IGA plans to support nine Quebec companies get their products onto store shelves as part of its IGA Local Accelerator program.
The grocery chain will support the companies as they seek to scale their businesses and sell their products in supermarkets nationwide.
“We were impressed by the creativity and skills of the entrepreneurs who form this new cohort. Encouraging local purchasing and helping to revitalize Quebec’s food sector by promoting distinctive products is part of our DNA. We’re delighted to be able to nurture good ideas with the launch of the IGA Local Accelerator. We can really be proud of all the food innovation that’s emerging right here at home!” said Caroline Auger, category manager at IGA grocery store.
IGA launched its Local Accelerator program in 2022. The $1 million annual program is designed to support Quebec agri-food companies develop products and get them onto store shelves. Among the services it offers Quebec entrepreneurs is business consulting, product positioning, marketing, branding, merchandising and distribution.
The companies selected include:
• Alea Protection, an organic and sustainable menstrual product company (Montérégie)
• Aux petits plaisirs, a maple product company specializing in maple syrup production, local agriculture and their own cattle farm (Centre-du-Québec)
• Carrot Dogs, a carrot-based alternative to traditional hot dogs (Montreal)
• Lyo et co, a freeze-dried snack company (Montreal)
• Paella Marisol, a reference for a Paella (Montreal)
• Planette produits écologiques, an ecological and natural household product company (Laval)
• Sel Saint-Laurent, a salt flake company from the St. Lawrence River (Côte-Nord)
• Si petit soit-il, a gourmet pastry company (Estrie)
• Silknsoak, a vegan shower product company (Montreal)
