How Europe’s last surviving hook maker received a selfie from the President of France

VMC Pêche, the last hook manufacturer in Europe, represented its region – the Territoire de Belfort – at the Great Exhibition of Made in France at the Palais de l’Élysée in Paris last month.

Cyrille Mathieu, Managing Director of VMC Pêche, and Operations Manager Cédric Creuzeau represented the company at the event and met – and had a selfie taken – with the French President Emmanuel Macron. “It’s not every day that you get to shake the hand of the President of France and talk about fishing,” said Mathieu.

“The President was very interested to hear about the importance of quality and services brought by VMC to lure manufacturers worldwide and noticed the difference we have made over 100 years to recreational and commercial anglers all over the world,” said Matthieu (below right).

“We made a point to remind President Macron and all visitors that VMC is the one and only European fish hook manufacturer and we take pride in that. I want to thank all customers, partners and friends worldwide who contribute everyday to the success of VMC year after year to allow us to be present at such unique events.

“The event was very important to VMC and all our employees who could see our products and the company’s unique expertise recognised.”

More than 10,000 visitors and 122 exhibitors attended the event and admired the selected VMC product – its treble hooks from the flagship Redline Series that feature Needle Sharp Ultra points with low-friction PTFE coating and high-performance Vanadian steel.

The Redline Series is designed for top tournament anglers across the world and was a winner at ICAST earlier this year.