The American giant Walmart is launching the display of Quebec products in its 73 stores across the province.
Like BMR, SAIL, DeSerres, JC Perreault, Pharmacies Jean Coutu, Brunet, La Vie en Rose and Souris Mini, Walmart will now be among the retailers who will put up posters in the aisles where local products are located. . A big catch for the organization Les Produits du Québec, responsible for issuing the famous certification.
“Yes, it’s a big name,” admitted Elfi Morin, general director of the organization, in an interview, a few hours before the press briefing Monday aimed at making the official announcement of Walmart’s entry on the scene.
“It gives credibility (to the certification). “Walmart certainly gives some weight,” she adds.
“It’s also a retailer that is extremely frequented by consumers. The important thing is to be where consumers shop (so that they) can choose Quebec products. »
For the moment, Walmart has some 1,000 products that have received Product of Quebec, Made in Quebec and Designed in Quebec certification. It is the manufacturers who must take the steps to obtain this seal which proves their local provenance. Ms. Morin is betting that Walmart’s participation will encourage several manufacturers to obtain certification.
In addition to in-store identification, the American giant will also allow customers who shop online to better identify local items using search filters, confirmed Cyrille Ballereau, vice-president of operations. for Quebec from Walmart.
“Attracting a giant like Walmart is a sign that (the company’s leaders) understand the importance that Quebecers place on buying local,” added Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, also in an interview with La Presse. Customers are increasingly aware of the importance of buying local and I think that the laws of the market mean that they must listen. »
To date, Les Produits du Québec has granted certification to some 53,000 products, designed by 143 companies. Currently, nine brands have signs to clearly identify their local merchandise. Without giving further details, others could join the program over the next year.