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MOTREAL MARKET PROFILE
MONTREAL’S PROLIFIC OFFERING OF RETAIL FORMATS
The multicultural and diverse demographic of Montreal gives rise to an assortment of traditional and non-traditional retail options for produce shopping. According to the site Moving- 2Canada, “The quality and range of options for grocery shopping in Montreal is exceptional. This is no surprise, given the cosmo- politan makeup of the city. Montreal is full of foodies who want to show off their skills.”
More traditional grocery stores include full-service IGAs throughout the region, as well as large chain stores Provigo (Loblaws), Metro and Sobeys. Montreal’s other formats revolve around carving out a specific niche. L’intermarché serves an urban base, offering items customers may look for on a weekly basis. Super C concentrates on price and targets young families in Montreal’s suburbs.
Some of Montreal’s more interesting retail formats include Adonis, founded by Lebanese immigrants. The multiple-location retailer offers a variety of Lebanese and other supermarket items and features a deli counter. Segal’s grocery store, known as a Montreal institution, offers a chaotic charm. Gourmet retailer Latina is a foodie’s dream, offering fine food items and notably
establishing sourcing relationships with farmers and artisans throughout Quebec. Large supermarket Intermarché Akhavan focuses on Iranian, Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean products.
In addition to brick-and-mortar retailers, Montreal also prides itself on thriving public markets, enjoyed by residents and tourists alike — to the point of being listed on various travel websites. Some of the city’s prized public markets are open year-round. One of North America’s largest farmers markets, Jean-Talon Market is open even during Montreal’s blustery winter and during peak summer season hosts about 300 vendors. The Atwater Market has been operating for eight decades and houses an array of butchers, bakeries, cheese stores, restaurants and produce vendors. Two other notable markets include Lachine and Maisonneuve.
Maria Cavazos, president of MC Produce, notes the mixture of Montreal’s retail and food establishments illustrates the city’s atti- tude. “For example, Montreal is the only city in North America with international festivals all year-round in every season,” she says. “This shows the popularity and commitment our residents have to celebrating different cultures and cuisine.” pb
chain stores,” she says. “So by buying another wholesaler — they get the business the store had from the other company.”
Recently, Courchesne Larose acquired a
minority stake in J.B. Laverdure. Both orga- nizations are key players in Quebec’s produce importation and distribution industry. A company announcement from Courchesne
Larose notes, “This transaction will help them face the challenges of their ever-changing business environment.”
The companies further say the transaction will result in an improved supply chain, state- of-the-art facilities located at key strategic locations, combined expertise in logistics and an unparalleled commitment to customer service. They predict the new partnership will enhance the ability of both organizations to be key partners in the value chain of both suppliers and customers.
Another strategy to maintain growth is utilized by MC Produce — that of making an alliance with clients, according to Cavazos. “By allying with clients, we don’t need to be looking for new business all the time,” she says. “We know our customers’ needs and can focus on meeting their demands and making business easier for them.”
MC also gives some clients exclusivity as well. “This way, we know we have their busi- ness, and they are assured our product isn’t competing with them in the market,” says Cavazos. “With the volume we do, this works well. Developing alliances and exclusivity makes us a big family.”
Yet, despite all the trends and shifts in business, Cavazos summarizes what really matters for the Montreal industry. “The people in the produce business are not here for the money,” she says. “It’s a passion. And passion for the business is all about people. We love people and we love to eat, so it’s a great combination.” pb
80 / AUGUST 2018 / PRODUCE BUSINESS