It would be a mistake to underestimate the importance of mayonnaise. In France, it’s an institution. A good mayonnaise is a tricky exercise – and much tastier than the kind that comes from a tube. Gregory Maitre and Matthieu Gauthier invented a shaker that makes it impossible to get it wrong, and turned it into a bestseller. In 2011, they founded Cookut, a business with a mission to “promote joyful everyday living with low environmental impact”. Their speciality? Everyday utensils – without electricity, electronics or plastics. Their mayonnaise is made without a beater and without crippling your wrist. They started with a cutting board and knives (hence the name Cookut) before creating useful, playful inventions for the entire kitchen. A shaker for pancake batter (with no lumps), another one for whipped cream (delicious!), and a utensil to melt fondu cheese using a candle. One of the partners is an engineer, while the other is a salesman. A perfect combination for innovating and discovering the right niche. They find their ideas on Tik Tok and by observing online behaviour. 

"Simple utensils made from fewer resources are more enjoyable to use and less polluting than complicated food processors"

Goodbye to complicated food processors

Previously employed in heavy industry, the two Lyon natives decided one day to follow a path that would be more joyful and less polluting than life in the factory. Cookut promotes home cooking, based on healthy products, for a zero-waste existence and an end to processed food. Two years ago, they launched the incredible Cocotte, a sturdy, all-purpose casserole with accessories for steam cooking and frying. This year, they present the new Akua filter carafe, which is set to replace plastic bottles. Cookut has adopted the French “Entreprise à Mission” status, underlining its commitment to the environment. “The concept of frugal design is in our DNA,” says Gregory Maitre. Simple utensils made from fewer resources are more enjoyable to use and less polluting than complicated food processors.”Through sales of its repairable and eco-designed products, Cookut finances social and environmental projects and hosts more than a million bees in its hives, following the motto, “one item produced, one bee reintroduced”. 

"Selling through local shops helps to promote employment in the region and supports businesses in towns"

You sell online while also supporting local businesses and independent shops. How does this work?

Gregory Maitre: We want to make the world more human. We believe that selling through local shops helps to promote employment in the region and supports businesses in towns. This is also why we don’t negotiate prices with major retail groups. The price is the same all year round  – no sales and no Black Friday. 

How did you get to know Maison&Objet? 

GM: We didn’t come from the decor environment at all, and I have to admit that I had never been to the trade fair. In 2012, we approached some shops in Lyon and quickly realised that it would be complicated. We contacted Maison&Objet at the last minute. It was already full but an 80 m² stand had just become available. It was far too big for us, but we took a chance and discovered an unparalleled tool for business growth. We finally met the independent shops we had been targeting. After that, we attended other trade fairs in Europe, the US and even Japan. None of them offer the same reach as Maison&Objet in our niche. We are really lucky to have this fantastic fair. 

Your employees work 28 hours but are paid for 35. How did you achieve this? 

GM: Working less is beneficial, as reliable studies show that when we work less, we pollute less. It also creates more joy, because if we enjoy our work, we enjoy other activities as well. Having an extra day for ourselves every week changes our lives. And it’s possible – at least in our sector. I was delighted to see how my employees’ productivity increased. It’s unbelievable. Digital technologies have saved us a lot of time. 
Caroline Tossan pour Maison&Objet 

By Caroline Tossan
Illustration ©Sarah Bouillaud

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