Chef Jérôme Ferrer's very first product line available exclusively at IGA

MONTREAL, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Sobeys/IGA and the Groupe Jérôme Ferrer are proud to announce an exclusive agreement for the distribution of Jérôme Ferrer's very first line of prepared food products in all Québec IGA stores. This partnership came about after the two organizations worked together, sharing expertise, with the goal of taking the prepared food category to another level.

Giving Quebec talent a place on the supermarket shelves
"We wanted to find a group that could share our vision of food, and we found much more than that," says chef Jérôme Ferrer. "The Sobeys/IGA team acted as mentors. They guided us through the whole process, taking us from the kitchen to the grocery store shelves. We obviously have considerable experience creating new dishes, but the retail market was less familiar to us," he adds.

Yvan Ouellet, Vice President, Procurement & Merchandising, Perishables at Sobeys Québec, explains that the association between Sobeys/IGA and chef Jérôme Ferrer was a natural step: "We hold the same vision of our work: to offer Quebeckers culinary experiences that inspire a desire to eat better, by helping them discover flavourful, quality products."

Sobeys/IGA has noticed the increasing popularity of ready-to-eat food among its clientele. The products created by chef Jérôme Ferrer are therefore meeting customer demand for prepared dishes, but not just any—this new line offers top-notch quality. "We're on the lookout for products with added value, and chef Jérôme Ferrer's line brings a breath of freshness to the market," states Yvan Ouellet. "What's more, a partnership with a well-respected Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef who is renowned locally and internationally is a pledge of quality for us," he adds.

In the restaurant or at the supermarket, quality comes first
The philosophy that guides the development of the brand-new ready-to-eat product line matches the one already practiced in Groupe Ferrer restaurants. Quality, creativity and Québec-sourced ingredients that are free of additives and preservatives will thus drive the creative process for the first products, soon to be launched.

About IGA 
IGA is the largest group of independent grocers in Canada and has been established in Quebec since 1953. The 278 IGA merchants are constantly seeking new ways to better serve their customers. IGA is the only group of food retailers that offers customers the opportunity to accumulate AIR MILES® reward miles.

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About Groupe Jérôme Ferrer
Groupe Jérôme Ferrer, formed by chef Jérôme Ferrer, a Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef, and his associates Ludovic Delonca and Patrice De Felice, set up in Québec in 2001. The group has since opened six establishments: Europea, Espace Boutique Europea, Brasserie Beaver Hall, Restaurant Andiamo, Birks Café and Café Grévin. The group also co-owns four restaurants in Brazil and owns a catering service and a vineyard in France. In 2013, Groupe Jérôme Ferrer diversified its activities, opening the Centre de Transformation Agroalimentaire Tradition & Qualité.

SOURCE: Sobeys Québec

For information and interviews: 
Laurie Fossat
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