Roundy's partners with Québec on private label products

Philippe Couillard, the premier of Québec, and Bob Mariano, president and CEO of Milwaukee-based Roundy’s Inc., announced a new partnership under which Québec will supply Roundy’s with private label and branded food and beverage products.

The partnership will expand Mariano’s international product offerings to include Québec specialties: game meats and fowl such as caribou, quail and bison; more than 300 kinds of artisanal cheeses; maple products; micro-brew beers, specialty liqueurs and apple ice wine, Roundy’s said.

“In order to stay on the path of growth, Québec’s economy must export its products,” Couillard said. “We have all the necessary tools at our disposal to conquer new markets and to grow the markets we currently serve. The stellar quality of Québec products can shine around the world, and that is why today’s announcement is important for our food and beverage industry.”

Following the Private Label Manufacturers Association Private Label Trade Show, on Nov. 18, the Québec government office in Chicago and Roundy’s will hold the “Foods of Québec Buying Day @ Roundy’s” event, where 40 Québec national brand and private brand companies will hold exclusive meetings with Roundy’s buyers, the retailer said.

Then in April 2016, at SIAL Canada, the Québec government office in Chicago, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Québec, will take Roundy’s team members on facility tours to identify new suppliers and see first-hand the quality of Québec’s food and beverages, as well as the provinces’ innovation and passion for good food, the retailer said.

In May 2016, Roundy’s buyers will participate in an exploratory tour on the theme of seafood in the Gaspésie, Îles-de-la-Madeleine, and on the North Shore. The visit will take place during the snow crab season, Roundy’s said. Québec and Roundy’s are also exploring a Foods of Québec promotion at Mariano’s stores for 2016.

“Québec offers a rich and distinctive food culture that we are thrilled to bring to Mariano’s,” Mariano said. “We make it our priority to not only provide shoppers with the best possible in-store experience, but also to educate them on different cultures and culinary products from around the globe — our partnership with Québec will help us do just that.”