The Metropolis rewards 15 gems of economic dynamism
The 5th edition of the Trophées TPM rewarded 15 companies and personalities for their contribution to the local economy.
On October 6, the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée (TPM) celebrated the excellence of its economic fabric during the 5th edition of the Trophées TPM. Having become a key event since its creation in 2022, the event honored 15 companies, personalities, and associations that, through their growth, innovation capacity, and virtuous approaches, actively contribute to the area's attractiveness.
The ceremony, which took place in the presence of numerous elected officials and local partners, aims to highlight remarkable career paths and initiatives shaping the future of the metropolis. As Josée Massi, President of Métropole TPM and Mayor of Toulon, emphasizes, this initiative reaffirms a strong commitment: “Through this initiative, Métropole TPM reaffirms its commitment to projects, companies, associations, personalities, and talents who participate in building an ambitious, creative territory open to the future.”
An eclectic list of winners
The jury, composed of metropolitan elected officials and qualified personalities, selected the winners in categories as diverse as sustainable development, digital technology, health, tourism, and industry. This diversity illustrates the richness of an ecosystem where more than 50% of the employees in Var work.
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Each winner received a unique trophy made of molded and recycled cast iron, a star-shaped piece emblem of the metropolis, designed by designers Emmanuelle Roule and Julien Benayoun under the artistic direction of the prestigious school Camondo Méditerranée, located in Toulon.
Focus on a few winners
Among the winners, Plastic & fils, located in Le Pradet, won in the “Sustainable Development and Circular Economy” category. Founded in 2022 by Dylan Casanovas, this eco-design company transforms plastic waste into custom furniture and objects. Its activity, which promotes short supply chains and local production, has already attracted renowned partners such as the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille and a Parisian haute couture brand.
In the “Digital and Innovation” category, WEPROC was honored. Based in Toulon, this company founded in 2019 by Steven Oziol, Vincent Spano, and Paul Zeller digitizes purchasing processes for businesses via a SaaS platform. The year 2025 was marked by obtaining approval from the Direction Générale des Finances publiques for its electronic invoicing platform WeInvoice, a major recognition within the framework of the national reform entering into force in September 2026.
The “Entrepreneur of the Year” award went to Anthony Denon, chef of the restaurant Shanael. By opening his establishment in Toulon in December 2025, he ended twenty-five years without a Michelin-starred restaurant in the city by obtaining a star in the Guide Michelin in March 2026. Trained alongside the biggest names in French gastronomy, he embodies a contemporary and responsible approach to haute cuisine.
Craftsmanship dynamism was hailed through Bière de la Rade and Pain de la Rade, rewarded in the “Commerce and Craftsmanship” category. The founders, Charles Doerr and Simon Chevillot, managed to create two complementary and emblematic activities, promoting expertise related to fermentation and a strong local anchor.
Finally, in the strategic “Defense, Maritime Economy, Industry” sector, SeaOwl Technology Solutions, based at the Technopôle de la Mer in Ollioules, was rewarded. A subsidiary of the SeaOwl group, it designs cutting-edge systems for naval defense and maritime security, and plans to build an industrial site of over 3,000 m² to support its development.
The list of winners
• Health, e-health, Silver Economy, and Solidarity: Unité de Médecine et de Traumatologie du Sport (UMTS) – Toulon.
• Agriculture and Food: Le Rucher du Baudouvin – La Valette-du-Var.
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• Tourism, Events, Hospitality, and Catering: Hubert Lombardot (Groupe Lombardot) – Hyères.
• Cultural and Creative Industries: Pierre Tranchand (Pica) – Le Pradet.
• Higher Education and Research: ISEN Méditerranée – Toulon.
• Athlete of the Year: Mikael Mergui, sailor – Métropole TPM.
• Association of the Year: ONG Josy Chambon – Métropole TPM.
• Youth: Hugo Vaz (Élite Carrosserie) – Six-Fours-les-Plages.
• TPM Honor Award: Thierry Guével (Naval Group) – Métropole TPM.
• TPM Special Award: ADI – Six-Fours-les-Plages.
Article from the print edition of La Gazette du Var