It’s official! We are thrilled to share a milestone that marks the culmination of 38 years of dedication and sustained effort: our cooperative is now B Corp certified. This achievement recognizes our continuous commitment to putting people at the heart of our priorities. This success has been made possible thanks to the collective engagement of our members, our partners suppliers, and our team.

What is B Corp certification?

Joining the B Corp movement means choosing to be part of a community of visionary businesses that use the power of business to generate a positive impact. It promises to uphold rigorous standards of social performance, transparency, and accountability. For us, becoming a B Corp means more than just achieving a score: it is a promise to never lose sight of our mission to have a beneficial impact on the planet and people.

Our coop is proud to join the ranks of around 50 Quebec-based B Corp certified companies (including Prana, Danone, Ciele Athletics, and Kase Me, to name a few!).

Our journey towards B Corp certification

Becoming the first Canadian horticultural cooperative to achieve B Corp certification is an honor that acknowledges our dedication to reconciling profit and the common good. With a score of 82.4 on the B Impact assessment, we have demonstrated our ability to meet the performance requirements of this certification. This is a significant step, but our journey doesn’t end here. There are still many areas we need to improve.

Foundations of our success

Our strength rests on three fundamental pillars: our members, our suppliers, and our team. These groups form the solid foundation of our success and our sustainable development strategy. The B Corp certification highlights the importance of each group in our governance and operations.

Our actions according to the five B Corp orientations

• Governance: We have formally integrated our social and environmental commitment into our bylaws, ensuring responsible and ethical governance.
• Employees: The well-being of our employees is at the heart of our concerns, with initiatives that promote work-life balance.
• Community: We actively support social and environmental projects, strengthening our bond with the local community.
• Environment: Our determination to reduce our ecological footprint translates into sustainable resource management.
• Customers: The trust of our customers is paramount, and we are committed to offering them ethical products and services of the highest quality.

We want to thank our team, our partner, our suppliers, and our members who have contributed to this achievement. Together, we continue to work towards a more sustainable and responsible future while remaining true to the values that have guided our cooperative since its founding.

Under a mild sky, Magali Boutroy, Sustainable Development Officer for the Coop, attended the press conference held on May 1st by Scotts Canada Ltd, Modix Plastique Inc., and Balcan Packaging, a division of Balcan Innovations Inc. They unveiled the results of an exceptional partnership in which an experiment allowed the integration of recycled resin into flexible plastic packaging. This collaboration, which began in 2022, focused on the ambitious project of developing a circular economy for the peat packaging used by Scotts Canada. The goal? To integrate 25% post-consumer recycled resin into the packaging, thereby creating a closed loop using plastics recovered from the company’s sites.

Modix Plastique Inc, positions itself as a key player in the development of recycling and value-enhancement initiatives for post-consumer flexible plastic packaging across several sectors. The current project is a fine example of success in a sector where recovered plastics, due to their contamination with organic material, were orphaned and thus destined for export or landfill.

Emballages Balcan, for its part, has developed expertise in reducing the environmental impacts of its packaging. The implementation of Balcan Innovations’ solutions through this project will serve as an inspiring example for other culture substrate producers and companies in other product categories

Scotts Canada, a major supplier of consumer products for amateur gardening as well as for the professional horticulture sector in Canada, has integrated these innovative practices into its production by applying these advances to its peat packaging. Scotts Canada’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond improving its own products; the company also manufactures soil mixes, composts, and fertilizers for our Passion Jardins brand, owned by the Groupex Horticultural Cooperative.

Phase 2 : Passion Jardins Private Label Products

In Phase 2 of this ambitious project led by Scotts Canada, the Groupex Horticultural Cooperative is initiating a significant change concerning the packaging of our private label, Passion Jardins, to integrate up to 30% post-consumer recycled resins. This ongoing project marks a further step towards increasingly sustainable practices, aligned with our commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of the circular economy.

This day provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges encountered and the solutions adopted, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Experts shared their views on the technological and logistical necessities to achieve these ambitious goals, as well as the importance of ongoing communication between all partners involved. This partnership is an exemplary model for other industries, demonstrating that innovation and cooperation can truly transform business practices towards greater sustainability. For Groupex, it is a pride to be part of this advancement, and we are eager to see the positive impact of these bags on our environment and on our customers’ satisfaction. Our commitment to this initiative is a testament to our dedication to promoting practices that respect and preserve our planet for future generations

At Groupex Coop, we understand that our impact extends far beyond the confines of our horticultural activities. As a committed cooperative, our mission goes beyond everyday business to significantly and positively touch lives. It is with this spirit that we have engaged for the second consecutive year in the “Baby Plant Month” initiative, led by Mélanie Grégoire, a renowned horticulturist and member of our cooperative.

