Our history | Beaudry & Cadrin

1899

Jean-Baptiste Cadrin Senior opened a general store in Saint-Anselme.

He established the company’s head office at this same location. This was the start of one of the largest independent food distributors in Quebec.

1905

A second generation of the Cadrin family joins the company.

Jean-Baptiste Cadrin Junior and his wife Léa Audet got married on September 5, 1905. This union put an end to the conflict between the Cadrin and Audet families.

1917

In October,1917, the first Beaudry grocery store opens on Broadway Street in Montreal-East. This store was operated by Arthur Beaudry.

1930

The third generation from the Cadrin family, Charles-Auguste Cadrin joins the company.

1948

Jean-Paul Beaudry, son of Arthur Beaudry, establishes the family's second grocery store, larger in size, this store was located on Notre-Dame Street in Pointe-aux-Trembles.

1950s

Lucien and Maurice Cadrin joined their father. They are the fourth generation of the Cadrin family to work within the company.

1961

Jean-Paul Beaudry expanded his business by inaugurating a wholesale grocery store.

That same year, he had a distribution center built at 9400, Ray-Lawson Boulevard in Ville d’Anjou's industrial park. The Jean-Paul Beaudry ltd company held its offices there until 2005.

1966

Jean-Paul Beaudry made a jump to politics for a few years.

Between 1966 and 1970, he was a Member of Provincial Parliament for the Lafontaine County, and Minister of Industry and Trade. In fact, he is the one that came up with the well-known "Québec sait faire" slogan, which promoted Quebec products.

1970s

Lucien’s three sons, Daniel, Normand and Michel Cadrin, made their entrance into the family business.

1975

The third generation of the Beaudry family, Jacques and Robert Beaudry, decided to join the family business.

1977

The birth of Beau-Soir convenience stores.

1991

Alliance with Slush Puppie Canada. Jean-Paul Beaudry became the brand’s official distributor for the Greater Montreal area.

1993

Jean-Paul Beaudry Ltd acquires U. Desrochers, a food distributor located in Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon.

1999

J.B. Cadrin Inc. celebrated its 100th anniversary as a food distributor.

2000

On April 1st, Jean-Paul Beaudry Limited acquires Oscar Poulin, a food wholesaler from the region of Gatineau.

2003

Acquisition of F. Vermette from Quebec City.

2005

J.B. Cadrin Inc acquires René Tessier Ltd. of Saint-Casimir.

2005

In may 2005, the inauguration of the new distribution center.

To meet the needs of its growing customer base, Jean-Paul Beaudry Ltd transferred its activities in a brand new distribution center near the Metropolitan Boulevard in Montreal. The fourth generation of the Beaudry family joined the business. Robert’s son, François, and Jacques’ son, Jean-Philippe, were well prepared to carry on the family legacy.

2009

Acquisition of Langlois & Langlois in Granby.

2013

February 17th: Jean-Paul Beaudry Limitée merged with J.B. Cadrin Inc., a food distributor in Lévis, near Quebec.

The new company operating under Beaudry & Cadrin is now the largest independent food wholesaler of Eastern Canada.

2014

Beaudry & Cadrin acquired Colabor Group’s retail banners.

2016

Association with Roland et Frères

Together, the three divisions become the most important independent food whosaler of Eastern Canada.

2017

Alliance of F. Charest Ltd. with Beaudry & Cadrin

This partnership is a new asset to our numerous collaborations, such as the one with Wallace & Carey Group on the national level, deserving the west of the country. This alliance will allow us to become the most important hybrid distributor of Eastern Canada.

Our story

Become a member