Our healthy supermarkets: natural products in Gatineau

Natural products store in Gatineau

Discover the history, mission, values and locations of La Boite à Grains.

A history of passion

Pierre Ménard, former president and co-founder of La Boite à Grains remembers the early days: "With my partner, Dominique Lauriault, we had an entrepreneurial streak. We wanted to help people take control of their food. In 1980, the notion of organic was still vague, and most people associated it with biology courses... we talked more about natural products. We started out in a small space on boulevard St-Joseph, and every 3 or 4 weeks, we reorganized the store to develop our product range. We never thought we'd be where we are almost 45 years later! Proud of its roots in Gatineau and Quebec, La Boite à Grains today has four stores serving the Outaouais population, and an online store to serve the entire country. Since day one, the values and mission of our healthy supermarket have remained the same: to offer an organic, natural and eco-responsible alternative to food in a way that is accessible to the Canadian population.

La Boite à Grains opened its doors on March 10, 1980. Starting out with a two-person team (Pierre Ménard and Dominique Lauriault), our company mainly developed its customer base in the Hull (Gatineau) region. "We've always had a family approach. And that's something we've wanted to pass on over the years, right up to the present day. And this is as true for our relationship with our customers as it is with our employees," says Pierre Ménard.

The company started out at 177a, Saint-Joseph. in 1987, La Boite à Grains moved to larger premises at 129 boulevard Saint-Joseph, and in 1994 moved to its current address, 581 Saint-Joseph. Fruits and vegetables are 100% organic, and the offer includes a complete selection of natural groceries, cosmetics and supplements.

In 1984, health consultants and naturopaths joined La Boite à Grains to share their expertise with our customers. With over 12,000 products, including a wide range of natural supplements, personalized recommendations can be invaluable.

Digestive problems, poor sleep, high stress, joint pain... so many everyday worries that can be solved with a natural approach. Whether you're following a keto or gluten-free diet, or have questions about intermittent fasting... our experts are here for you.

La Boite à Grains has developed an image of excellence as much for the quality of its products as for its dynamic service and spirit of proximity. All this has contributed to creating a warm and friendly environment for customers and employees alike.

The development of our business has certainly been aided by our staff's sense of teamwork, and reflects our determination to make this business a model in the region.

It's thanks to a distinctive concept that La Boite à Grains can offer its customers a complete range of top-quality products and services at competitive prices. Our aim: to be at the forefront of developments in our industry.

In 2004, a second health supermarket La Boite à Grains opened on boulevard Gréber in the Gatineau sector. Over the past twenty years, it has carved out a special place for itself, and is now our finest showcase. The largest of our stores in terms of floor space, it is ideally located in a very active area of the city and contributes to the region's reputation.

2004: 4,000 square feet

2012: 8,500 square feet

2022: 16,000 square feet

2015 marks an important moment for our company with the launch of our online boutique. We offer delivery of the majority of our products across Canada, and are constantly working to improve our service. One of our main commitments: 100% recyclable and/or compostable packaging (no plastic, including adhesive tape).

In 2016, La Boite à Grains opens its third store, in Le Plateau. Our modern, full-service store makes our products and services accessible to a booming sector of the city of Gatineau. Our bulk section, our complete selection of local Quebec-made products, and of course our organic fruits and vegetables feature prominently.

In 2020, La Boite à Grains acquires Sol Épicerie Santé, in the Aylmer sector of Gatineau. This certified organic grocery store was founded in 1981 and has always been a recognized player in the community. The historical owners were looking for a successor, and it is with pride that La Boite à Grains took up the challenge.

La Boite à Grains and Sol Épicerie Santé have always shared the same passion for natural and organic products. This new chapter holds great promise for the people of Aylmer and the Outaouais region.

La Boite à Grains twice received the Prix Excelor in 1999 and 2010, awarded by the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de l'Outaouais for Business of the Year. In addition, at the provincial level in 2000, La Boite à Grains received the Ordre du Mérite du Commerce de Détail from the Conseil québécois du commerce de détail.

Winner of the Prix Conciliation travail-études, La Boite à Grains was awarded a new distinction at the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce's Excelor Gala in November 2020. A great recognition and a source of pride for our team!

Pierre Ménard, who held the position of president since the opening of the first store in 1980, passed the torch to Alexandre Savard! Alexandre joined La Boite à Grains in 2010, became its general manager in 2014 and in August 2024 became the new owner and CEO. Passionate, he is actively involved in the life of the community. A big thank you to Pierre Ménard for making La Boite à Grains evolve into what it is today.

Under the leadership of CEO Alexandre Savard, La Boite à Grains is today:

4 healthy supermarkets
An online store with delivery options across Canada
Adapted health advice
More than 120 employees
Over 12,000 products

Since 1980

cahier-publicitaire-25-ans-B11 - La Boite à Grains

le-regional-hull-publicite-ouverture-581-saint-joseph-23-novembre-1994-270x260 - La Boite à Grains

photo-129-saint-joseph-23-octobre-1993-270x260 - La Boite à Grains

photo-581-saint-joseph-sans-date-270x260 - La Boite à Grains

le-regional-hull-publicite-ouverture-581-saint-joseph-14-decembre-1994-570x570 - La Boite à Grains

etampe-10-ans-la-boite-a-grains - La Boite à Grains

prix-pme-de-lannee-excelor-chambre-de-commerce-de-gatineau-2010 - La Boite à Grains

publicite-evolution-de-la-sante-web_a946067f-677b-4b56-a398-8ff0d78ba364 - La Boite à Grains

historique-cartes-daffaires-1980-a-2024-570x570 - La Boite à Grains

notre-mission-1880x720_8f006155-32cb-4ee2-b23d-9a39a30167b9 - La Boite à Grains

notre-mission-638x870_e687dbfe-5bfe-4a62-99e9-6dbf5b879730 - La Boite à Grains

To offer an organic, natural and eco-responsible alternative to food in a way that is accessible to the Canadian population.

OUR VALUES

Responsibility

Responsibility guides our decisions towards a healthier future by adopting sustainable practices to preserve the environment and the well-being of all.

Honesty

Honesty guides our interactions and decisions, building strong relationships based on mutual trust, contributing to a fairer world where everyone can prosper in integrity.

Excellence

For us, excellence guides our actions towards high standards, cultivating innovation and fostering continuous improvement for a positive impact on the world.

Creativity

Creativity feeds our ability to innovate, encouraged by the diversity of ideas and individual expression, for innovative solutions and rewarding achievements.

Speed

Speed is a key value for us, committing us to act efficiently, seize opportunities and maintain a dynamic pace to ensure our continued success.

Good humor

Good humor illuminates our environment, fostering a spirit of optimism and conviviality conducive to professional fulfillment, where everyone contributes enthusiastically to our collective success.

Collaboration

The collaboration at the heart of our culture fosters a diversity of perspectives and ideas, reinforcing our collective impact towards shared success.

Brands

Brands

Brands

Natural products store in Gatineau

Our history

A history of passion

First steps in Hull

Introduction of an advisory service

Development and avant-garde spirit

Opening of a second store in Gréber

Launch of our online store

Third store on the Plateau

Fourth store in Aylmer

Awards

A new beginning

La Boite à Grains aujourd’hui

Since 1980

Our mission

OUR VALUES