A community commitment rooted in personal history

This initiative is dedicated to fundraising to support research and the improvement of neonatal care, perfectly illustrating how businesses can channel personal experiences into driving forces for the common good. Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has raised over $550,000 for various health institutions. Every year, it is in the month of March that consumers can purchase baby plants. Many Coop members from the gardening sector offer these plants to their customers, thereby also demonstrating their support for the project.

”Baby Plant Month” was born from Mélanie’s personal story, touched by the challenges of neonatology following the premature birth of her son.

A partnership model for sustainable impact

At Groupex, our participation in “Baby Plant Month” is part of a broader framework of our community engagement. Beyond financial contributions, our cooperative invests in volunteer activities and in forming strategic partnerships with local associations. These initiatives are an integral part of our annual mission to strengthen and support projects that benefit the community..

Solidarity in action

Groupex’s commitment shows that even small businesses can play a crucial role in creating significant impact. Every plant sold during this campaign represents much more than a transaction; it symbolizes a community commitment and a belief in a cause greater than our individual interests. It also demonstrates our willingness to support not only economic growth but also the social well-being of our community.

At Groupex, we firmly believe in the power of cooperation and mutual support. Join us in this venture, and together let’s redefine what it means to be a responsible and committed business to our community.

The only child, Stéphane Grenon, represents the third generation to helm the family horticultural business, established in Laterrière (Chicoutimi) since 1948. Following his grandfather François-Xavier and his father Marc, it’s now his turn to wear the many hats required to be an entrepreneur in the fields of landscaping, maintenance, and retail.

Supported by his partner Marie-Pier, who primarily ensures the smooth operation of the Aménagement Grenon garden center, Stéphane can also rely on a dedicated team of 45 people, more than half of whom are part of the landscaping department.

« My oldest employee has been here for at least 35 years,” he says with pride. “After that, I have many field staff who have been with us for 20 or 25 years. It pleases me that people stay for a long time. »

Despite having a core of long-standing employees, the labor shortage affecting all sectors in Quebec still compels the business owner to invest significant efforts in recruitment and improving working conditions within his company, particularly through acquiring increasingly advanced equipment. 2023 was the first year that foreign workers came to assist the Aménagement Grenon team.

To meet these challenges, mutual support among companies is also very important. “We’re not in competition… we even refer clients to each other!” he says, citing the support from Rébéca Rouleau, owner of Serres Dame Nature, a Groupex member business that regularly collaborates with his company.

Rapid transformation

From the age of 12, Stéphane spent his summers in the office running small errands for his father. Around the age of 15, he began to truly frequent the job sites to get acquainted with manual outdoor work. Then he pursued a college education in industrial electronics, all while continuing to be employed at Aménagement Grenon.

The least that can be said is that the company has changed significantly since Stéphane took over the leadership – and even more so since the very first greenhouse made by François-Xavier Grenon! One of the departments that Stéphane sought to expand quickly was retail sales, which now accounts for 40% of his revenue:

I’ve invested a lot in the garden center and since then, we’ve practically tripled… both in terms of revenue and size. At that time, it was important for us to be part of a group like Passion Jardins because we were still very small compared to the big chains. We wanted to standardize the image, make it more professional.”
 

Stéphane is proud of the revaluation approach that sets his company apart, and he wishes to continue promoting it: “Unlike companies that want to sell only new items, we encourage our clients to repurpose existing elements like shrubs, paving stones… It reduces costs for them and prevents waste.” 

At the last annual congress of the Groupex horticultural cooperative, held on February 22 at the Entourage sur le Lac hotel, the horticultural community gathered to celebrate the excellence and commitment of its members. Hosted by comedian Jean-François Baril, the gala evening was an opportunity to highlight the members of the cooperative.

Deserved recognition for Manon Lavoie and Véronique Pepin

The Cooperator of the year award is a distinction given to Groupex members who have demonstrated exceptional involvement, contributing significantly to the growth and evolution of the cooperative and the horticultural sector. This year’s winners, Manon Lavoie and Véronique Pepin, stood out for their innovative initiative in training, showing remarkable commitment to cooperation and professional development. This award highlights the importance of individual commitment in serving collective goals, celebrating the synergy between entrepreneurship and cooperative values, essential for the success and sustainability of the cooperative.

Celebration of excellence and commitment

The evening was also an opportunity to present the Quercus trophies, recognizing member companies for their performance and commitment to the cooperative and its values. The winners, selected for their contribution to the growth and influence of Groupex, were praised for their strategic approach and active participation in the cooperative.

