About FraiseBec
History
Our fondations
FraiseBec was founded in 1978 by Yvon Charbonneau who came up with the idea to transform part of his land, in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines on the North Shore, into a strawberry patch. Over time, his small operation grew into a flourishing family business specialized in growing fall strawberries, which are harvested from June to October. After two of Mr. Charbonneau’s children, Isabelle and Simon, took over the company.
FraiseBec slowly grew to become one of Canada’s biggest strawberry producer. And, for over 20 years now, the farm has also included fall raspberries as part of its crops. The strawberry farm covers over 60 hectares and employs nearly 300 people during the high season.
Recognized across Canada, FraiseBec products are available on the shelves of major supermarkets including Sobeys, Métro, Loblaws, Provigo and Walmart as well as in fruit stores, public markets and stands.
The popularity of FraiseBec’s strawberries and fall raspberries have made them a sought-after ingredient in jams, desserts and salsa, both in households and food-related facilities throughout Quebec.
Our distribution
Strawberry and Raspberry Producer in Canada
With 160 acres of land and some 3.5 million strawberry plants per year, FraiseBec is one of the largest strawberry and raspberry producers in Canada.
A vast distribution network has been developed over the years, such that FraiseBec strawberries are available in most fruit stores, kiosks, and farmers’ markets in Quebec, as well as in some regions of Ontario.
Thanks to a large production period spanning almost five months, FraiseBec is in a class of its own, allowing it to consistently supply major grocery chains, including Sobey’s, Loblaws, Métro, and their affiliated chains.
FraiseBec also sells its products at its farm on the North Shore, at 420 Rang Lepage in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines.
Abilities
FraiseBec's advanced production methods
FraiseBec pays particular attention to the quality of its strawberries and raspberries, as well as its production techniques, and therefore devotes considerable energy to researching and developing new processes.
FraiseBec’s production methods significantly improved after several exploratory trips to the United States and Europe. One of the key factors in the company’s success is undoubtedly its ability to integrate the latest technologies and adapt them to our climate. Today, FraiseBec’s methods are used by several other agricultural producers for various types of crops.
FraiseBec is also part of various associations:
- Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA)
- Association des jardiniers maraîchers du Québec (AJMQ)
- Association des producteurs de fraises et framboises du Québec (APFFQ)
- Association québécoise de la distribution des fruits et légumes du Québec (AQDFL)
- Fédération des producteurs maraîchers du Québec (FPMQ)
- North American Strawberry Growers Association (NASGA)
- North American Rasberry & Blackberry Association (NARBA)
Production methods
FraiseBec's advanced production methods
FraiseBec produces strawberries and raspberries every year from June to October and is continually engaged in research and development to improve production methods and satisfy berry lovers. An agronomist is an integral part of the company and maintains the exemplary quality of its production.
FraiseBecs are grown in hilled rows, meaning they come from the mother plants, which are on hills 10 inches high and 42 inches wide, with 4 rows of plants on the same hill.
After several trials, high tunnel cultivation was the preferred method for growing raspberries. These are large open-tunnel canvas arches under which the plants are grown in three rows. This method provides production conditions similar to those in California, sheltered from rain and strong winds. With this method, the raspberries mature until the first fall frost.
We currently produce 10 acres of raspberries under high tunnels and plan to add 35 acres in the near future.
Every year, FraiseBec cultivates various strawberry varieties in Quebec’s climate.
Even before arriving at FraiseBec, new varieties are numbered or coded in the breeding laboratories and can take 5 to 10 years to be named and reach the fields.
Finding the best strawberry variety for Quebec is a long-term endeavor, to which the company is proud to contribute by testing new varieties on half an acre of its land.