Metro’s trajectory has been twofold: bringing online grocery to Quebec shoppers with click-and-collect services, while expanding into delivery with the purchase of Montreal-based MissFresh, a meal kit provider, last year. A nonfood but convenience-related move was the acquisition of Jean Coutu Group’s extensive pharmacy network. Though the stores will operate separately in Quebec, there may be grocery-pharmacy hybrids in the future.
Canadian grocers are also adding more discount banners to help retain price-conscious shoppers. Loblaw, for example, now operates 500 discount stores, including No Frills, across the country. Its Quebec discount chain, Maxi, continues to thrive and was ranked among the most trusted in Quebec according to a recent National BrandSpark survey.
Changes & Challenges
In recent years, Montreal suppliers have faced a number of stumbling blocks—from labor shortages to harsh weather to pests and diseases.
“The lack of labor remains, specifically for the processors during the summer,” says Marie de Tarlé Salmon, management and public affairs assistant for the Quebec Produce Marketing Association (QPMA) in St. Leonard in northern Montreal. “Foreign labor helps,” she notes, but administrative issues often make the process overly difficult.
Fortunately, some within the industry are noticing improvement with the labor situation. “Since the federal Liberal government has been in place, we’ve seen tremendous improvement, mostly in terms of delays caused by bureaucracy,” observes Plante. “Also, we are relieved by the government’s decision to abolish the 48-month stay limit for foreign workers.”
Outside of labor, Quebec growers have been contending with pests affecting crops. “In the Lanaudière region, carrot producers frequently have to deal with weevil infestations,” points out David Turcot, QPMA member and owner of Ferme A&R Turcot in St. Roch-de-l’Achigan, about 50 miles north of Montreal.
Early in the season, the insects nibbled at the foliage of planted carrots. “When the carrot grows, the wound heals and leaves a large black line,” Turcot explains. “Very often the wou-nd is deep, and the carrots must be discarded. Unfortunately, there is no treatment.”
Growers in southwestern Quebec have been struggling with the blueberry fruit fly. When a female blueberry fly lays eggs under the skin of a berry, the developing larva feed on the pulp, causing the fruit to become shriveled. Some growers have been working with agronomists to set traps and catch flies before they can harm the fruit.
Weather and Harvests
Last season, weather caused some issues for Quebec growers and wholesalers. After a mild winter came plenty of temperature fluctuations and then hail and flooding. Montreal, situated along both the Ottawa and St. Lawrence rivers, saw record flooding in late spring, and rains extended into the province’s growing regions.