Among the highlights, the companies Serres Dame Nature and Multi Vrac Écono were honored for their exceptional belonging and dedication to the gardening sector, while Réflexe Paysage and Regard Vert were rewarded for their excellence in the landscaping sector. Serres Laliberté landscaper and garden center and Horti-Plus were also honored for their commitment and contribution to the sector.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The company Repères was honored with the Quercus for Sustainable Development at the annual Groupex congress, highlighting its deep commitment to sustainable development. Repères stands out for its innovative projects, such as the creation of a community garden in collaboration with the Collaborative Gardens, using a gravity-fed irrigation system. Additionally, the company designed an outdoor festive space using recycled materials, demonstrating its commitment to the environment. These initiatives illustrate Repères’ holistic approach, integrating sustainability into its operations while making a positive contribution to its community and the environment.

Celebration of Youth and innovation

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award was given to the horticultural center Foliflor, highlighting the dynamism and creativity of this young enterprise that brings innovative ideas and a breath of fresh air to the sector.

The success of this evening reflects the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives the Groupex horticultural cooperative, and confirms its essential role in supporting and valuing professionals in the sector.

On February 21 and 22, 2024, the idyllic setting of the Hotel Entourage on the Lake, in the heart of the beautiful Quebec region, hosted the congress and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Groupex horticultural cooperative. This eagerly anticipated annual gathering broke participation records with 84 companies out of the 120 in our cooperative attending. This event marked a decisive turning point in our history, symbolizing our commitment to innovation and shared success.

A year of ambitious projects

This year’s congress was a catalyst for significant change for Groupex, heralding the rollout of several major projects that redefine our direction and image. Under the leadership of our president, Pierre Dagenais, we unveiled a series of key initiatives: a new, vibrant brand image, the launch of a completely revamped website, and the introduction of an enhanced extranet, all designed to strengthen our online presence and improve member services. These changes signify a profound digital transformation within the cooperative..

Pierre Dagenais, our President, with a contagious smile, exclaims:

Inspiring highlights

The event kicked off with the notable presence of our strategic partners. It was a unique opportunity for them to showcase their services, highlighting the importance of their role and the value they bring to our cooperative. The event was especially marked by a particularly inspiring speech by Jean Martin Fortier, the renowned market gardener famous for his entrepreneurial success. Jean Martin Fortier’s testimony not only inspired our members with his authentic and sustainable approach but also sowed many enriching parallels with our own world of horticulture. These ideas took root among us, reinforcing our commitment to practices that value well-being and personal development. Jean Martin’s passion for responsible agriculture and its positive impact on communities resonated with our values, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our principles. By placing people and the environment at the center of all our decisions, we cultivate not only our gardens but also our community, rooting our work in sustainability and harmony.

Jean Martin Fortier’s testimony not only inspired our members with his authentic and sustainable approach but also sowed many enriching parallels with our own world of horticulture.

The unveiling of our new brand image and the HECTAR member space marked a key moment of the congress, illustrating our commitment to innovation and ongoing support for our members..

With these new developments, we are ready to embrace the future. Offering these personalized beers is our way of celebrating this new chapter together.

Mélanie Turbis, our Marketing director,

Every year, the Horticultural Cooperative Groupex organizes an essential meeting for the landscaping sector. This annual event is an opportunity for all our members to gain inspiration, network, and share experiences.

It was on September 9th that our members attended the 2023 edition of the Landscaping Open Doors Groupex. Over 100 members and 13 industry suppliers gathered at one of our members, based in Richelieu.

ECO-VERDURE: AT THE CENTER OF THE EVENT

Eco-Verdure, renowned for its expertise in creating green spaces, is now a member of the family,  Services paysagers Dominique Filion a pillar of the sector. This strategic collaboration offered a fresh perspective on trends and quality in landscaping.

A DAY FILLED WITH INSPIRATION

From 8:30 am, the excitement was palpable. For some, it was a discovery; for others, it was a rewarding reunion with peers. Eco-Verdure, as the host, proudly unveiled its landscaping masterpieces that combine aesthetics and functionality.

DISCOVERING ECO-VERDURE’S ACHIEVEMENTS

The highlight of the day? The guided tours by the Eco-Verdure team of four of their favorite projects from recent years. A unique opportunity for participants to interact directly with the Eco-Verdure team, understand their choices and techniques. The feedback was unanimous: admiration and inspiration.

RECORD PARTICIPATION FOR THE OPEN DOORS

Never before had an edition attracted so many. More than 100 members and 13 expert suppliers testified to the growing popularity of this annual initiative.

When you think of a business trip, you probably imagine endless meetings in impersonal conference rooms. At Groupex, it’s quite different! We have transformed the concept of a business trip to include enjoyment, inspiration, and learning.

When Paris and Lyon call us…

We are pleased to announce that our next inspirational trip will take place from December 2 to 9, where our lucky members will have the opportunity to visit not just one, but two iconic cities in France: Paris and Lyon!

A breathtaking program

For our participants, this trip will be an adventure filled with discoveries. Here’s a glimpse of what awaits them:

Visiting renowned companies in the field: Meeting with professionals who energize the industry and discovering behind the scenes of major players in landscaping. An ongoing project: Real-time observation of the transformation of a space, from idea to realization, and diving into the creative process. A completed project: Discovering the breathtaking achievements of our peers. Visiting landscaping schools: Exploring the places where the next generation of landscapers is trained, and having enriching exchanges with students and teachers.

