Groupe Tomapure: a family affair
January 2, 2020
Hector Larivée and Groupe Tomapure are more than just a family affair. Together, they strive to offer fresh, top-quality fruits and vegetables to small businesses and restaurants as well as large wholesalers. Learn more about this leading food service company with an outstanding reputation and the history of the Larivées, a tightly knit family.
Hector Larivée: humble beginnings
In 1940, Hector Larivée set up his fruit and vegetable stand at Montreal’s Bonsecours market. From its modest beginnings, Mr. Larivée’s small business quickly expanded, thanks to the owner’s determination and perseverance. He set himself apart by providing unparalleled customer service and the highest quality vegetables.
Hector Larivée’s business grew rapidly, prompting him to relocate for the first time to Saint-Paul Street in Old Montreal. In the 1950s, Paul and Maurice teamed up with their father to further grow the family business. In 1966, they moved to Bercy Street in Montreal’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district. From then on, the company has carved out an enviable place for itself among the major food wholesalers and has even become the largest independent fruit and vegetable distributor in Canada. The company’s new premises were strategically located near downtown Montreal, a key distribution hub for a company with a fleet of 70 trucks covering the province on a daily basis.
Groupe Tomapure: a commitment to growth
In 2005, the fast-food chain Subway approached Hector Larivée. At that time, the chain was looking to partner with a Quebec food distributor that could ensure vegetable food safety from the field to the kitchen. Realizing that this was a huge opportunity, brothers Michel, Daniel and Guy Larivée, the founder’s grandsons, established Groupe Tomapure. Given the company’s steady growth, its Montreal warehouse quickly became too small. After looking for a location in the greater Montreal area, Daniel found a warehouse in Laval, which became Groupe Tomapure’s current head office.
Groupe Tomapure’s beginnings were also modest. When the warehouse was inaugurated in June 2005, the company had only three employees: Daniel, his wife Lyne and their son Marc-André, who was only 19 at the time. Operations started up quickly, on October 5 of the following year. Initially, Groupe Tomapure offered unprocessed ready-to-eat foods. Over the years, the company’s offering has evolved to include processed foods, including coleslaw, grated and julienned carrots, broccoli florets and much more.
A forward-looking company
At Groupe Tomapure, employees feel a strong sense of belonging. It isn’t rare to see employees’ relatives join the company. Today, about 350 people are involved in Hector Larivée and Groupe Tomapure’s daily operations. In addition to all the employees who have joined the organization over the years, Groupe Tomapure and Hector Larivée also count among their ranks the fourth generation of the great Larivée family: Alexandra, Louis-Charles, Marc-André, Victoria, Jessica, Kevin and Maude. Marc-André, 33, now serves as Groupe Tomapure’s General Manager.
Always looking to the future, the founders are committed to building the groundwork for the next generation. The arrival of the fourth generation of Larivées within the company is driving management to innovate continuously to maintain its place in a constantly evolving industry. Beyond its family values, Groupe Tomapure’s values are based on respect for both its employees and its customers. Honesty, innovation and a sense of community are also core values that, each day, inspire the Hector Larivée and Groupe Tomapure partnership.
Giving back to the community: a Groupe Tomapure priority
Groupe Tomapure has always been committed to giving back to the community. Year after year, its founders have made sure to give to a variety of causes they consider dear to their hearts. For the past few years, the company has focused its support on the Maison des enfants le Dauphin in Laval, an organization that offers support to underprivileged children so that they can experience success in a healthy and stimulating living environment. This family-oriented organization offers support to single parents so that their children can develop in a respectful and dignified environment.
In closing, Groupe Tomapure and Hector Larivée are a family success story that had humble beginnings but whose growth and longevity were made possible thanks to visionary, determined and hard-working managers, as well as the dedication of its employees. This success story also stems from a passion to offer top-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, a desire that drives all the company’s employees. Take inspiration from this company with a remarkable track record and add a helping of freshness to your plate by purchasing their tasty products!
