Theobroma Chocolat has opened a state-of-the-art factory in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec, Canada following a $10 million investment from multiple partners.
Theobroma says the new facility will triple the company’s footprint and allow it to increase production and enter new markets. This project will create more than 20 jobs.
The company develops and produces chocolates made with pure, natural and entirely organic cocoa bases. Located in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Theobroma offers certified organic products that are peanut-free, gluten-free, GMO-free, vegan and Fairtrade.
“This new factory is a force for positive change for present and future generations,” said Jean-René Lemire, co-president and co-founder. “This includes automation and robotization technologies, and is in complete harmony with our business philosophy, which is better for you and the planet!”
Lemire and Josée Vigneault, co-founders and owners of the company since 2008, look to innovate while respecting their fundamental values. They rely on operational excellence, robotization and the automation of production functions with the aim to improve productivity and maximize the ideas and talents of all employees.
Theobroma received financial assistance from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC); Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED); the National Bank of Canada; the Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et l'Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) as part of the food processing program: robotization and quality systems; the Ministry of Economy and Innovation; and Quebec City's Entrepreneurial Vision Québec 2023.
Focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, growth, funding and support, Québec City's Entrepreneurial Vision Québec 2023 aims to make Québec Canada’s capital of entrepreneurship. It brings together financial assistance programs and measures to grow businesses. The Vision benefits from $75.8 million in funding from the government of Québec. The City of Québec, the Secrétariat à la Capitale-Nationale and Québec International act as key partners in the diffusion of the Vision.
Advocating well-being and sustainable development since its foundation, Theobroma Chocolat sets itself apart from the traditional manufacturing model.
“We are very proud to start a new adventure and help future generations,” Lemire said. “Social and economic innovations are part of the company's DNA. We have always done things differently by putting people and pleasure at the heart of our concerns. We want to deliver sustainable solutions through new, nutritious products that are good for chocolate lovers and the environment.”
Next September, Theobroma Chocolat will launch in its North American distribution network its new social innovation campaign that highlights respect, creativity and cooperation — all important values to the company.
