Pains et Moulins: The Art of French Artisan Bakery and Pastry in Mauritius
"The recent outlet at So’flo reflects the evolution of Pains et Moulins in terms of visual identity and product diversity."
Pains et Moulins, a proudly Mauritian company, was born from the passion for gastronomy of a French doctor who has lived on the island for 25 years. The first shop opened over 10 years ago on Chemin 20 Pieds, Grand Baie. Nine months later, his son, a hospitality professional trained in the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels, joined the business, bringing his passion for gourmet delights, a keen eye for detail, and a strong sense of hospitality to the operations.
Expansion and success of Pains et Moulins in Mauritius
Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pains et Moulins remained open as a General Retailer. In June 2021, the brand relocated to a larger 160 m² space at Richmond Hill, adjacent to Super U Grand Baie. This move significantly increased visibility and accessibility, marking a turning point in the company’s growth.
Today, Pains et Moulins boasts five outlets, including two located in Ascencia’s shopping malls, Bagatelle Mall and So’flo. Its flagship stores are strategically positioned in Grand Baie, the island’s centre, and the west coast, key areas for its clientele.
Entrepreneurship and vision of Pains et Moulins
For its young leader, Pains et Moulins is more than a bakery; it is a vibrant, dynamic Mauritian brand inspired by the French art of living. The opening at Super U was the brand’s first major project, redefining its vision while maintaining core values of high standards in customer service and product quality.
Quality and methodology
At Pains et Moulins, French artisan bakers train local teams in traditional techniques, while the pastry team is entirely Mauritian, something the company takes great pride in. All bread, pastries, and sandwiches are prepared and baked fresh daily across three production centres.
The team begins work as early as midnight, with 4 bakers, 8 pastry chefs, and 3 catering specialists ensuring the freshness of every product. The company now employs over 100 people, 95% of whom are Mauritian.
Listening to its customers is central to the brand’s approach. Every piece of feedback, good or bad, is treated individually, as an opportunity to continuously improve the customer experience.
Authentic products for food lovers in Mauritius
Every item offered by Pains et Moulins is crafted by passionate artisans striving for perfection. According to its director, consistency is the greatest challenge:
“Our employees are like high-performance athletes, proving themselves every day to win the hearts of food lovers. But it’s those little imperfections that set us apart from chains offering industrial and frozen products—it’s all about passion and craftsmanship!”
Pains et Moulins presence in shopping malls of Mauritius
By establishing outlets in shopping malls, Pains et Moulins benefits from increased visibility and a steady flow of visitors. This ensures easy access for customers to fresh, high-quality products in a welcoming environment.
A New Chapter at So’flo
The recent opening at So’flo marks a new chapter in Pains et Moulins’ journey. This larger space represents the brand’s growth while staying true to its founding values, offering a wider variety of products in a setting that embodies its evolving identity.
