10 Quebec Companies to Buy Local
The global crisis related to the COVID-19 raises the desire to rebuild a more stable and sustainable economy. To do so, consumers are encouraged to stimulate a more local economy. The Quebec government has even set up a web platform called "Le Panier Bleu" to facilitate local purchases from Quebec merchants.
For some of our clients, buying local was already well established in their consumption habits, while for others, the pandemic is bringing about a new impetus for economic solidarity by buying local.
Here is our guide to buying local for the informed locavore.
How do you define buying local?
Does buying local mean buying from our city, province or country?
The definition of the term "buy local" can vary slightly from one individual to another depending on personal interpretation. The most commonly used and widely accepted description by Quebecers involves :
- The purchase of products manufactured or grown in Quebec;
- Buying from independent and/or neighbourhood businesses;
- Buying from Quebec companies rather than large multinationals.
Buying local in Quebec means consuming products designed/manufactured here or from a company that was founded here.
What are the benefits of buying local?
The benefits of buying local can be seen in several socio-economic spheres.
First, buying local is a gesture of solidarity towards local producers. Redistributing money in the community increases the income of Quebec workers, which contributes to the success of businesses and their growth. This contributes to the creation of new jobs and a more prosperous economy.
On the other hand, buying locally minimizes the impact of goods on the environment. Since they do not have to travel long distances between the producer and the consumer, products made in Quebec have a lower environmental impact than imported products.
As stated by Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation on the Blue Basket web platform: "Let's remember that every dollar invested counts and helps support our local products and expertise, which further stimulates our economy."
Buy local: Our businesses in the Outaouais
As a local business located in the Outaouais region, La Boîte à Grains always seeks to promote quality products made in the region.
La Fée des Bois : A medicinal plant farm that cultivates and produces in an artisanal way quality plants with many virtues in order to prepare soaps, ointments, sunscreens, deodorants, lotions, bath bombs, herbal teas and much more. Headed by Mariane Desjardins Roy, farmer and herbalist, La Fée des Bois herbalist shop is founded on the values of permaculture, back to the land, self-sufficiency and buying local.
Marcello : A family business founded in 1987, Marcello has long specialized in making various artisanal pestos and has recently added to its production the popular pumpkin seed chocolate spread, the choco squash. The majority of the ingredients in Marcello products are produced in the Outaouais region according to organic farming standards.
La Soyarie : La Soyarie is a company that has been established in Vieux-Hull for over 40 years. It specializes in the production of soy-based foods, including tofu blocks, flavoured tofu cubes and patties and the veggie patties.
Éric Lajoie Apiary : Beekeeper in the Petite Nation region, Éric Lajoie has more than 240 hives producing a variety of honeys and bee pollen. The knowledge of this company is based on the transmission of knowledge between generations in order to practice a sustainable beekeeping and concerned about the health of bees.
Buying locally: Our Quebec companies
In addition to the Outaouais region, several Quebec companies have won the hearts of our customers.
Ola Bamboo : A Victoriaville-based company that promotes local purchasing and zero waste through compostable and reusable products. Ola Bamboo specializes in eco-friendly bamboo products, including toothbrushesand dental floss, utensilscotton swabs, wooden straws and make-up remover pads.
Gogo Quinoa : Gogo Quinoa has won the hearts of Quebecers, Canadians and a worldwide clientele with healthy, delicious and organic products made from certified responsible quinoa. The company offers many products including whole grain quinoa, pasta products, cookies and groats based on quinoa.
New Roots : New Roots Herbal manufactures over 335 natural health products in Quebec that meet good pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. Laboratory tested, New Roots therapeutic and nutraceutical products are trusted by thousands of natural health retailers in 16 countries. Discover their probiotics, vitamins and minerals and other health supplements.
Pure organic : Founded in 2009 in the Lower St. Lawrence, Pure's mission is to make the purchase of bulk household products simple and accessible. Pure also distributes under the Osmose line line, the basic ingredients for homemade household products. In order to contribute to the current crisis, the company has designed a hand sanitizer with lavender killing 99.9% of germs, bacteria and viruses including COVID-19.
Patience Fruit & Co : The local company Patience Fruit & Co carries out its agricultural activities by respecting the rhythm of nature. Growing and harvesting Quebec fruits in harmony with the earth, Patience Fruits & Co is well known for its dried fruits and its wild fruit juices.
Oneka : A line of body products made in Quebec, Oneka wants more than anything to have a positive impact on the health of people and aquatic ecosystems. Oneka creates shampoos and conditioners that will charm the hearts of all users as well as body lotions body lotions.
Thank you for supporting local businesses!
The team of La Boite à Grains