Prunier Caviar History
Prunier, a pioneer for French caviar and art de vivre for 150 years
The Prunier story dates back to the 19th century and includes the longest list of innovations in the history of French gastronomy: Prunier was the first company to prepare and sell French caviar, it invented the oyster bar, champagne by the glass, and home delivery by bicycle in Paris.
1875
Alfred Prunier opens at 9 rue Duphot.Sarah Bernhardt, Georges Clémenceau, Diaghilev, Arthur Meyer and Oscar Wilde rubbed shoulders here.
1905
The “canaques” were the forerunners of Deliveroo and Uber Eats, 600 couriers on foot or on bikes, delivering to hotels, restaurants and homes.
1921
The Prunier house becomes the leading producer of French caviar with 9 production stations using traditional Russian methods.
1996–2000
Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent associate the Prunier House with the world of fashion and luxury.
2022
Prunier welcomes multi-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno into its culinary universe.
1872
Alfred Prunier opened his first restaurant with his wife Catherine on rue d'Antin in Paris, at the age of just 24. Highly prized by Russian aristocrats.
1898
Émile Prunier succeeds his father. He is 22 years old. His daughter Simone followed, opening the Prunier restaurant in London.
1910
The private trawler Émile Prunier ensures production and supplies.
1924
Opening of the legendary Prunier restaurant “Le Traktir” on Avenue Victor Hugo in Paris - a fully Art Deco space designed by some of the era’s finest artists.
2021
OLMA joins forces with the historic Prunier legacy, marking 100 years of French caviar with celebrations in 40 locations worldwide.
2023
Prunier Victor Hugo and its iconic listed Art Deco interior celebrate 100 years of timeless elegance and culinary heritage.
World renowned for exceptional French caviar since 1921.
Our caviar comes exclusively from our sturgeons bred in France and is prepared according to the best artisanal practices.
The Prunier workshop
In the heart of several hectares of nature, Prunier's facilities are fed by the Isle river, a tributary of the Dordogne, which draws its source from the Massif Central at an altitude of 375 metres.
Since 1993, this unique, unspoilt ecosystem has been the world renowned for exceptional French caviar, thanks to its ancient savoir-faire and unrivalled expertise.
Created long before any other breeding farm in the world, Prunier has been incorporating best practices since 1921.