REGARDING OLIVIER

Olivier spent 20 years building operations for premium brands across China, Japan, and wider Asia-Pacific before establishing FrenchBlend's South African operations. His work spans market entry strategy, distribution network development, local production setup, and hands-on operational management—particularly in markets where infrastructure unpredictability demands sophisticated contingency systems.

At FrenchBlend, which he founded in 2012 with operations initially in Hong Kong and Tokyo (now independently managed), Olivier focuses on three operational domains for clients: managing premium brand operations through infrastructure challenges, building and optimizing distribution networks, and establishing local production where it creates competitive advantage over import models.

His approach combines strategic frameworks with operational execution—staying on the ground to implement rather than advising from a distance. This operational involvement, particularly in Southern and East Africa since 2021, gives him direct insight into the daily challenges that shape premium brand performance in emerging markets.

Olivier has authored comprehensive market studies on South Africa's premium consumer opportunity, including analyses of middle-class expansion, retail evolution, and operational resilience strategies for European brands entering volatile markets. His research follows high-skilled consulting methodologies, combining quantitative market data with operational insights from two decades of hands-on experience.

Olivier has graduated ESSEC Paris School and holds a Master's degree with honours in English Language from Université de Nantes

EXPERTISES

> Sales & Marketing

> Premium & Luxury Goods

> Fast Moving Consumer Goods

> Food & Beverages

PUBLICATIONS

"Risk and Resilience: How Premium Brands Can Operate in South Africa", FrenchBlend South Africa, December 2025

"Middle-Class Expansion in South Africa: Strategic Implications for Premium Brands", FrenchBlend South Africa, November 2025

"Premium Food & Lifestyle in South Africa: A Growing Appetite for European Gastronomy", FrenchBlend South Africa, November 2025

"South Africa's Retail Revolution", FrenchBlend South Africa, October 2025

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