Firm markets 'the original condom'

TWO French aristocrats are claiming to offer the “original condom” after setting up a firm with its postal address in the Gers town of that name.

Charles-Emmanuel de Bourbon Parme, a descendant of Louis XIV, and Count Gil de Bizemont founded The Original Condom Company after being inspired by the meaning of the town’s name in English (which causes its signs to be regularly stolen). They say it is a success in America, their only market so far. In French, a condom is un préservatif; the derivation of the English term is unknown.

As well as claiming their product “comes from the town of Condom in the South of France”, it also comes in luxury packaging inspired by jewellery cases and is said to have be “chic and elegant with a particular French touch”. The firm also highlights green credentials, claiming to “protect humanity by working with NGOs that fight against Aids and offsetting carbon emissions”.

The Mayor of Condom, Bernard Gallardo, has expressed dismay that the businessmen did not discuss the idea with him first. “That is the least I would have expected. If it will develop a significant commercial activity for Condom and create jobs, it is worth thinking about,” he said.

However he noted the firm’s only link with the town was an office “rented for only a few months”, in which “nobody worked”. This is despite the fact the firm calls the product “the Original Condom of Condom, France” and claims its products are made in a “classic style used for many years in France, so as to respect our traditions and values”.

Mr de Bizemont told La Dépêche du Midi: “We are not lying to our customers because we don’t hide the fact the condoms are made in Malaysia.” However, he said their American customers associated them with south-west France icons such as Armagnac, foie gras and the Three Musketeers. “It has created a huge buzz in the US,” he said.

He added that they were in negotiations to open a shop beneath their office.