Since November 19, residents of New Brunswick have been receiving an IGA CO-OP or Les Marchés Tradition CO-OP flyer in their mailbox for the first time. In addition to having access to an improved offering of quality products at competitive prices, consumers will continue to find local products from producers in their region on store shelves along with region-specific offerings.
This past June, members of the Fédération acadienne des coopératives de consommation (FACC) signed a supplier agreement with IGA/Sobeys Québec. Following the conversion of two stores into Omni stores last June, IGA/Sobeys Québec is now proud to be welcoming eleven New Brunswick IGA CO-OP and Les Marchés Tradition CO-OP stores into its network. With all banners combined (IGA, Les Marchés Tradition, Marché Bonichoix, Omni, and several convenience stores) there are twenty active stores in the province. The supplier agreement provides long-term supply security while maintaining jobs and the current co-operative model.
Encouraging the co-operative model
IGA/Sobeys Québec values and adds value to the CO-OP stores co-operative model, so much so that they are the trusted suppliers for 70% of Quebec co-operatives. The company wishes to preserve the New-Brunswick way of doing things by maintaining the characteristic identity of stores in the region and by encouraging local sourcing.
This project is a perfect fit with The Joy of Eating Better movement, launched in May 2014. The objective of the movement, which guides everything the company’s employees, customers, and partners do, is to support making responsible choices (including buying local), eating a healthy diet, discovering new flavours, and cooking more, while never compromising on enjoyment.