Paysalia: More than a trade show, an experience!

But the highlight will undoubtedly be our participation in the very famous Paysalia show in Lyon. For those who don’t know, Paysalia is the leading trade show for the landscaping profession in France. It’s not just an exhibition space, it’s a true crossroads of innovations, trends, and exchanges for all landscape professionals. From conferences to demonstrations, including meetings with suppliers and industry experts, Paysalia is a must-attend event for any landscaper wanting to stay on top of their game.

The magic of the cooperative

Let me tell you, the success of this trip was not a surprise. In less than a month, all the registrations were completed. Why such enthusiasm? Because these trips are not just “trips.” They offer real added value in terms of learning, networking, and discovery. It’s the perfect opportunity for our members to step out of their comfort zone, acquire new skills, and get inspired by the best practices of the trade.

Are you envious?

For you reading this article thinking, “I should have been part of it,” I have news for you. These trips are exclusively reserved for members of our cooperative. The good news? It’s never too late to join us! Becoming a member means benefiting from a solid network, accessing valuable resources, and, of course, participating in our famous inspirational trips.

Membership application form >

Founded in 2004 by André and Sébastien Dion, Ferme Guyon in Chambly is today a vast garden center, an educational farm, and a popular market focused on Quebec terroir products. Meeting with the president and CEO of a company that places interpersonal relationships at the center of all its initiatives.

“I think it was after my bachelor’s degree in accounting that my entrepreneurial spirit really emerged!” recalls Sébastien Dion, who studied at HEC Montréal, then continued his training at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and in the popular brewery led by his father: Unibroue.

“I quickly realized that, much more than accounting, it was customer contact, marketing, and sales that fascinated me.”

Sébastien recounts that he was the general manager of the family business when Sleeman offered to buy it in 2004. “I was supposed to continue working there for 2 years, but I only stayed 2 months! Because my father and I were elsewhere: we wanted to create a garden center that did things differently.” Thus, André and Sébastien went to Europe to visit various types of garden centers and draw inspiration from them. “It was mainly focused on the customer experience, with themes and beautiful model gardens, so people would stay longer and have a good time.”

Back in Chambly, father and son set to work to start their project… which still had no name. “Since there was already a Dion garden center in Sainte-Thérèse, we had to find something else!” he jokes. “So, we decided to keep the name my father had created a long time ago when he bought the land: Ferme Guyon.” A building and greenhouses appeared, and the co-founders were ready to welcome their first customers.

Listening, Mutual Aid, and Personalization

In the early days of their new kind of garden center, André and Sébastien were constantly asked where the animals of their “farm” were. Given this enthusiasm, they gradually populated Ferme Guyon with chickens, cows, goats, etc. “Then, we quickly realized that people were curious: they asked us questions about the color of eggs, how to make milk or honey, for example. We thought it would be good to add an educational component,” says the CEO.

Thus, in 2011, the educational farm and butterfly house of Ferme Guyon were born; two activities very popular with school groups in the region. “I think it’s very important to be present on the ground and to listen to customers. Perhaps that’s my father’s greatest legacy,” he confides. “Let’s say that if we had stuck to our business plan, the Farm wouldn’t look anything like it does today! We’ve diversified a lot, and that gave us a good hand during the pandemic.”

The CEO of Ferme Guyon reflects on the major lessons he draws from the growth of his business:

“A business relationship is not just a negotiation. I think we need to be real partners, friends above all. My goal is to create a relationship. The same goes for our team; the atmosphere is familial.”

Sébastien Dion

It is with this in mind that he decided to join Groupex in 2021, and then the Passion Jardins banner in 2022: “Mutual aid is so important! At one point during the pandemic, I found myself in a tight spot and called Martin [Girouard, from Serres Girouard, a member of Groupex]. He agreed to help me before I even told him what I needed.” According to Sébastien, in an era where everything can be bought online, it is personalization and excellent service that allow businesses to stand out. You have to give people reasons to visit the premises and maintain a connection with them.

“I like the way Passion Jardins highlights the people behind each initiative. It aligns very well with our approach. Our farmer’s market has always been centered on people – who makes the bread, cheese, chocolate… We also focus a lot on local purchasing, for example, by participating in the Chambly en boîte project. So, it was really logical for us to join the coop!”

After investing several years in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Bassin de Chambly, Sébastien intends to continue giving back to his community in various ways. A long-time partner of the Société Alzheimer du Haut-Richelieu, his company plans to organize another monarch butterfly release fundraiser this fall. Recently, the business also invites small producers to rent a plot of land and take advantage of the visibility of its farmer’s market to sell their food.