Where Are They Now? Meet Agathe Bocquet : Founder of Zest Planche

Passionate about the hospitality industry from a young age, Agathe began her studies in Brussels at Vatel Hotel & Tourism Business School, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. Driven by her entrepreneurial ambition, she pursued further studies at the Institut Lyfe (formerly Institut Paul Bocuse) in Lyon before enrolling in the MSc in International Hospitality Management, in September 2019, a program jointly offered by emlyon business school and Institut Lyfe.
“I wanted to complement my operational knowledge from earlier studies with a strong business focus,” she explains. “The MSc in IHM allowed me to combine my passion for hospitality management with an in-depth education in finance and management.”

In the spring of 2020, Agathe and her Master of Science cohort faced the challenge of securing internships to complete their degree. But with the COVID-19 pandemic halting the economy, recruitment in the hospitality industry froze, and opportunities were scarce.

Alongside two classmates, Albane and Pauline, who were equally affected by the job market slowdown, Agathe began brainstorming. “We joked, saying, what if we started selling aperitif platters to all the French people stuck at home during lockdown?” she recalls. What began as a lighthearted idea quickly turned into a serious business venture.

During the pandemic, the trio created an LLC, became interns within their own company, and started delivering homemade platters—initially to friends in Paris and its suburbs, and later to a broader audience through online sales.
Within less than a year, Zest Planche became a well-known name in Paris, achieving €500,000 in revenue in 2023, with 8 employees and over 6,000 deliveries made by bike.

Agathe attributes much of her company’s success to the skills she gained during her time at emlyon business school, particularly in human resource management. “From day one, I realized how critical HR is and how much the lessons I learned during my MSc would help me,” she shares. Although she finds HR one of the most complex aspects to manage, it is also the most fascinating.

Of the five hires she has overseen, Agathe deliberately selected only two profiles with prior experience in the hospitality industry. “This was a conscious decision reflecting the diversity and inclusion we wanted to instill in our project,” she explains. Managing a team with varied skills and experiences, many of whom lacked hospitality backgrounds, was a challenge she embraced, supported by the expertise gained during her studies.

The emlyon alumni network also played a significant role in Agathe’s journey. Eric Vogler, co-director of the MSc in International Hospitality Management, has partnered with Zest Planche for the program’s kickoff event for three consecutive years. “Every year, we speak to the new cohort during their entrepreneurship class. Our business is not only an inspiring example for international students but also embodies the French touch,” she says proudly.

Zest Planche also benefited from support through emlyon’s foodtech accelerator, Le Zesteur. Although the accelerator didn’t yield the expected results, it provided a valuable platform for Agathe and her co-founders to refine their project during its early stages.

Agathe emphasizes that her commitment to social and environmental responsibility was reinforced during her time at emlyon. As a vegetarian and cycling enthusiast, she sought an education aligned with her values. “Choosing emlyon matched my aspirations,” she notes.

As a mission-driven school, emlyon trains enlightened leaders who strive for a fairer, more sustainable society. “This ethos is woven into every aspect of the curriculum, from the Sustainable Development Goals integrated into the program’s competency framework to specific projects,” she explains. For instance, during their first semester, students were tasked with designing both a carnivorous and vegan menu. “This exercise reflects the school’s commitment to addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”

These lessons have deeply influenced Agathe’s approach to business. The CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) skills she gained during her studies have allowed her to build a company aligned with her values, addressing social and ecological challenges while exploring sustainable futures. Whether it’s sourcing seasonal products or using bicycles for deliveries, Zest Planche embodies a responsible and forward-thinking ethos.

“If I had to do it all over again, I would choose the same path,” says Agathe. She encourages students to fully leverage emlyon’s network, not only for career opportunities but also for personal connections. “When I launched my business, my classmates were the first ones there to support me,” she concludes.

With Zest Planche, Agathe Bocquet has turned a simple idea into a thriving business, perfectly exemplifying emlyon’s entrepreneurial spirit and values. Her journey is a testament to how passion and determination can pave the way to success, even in uncertain times.