of over €800,000 worth of goods purchased from them through the Viande Pyrénées Audoise (VPA) initiative. They also collaborate with the last operating slaughterhouse in the department, ensuring sustainability and local sourcing. "We supply over 100 tons annually to them, representing 30% of our volume," noted Jean-Baptiste. Moreover, the cooperative plays an essential role in providing local products to schools and colleges, contributing to a staggering €5 million in annual revenue, which increased by more than 48% from 2024 to 2025. Michel Rabat, even in his new advisory role as honorary president, is optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of commercial development for continued success.
As reported by lindependant.fr.
