Quebec-based dairy and cheese producer Boréalait is expanding its reach into larger urban centers, with its yogurt products now available at Marchés TAU, a natural and organic grocery chain.
The company, based in Saint-Félix-de-Dalquier, has been working towards this expansion for several years, and began distributing products in various Montreal stores and markets last fall.
“We’re really happy about this, because it represents many hours of work, and we’ve been looking for a route for several years, trying to produce it work in refrigerated transport, in small volumes,” said Boréalait co-owner Evelyne Rancourt.
« We’re really happy to have finally made it across the [La Vérendrye] park. For a small company like ours, exporting is just crossing the park. »
Maintaining the cold chain during transport remains a key challenge, given the distance. However, Rancourt noted the yogurt’s 45-day shelf life helps mitigate this issue.
Boréalait is also focusing on brand awareness outside of its region, meeting with retailers and participating in events to promote its yogurt.
Rancourt indicated a strategic focus on yogurt as the primary product for expansion, with a goal to establish Boréalait as the leading yogurt brand in Quebec. “My goal – and I say this humbly, I’m not bragging – is to be the best yogurt in Quebec… in the sense that if someone thinks of a yogurt manufacturer, their first thought will be Boréalait,” she stated.
