It’s a busy summer at Courchesne Larose, with the recent 50 percent acquisition of Dandrea Produce, and more busy months are ahead as the company continues its growth.

Courchesne Larose, is a leading produce distributor based in Montreal, and Dandrea Produce is a longtime grower-importer based in Vineland, NJ. Both companies have longstanding success stories with lots of history behind them. Courchesne Larose was founded in Montreal back in 1918, while Dandrea Produce was established a year earlier in 1917.

The companies share a similar business culture. They have been family run for about 98 years and each generation worked hard and succeeded in growing their excellent reputation in the industry.

The latest acquisition is part of the companies’ growth trajectory.

“There are mutual benefits for each side,” Alexandre Monette, sales director at Courchesne Larose, said about the recent acquisition, adding that Dandrea brings a lot to the table, which will translate into more business for Courchesne Larose.

“It will mean better deals, better prices,” said Monette.

Dandrea Produce offers industry partners a wide variety of produce solutions, including a year-round supply of virtually all categories of produce, access to the industry’s top growers and shippers, local, regional and international sourcing, economies of scale and a strong buying power.

On the heels of this recent acquisition, Courchesne Larose is working on plans to expand its current facility.

“We want to build a second phase in our building in six months to a year, a new facility that will double our current square footage to approximately 240,000 square feet from 120,000 [square feet],” said Monette.

Courchesne Larose will have its usual presence at the upcoming Quebec Produce Marketing Association convention in Quebec City this August – an event it has supported since the founding of the association.

“Eighty percent of QPMA members are people we deal with every day -- suppliers, customers and chainstores,” said Monette, “It’s an opportunity to maintain good relationships and do some networking. Its a tough week, we are busy for three days non stop.”

Marketing Director Fernanda Bernier, who will also be attending the QPMA, said, “I’m looking forward to the convention, it is usually a lot of fun, it’s well organized with great activities and it’s good to see friends.”

Bernier has been busy with the new packaging that Courchesne Larose introduced in the last eight months. The new packaging features a zip top bag, which makes it easier for consumers to open, according to Bernier.

The company is always thinking about new ways to improve its clients’ experience. The Courchesne Larose mission remains to offer the broadest showcase and the largest and best network for the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables in eastern Canada, enabling its clients to benefit from fresh, top-quality, diversified products all through the year. Its suppliers operate from around the world, and its clients, all over Canada and the East Coast of the United States.

Monette enjoys working at Courchesne Larose. “Its fantastic, its a great company, well known, well respected with a long tradition,” she said.

Part of the reason for Courchesne Larose’s continued growth is the family atmosphere.

“Our people are the reason for our success, we treat people well so they want to work well for the company,” said Monette. “It’s an important strategy to make people part of the family. Employees can start as order makers and become salesmen. We give people the opportunity to grow with the company.”