Our healthy supermarkets: natural products in Gatineau

Natural products store in Gatineau

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

A story of passion

Pierre Ménard, former president and co-founder of La Boite à Grains, remembers the early days: "My partner, Dominique Lauriault, and I had an entrepreneurial spirit. We wanted to help people take control of their diet. In 1980, the concept of organic was still vague; most people associated it with biology classes... we were talking more about natural products. We started in a small space on St-Joseph Boulevard, and every 3 or 4 weeks, we rearranged the store to expand our product line. We never thought we'd be where we are almost 45 years later!" Proudly anchored in Gatineau and Quebec, La Boite à Grains now has four stores serving the Outaouais region, and an online store to reach the entire country. Since day one, the values and mission of our health supermarket have remained the same: to offer an organic, natural, and eco-responsible alternative to food in an accessible way for Canadians.

La Boite à Grains opened its doors on March 10, 1980. Starting with a team of two people (Pierre Ménard and Dominique Lauriault), our company primarily developed its clientele 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 today. And this is true as much for our relationship with customers as it is with our employees," says Pierre Ménard.

The company began operations at 177a Saint-Joseph. In 1987, La Boite à Grains moved to larger premises at 129 Boulevard Saint-Joseph, before moving to its current address at 581 Saint-Joseph in 1994. The fruits and vegetables are 100% organic, and the offerings include a complete selection of groceries, cosmetics, and natural supplements.

In 1984, health advisors 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 problems can be addressed with a natural approach. Whether you're following a keto or gluten-free diet, or have questions about intermittent fasting, our experts are here to help.

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

The development of our company has certainly been helped by the teamwork of our staff and reflects our desire to make this business a model in the region.

Thanks to a distinctive concept, La Boite à Grains can offer its customers a complete range of premium products and services at competitive prices. With one goal: to be at the forefront of developments in our industry.

In 2004, a second La Boite à Grains health supermarket opened on Gréber Boulevard in the Gatineau sector. In twenty years, it has carved out a niche for itself and is now our most beautiful showcase. The largest of our stores in terms of floor space, it is ideally located in a very active part of the city and contributes to the region's influence.

2004: 4,000 square meters

2012: 8,500 square meters

2022: 16,000 square meters

2015 marked an important moment for our company with the launch of our online store. We offer delivery of most 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 opened its third location in Plateau. Our modern and comprehensive store makes our products and services accessible to a booming sector of the city of Gatineau. Our bulk section, our complete selection of local products made in Quebec, and of course our organic fruits and vegetables are all featured prominently.

In 2020, La Boite à Grains acquired 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 long-standing owners were looking for a successor, and La Boite à Grains proudly took on this 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 Excelor Award, in 1999 and 2010, awarded by the Outaouais Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognizing the company of the year. In addition, at the provincial level in 2000, La Boite à Grains received the Order of Merit of Retail Commerce from the Quebec Retail Council.

By winning the Work-Study Balance Award, La Boite à Grains received another distinction in November 2020 at the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce's Excelor Gala. This is a wonderful recognition and a source of pride for our team!

Pierre Ménard, who has served as president since the first store opened in 1980, has 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 President and CEO. Passionate, a jack-of-all-trades, and close to his teams, he is actively involved in community life. A big thank you to Pierre Ménard for helping La Boite à Grains evolve into what it is today.

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

4 health supermarkets
An online store with delivery options across Canada
Tailored health advice
More than 120 employees
More than 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

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, thus contributing to a more just world where everyone can prosper with integrity.

Excellence

At our company, excellence guides our actions towards high standards, cultivating innovation and promoting continuous improvement for a positive impact on the world.

Creativity

Creativity fuels our ability to innovate, encouraged by the diversity of ideas and individual expression, for novel solutions and enriching achievements.

Speed

Speed is a key value for us, committing us to acting efficiently, seizing opportunities and maintaining a dynamic pace to ensure our continued success.

Good mood

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

The collaboration

Collaboration at the heart of our culture fosters diversity of perspectives and ideas, strengthening our collective impact towards shared success.

Brands

Brands

Natural products store in Gatineau

Our story

A story of passion

First steps in Hull

Introduction of a consulting service

Development and avant-garde spirit

Opening of a second store in Gréber

Launch of our online store

Third store in Plateau

Fourth store in Aylmer

Distinctions

The Next Generation: A New Beginning

The Grain Box today

Since 1980

Our mission

OUR VALUES