After the Second World War, many companies set up business in the port of Marseille, sorting, packaging and distributing bulk dates shipped in from the opposite side of the Mediterranean.
COLOR – an acronym of Compagnie des Oasis de L’Oued Rhir – was founded by the Dewavrin family in Marseille to sell dates produced at its oases in Algeria. The family-run firm operated between September and December – the date harvest period – and closed its doors for the rest of the year.
- 1986: the business diversifies
In 1986, date specialist COLOR decided to expand its business to include all dried fruit and nuts. The SUN brand was born. Its dried fruit, nuts and dates were distributed by two long-standing customers – Pomona and Auchan.
- 1996-2000: VGB takes over the business
In 1996, VGB bought a 65% stake in COLOR. The new owner had four shareholders – the Vergez brothers (Emmanuel and Franck) and the Chehboub brothers. The company moved to a new factory in the Saumaty business park in Marseille, not far from the industrial port.
It was during this period that COLOR launched a new brand – LA FAVORITE, specialising in exotic products (mainly dates) and founded by Emmanuel Vergez.
In 2000, André Dewavrin retired and VGB bought all remaining shares in the company, which began working with supermarkets and mass retailers.

- 2010: COLOR FOODS, a 100% family-owned firm, is born:
Towards the end of 2010, the Vergez brothers bought out 100% of the company’s shares from VGB and Emmanuel became Chairman and CEO. The new owners invested heavily in the business in effort to modernise its production facilities.
COLOR continues to grow to this day, employing around 65 permanent employees plus a further 30 or so temporary staff during the peak Ramadan and Christmas periods.