Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
Bel receives the 2025 French Company in Canada Award
Montréal, December 16, 2025 – Bel Canada Group, a subsidiary of Bel Group, a world leader in branded cheeses and a major player in the healthy snack market, was recognized at the 2025 France–Canada Chamber of Commerce Gala. The awards presented at the event highlight Canadian and French companies that stand out for their contribution to bilateral trade and economic cooperation between France and Canada.
At the gala held on November 19, 2025, in Paris, under the honorary presidency of the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Canada’s Ambassador to France, Bel Group received the French Company in Canada Award, which highlights its contribution to the vitality of the Franco-Canadian business community. The company distinguished itself through its growth, rapid expansion, and exemplary social responsibility and sustainable development practices.
“Our story in Canada dating back to 1956, it is an honour for us to receive this prestigious recognition, which reflects our long-term success as a company, employer, and business partner,” said Cristine Laforest, CEO of Bel Group Canada. “The acceleration of our development was made possible thanks to our partners and the appreciation Canadians have for our products. Our leadership is demonstrated by our ability to shine locally with a state-of-the-art production plant, contribute to Québec’s economy and share our expertise with our partners.”
As a mission-led company recognized by law, Bel also stands out for its leadership in advancing a more sustainable food system. Guided by a long-term vision in which responsibility and performance are closely linked, the company is committed to having a positive impact in Canada by developing the healthy snack category sustainably, strengthening responsible practices, and supporting the well-being of communities today and for future generations.
Bel Group Canada stands out for its approach to reducing food waste and food insecurity across the entire value chain:
- Achieving zero waste to landfill in production: The Babybel® plant in Sorel-Tracy will reach zero waste to landfill in 2025, a major milestone supported by the recovery and repurposing of products.
- Reducing losses and increasing access: The company has launched the Zero Food Waste program with its distributor and Food Banks Canada to turn slightly damaged but still high-quality products into donations.
- Responding to urgent food needs: Through Food Banks Canada’s After the Bell program, Bel has helped provide more than 215,000 summer lunch boxes to vulnerable children, while a La Vache qui rit campaign generated $100,000 in monetary donations. In partnership with Breakfast Club of Canada, the company also provides products at a preferential price and through product donations.
About Bel Group Canada
Bel Canada is a subsidiary of Bel Group, a world leader in branded cheeses and a major player in the healthy snack market with distribution in nearly 120 countries. Created in 2005 to boost the development of the Group’s activities in Canada, the subsidiary now employs 280 people, including 115 at its headquarters in Montreal, contributing to the Group’s mission of providing healthier and more responsible food for all. Its brands Boursin® and The Laughing Cow® are produced under subcontract in Canada with local partners and Babybel® is produced at the company’s plant in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec. Bel Canada Group also owns MOM Group, makers of GoGo squeeZ® fruit pouches based in Toronto. To learn more, www.bel-canada.ca. To learn more about Bel Group, visit www.groupe-bel.com.
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