SAINTE-ÉLIZABETH DE WARWICK, QC – Faced with increasing imports of European cheeses and the impending new Canadian concessions with Pacific-rim countries, La Fromagerie du Presbytère is developing its foreign markets.
For cheese-maker Jean Morin, sitting back and doing nothing is out of the question: "competition from European cheeses, and soon from American cheeses and the rest of the Pacific rim, could impact us severely. So, we are going to grow our presence in the Ontario market and in Western Canada, in particular in Vancouver. In addition, we are initiating an American breakthrough with our Laliberté, Louis d'Or and Bleu d'Élisabeth brands. Our first targets are Boston and New York".
The choice to expand and open new markets was made without any compromise, according to cheese-maker Jean Morin: "for us, it is a big challenge, since I want to retain the character of the company, its traditionally-made products and the high quality of the cheese. If I, as a craftsman, can target our Canadian and American neighbours' markets, it is precisely because they have recognized and appreciated the distinctiveness, the character and the quality of my products. So, I have decided to develop peripheral markets in addition to preparing to face the stiff competition that we are expecting here. And, I am convinced that, for me and my fellow Québec, traditional cheese-makers, our greatest strength will be quality and originality."
Cheese-maker Jean Morin also hopes that the Canadian Government will keep its promise to compensate cheese-makers who will certainly be impacted by the new cheese imports from Europe and, presumably, Pacific Rim countries. He points out that Ottawa has already reneged on its oft-repeated promise to fully protect the Supply Management system, in international trade negotiations.
About La Fromagerie du Presbytère
In business since 2008, La Fromagerie du Presbytère processes several types of craft cheeses. Its products are very well known, having won many prizes in Québec and Canada, including the Canadian Grand Prize recently awarded to Laliberté, a lovely, triple-cream soft cheese. Present at many specialty fairs, it also holds weekly events, on its Ste-Élisabeth de Warwick site, which attract thousands of visitors every time.
For more information: http://www.fromageriedupresbytere.com/
Source: Agro Québec
