Quebec’s Nutrinor acquires a local cheesemaker

Saint-Bruno, Que. – Nutrinor, a Quebec cooperative with 965 members, has acquired a majority share in a local cheesemaker.

In a statement, Nutrinor says it shares ownership of Fromagerie Champêtre

Pictured from left to right are: Yves Girard, general manager of Nutrinor Coopérative; Jean Lavoie, president of Nutrinor Coopérative; Denise Livernoche, David Livernoche, Luc Livernoche, owners and founders of Fromagerie Champétre; Patricia Livernoche, Administrative and Human Resources director of Fromagerie Champétre; and Christian Roy, associate vice-president, Private Equity of Desjardins Venture Capital Inc. (CNW Group/Nutrinor Coopérative)

equally with Capital croissance PME, “an investment fund capitalized equally by Desjardins Capital régional et coopératif and La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.”

Fromagerie Champêtre is based in Repentigny near Montreal.

Yves Girard, Nutrinor’s general manager, says in the statement that the acquisition is a key step for the coop.

“We firmly believe that Fromagerie Champêtre has a strong potential for growth that will help propel us beyond our primary market,” says Girard.

“We know that in order for us to grow, stepping up sales outside the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region is critical. Fromagerie Champêtre offers an exceptional line of products that stand out for their quality and authenticity. Such a level of care is squarely in line with our vision of growth—and that’s what clinched it for us.”

Nutrinor markets the Organic Nordic line of dairy products and owns the Fromagerie Perron “and is set to expand its presence in the domestic fine cheeses market.”

Fromagerie Champétre produces cheeses such as Presqu’île, Tomme du Fleuve, Raclette Champétre, and Le Bocké, which has twice won the Sélection Caseus cheese competition.

In the statement Luc Ménard, COO of Desjardins Capital régional et coopératif, which manages the CCPME fund, says the acquisition will ensure that Fromagerie Champétre remains a Quebec-owned brand.

“The transaction announced today will also allow for the continued growth of a Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean coop,” says Ménard.

“It’s the second time since 2015 that we’ve supported a project by Nutrinor. It just goes to show how important we think cooperatives and the agrifood sector are in supporting regional development.”