Montbec: One Candy at a Time

Who doesn’t love candy? We had the chance to chat with Martine Boulet, president of Montbec and daughter of the founder.

Tell us about the beginnings of Aliments Montbec Inc.

The company "Aliments Montbec Inc." was founded in May 1982 by my father, Jean-Baptiste Boulet. An innovator and businessman, my father decided at the age of 50 to embark on a new project; state-of-the-art sweets. Thanks to a new manufacturing process, he managed to create sweets that are both healthy and tasty.

Sales in the beginning were not easy to conclude, since they were the first sugar free candies on the Quebec market. This new product brought many questions to consumers. Were they really sugar free? After answering this question so many times, we learned how to gain people’s trust and win our spot on the shelves. In the early 1980s, I joined the company as a sales manager to help my father until his death on January 1, 1998. Then I took over the presidency of Montbec.

"We want our confectionery to be perceived as a guilt-free treat. The key: being attentive to your customers! "

What motivated your father to start making candy?

After being co-owner of Bonbon Henri & fils for more than 25 years, he already had a good knowledge of the confectionery market. He chose to stay in the same product niche. His goal was to create a unique product that could evolve over time. We can say: mission accomplished!

Since the beginning of the company, what has changed?

Honestly, the company stayed very close to its origins. Our mission is always the same; offering more to consumers giving more thought in their consumption practices. Following this, we want our candies to be perceived as a guilt-free pleasure. The key: being attentive to its customers!

What distinguishes you from your competitors?

Our product itself, our manufacturing process, our customer service…  The trust we have established with our buyers and customers. As simple as that!

What is your best seller?

Of course, our mints and sugar-free sweets. Also, our breath fresheners, as always without sugar!

You also make business with big companies, don’t you?

Yes, more specifically we offer the R & D service for any company wishing to develop the same kind of product. Besides, we also have an opening for private brands. We are pleased to bring expertise and experience to those who want to present their project.

Where can we buy your products?

Our products are sold in most pharmacies in Quebec and Canada. You can find all our candy lines under the name Montbec.

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

Obviously in the coming years we want to own a bigger portion of the market. We hope to achieve that goal within the next 5 years. In addition, we want our products to be appreciated without guilt. Every day we work to convey this message to our customers.

In 2019, a brand new line of products will be launched by Montbec. Keep an eye out!

To discover all their products or to see where you can find Montbec, click here.