Local products a thriving market

Unique features of the Canadian and Quebec markets

In Quebec, nordicity and the overabundance of lakes and large open spaces have fostered the emergence of manufacturers of snowmobiles, watercraft, specialized vehicles (ATVs, etc.), construction materials adapted to a Northern climate, and energy products such as heating equipment.

There are many examples: Snowmobile manufacturer BRP in Valcourt, in the Estrie region, and Taiga Motors in Montréal, which is developing an electric snowmobile. CAMM Construction, in Matane, Gaspésie, which manufactures micro-houses from green, local, sustainable materials. Stelpro, in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Montérégie, which designs heating devices such as electric baseboards. And SME Pelican, which is taking advantage of the considerably large local market by manufacturing watercraft and sleds for winter sports at its facilities in Laval and Valleyfield...

These are so many businesses whose growth is guaranteed by the ability to penetrate into the local market and participate in short supply chains.

Withstanding disruptions

Manufacturing products locally also makes it possible to better withstand disruptions on the international market that cause supply chains to break, such as COVID-19, natural catastrophes, and increased protectionism. This is especially the case with food processing, where a secure supply equates to food sovereignty.

Quebec possesses many assets to achieve food sovereignty. Local content in foods consumed in Quebec is already above 50%.^{Note de bas de page 1}

Moreover, 60% of Quebecers frequently purchase local foodstuffs, and over 70% consider homegrown products to be of better quality than imported products.

This trend has repercussions for local products, a thriving market with brand name products such as the oysters of La Moule du large, from Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine; the cheeses of Fromagerie La Normandinoise, in Normandin, Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean; and the organic meats of Bergerie La Vieille ferme, in Saint-Fulgence, again in Saguenay‒Lac-Saint-Jean. The expansion of local products also promotes the use of homegrown flavours in wines and liqueurs. Quebec’s wine-growing industry is growing briskly with many vineyards, including in the RCMs of Jardins‑de‑Napierville (e.g., Les Vignes des Bacchantes), Haut-Richelieu (e.g., Le Mas des Patriotes) and Brome-Missisquoi (e.g., Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise).

Integrating immigrants

Local products can also foster the integration of immigrants and regional diversification. For example, Lebanese shopkeepers from Montréal launched La Fromagerie Polyethnique, in Saint‑Robert near Sorel, Montérégie. These shopkeepers chose this location due to its proximity to key markets and the quality of the milk supply. La Fromagerie Polyethnique makes Arabic products, including cheeses such as baladi, akawi, nabulsi, labneh and haloumi. Another example is that of Maghreb-Quebec business Zinda Products, in Candiac, Montérégie, which makes local semolina. This business is a wonderful example of integration through entrepreneurship.

The circular economy

Local products also represent an important aspect of the circular economy. By establishing short supply chains in the food sector, it is possible to reduce pollution from transportation, as well as packaging needs. A major benefit since, on average, food travels 2600 kilometres from field to table, which is a bit more than the distance between Quebec and Florida. Short supply chains make it possible to reduce this distance.

Finally, it is much easier, in a short supply chain, to ensure standards (certifications) are being met at the level of the environment and quality, as well as workers’ rights. These factors can promote the purchase of eco-friendly local products, including in the field of fashion and clothing, such as with Quebec business Rose Buddha, with its leggings made from recycled plastic bottles, manufactured in Beauce.