Fondaction is a private equity firm established in 1996 and based in Montreal, Canada, with a commitment to socially responsible finance. It specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including clean energy, agri-food, agriculture, and technology. Fondaction invests in companies primarily located in Quebec, providing equity or loans ranging between CAD 0.5 million and CAD 10 million for direct investments, and up to CAD 75 million for fund investments. The firm typically takes minority stakes in its portfolio companies and aims for exits within five to eight years. With assets exceeding one billion dollars and over 131,000 shareholders, Fondaction plays a significant role in supporting the development of more than 1,050 SMEs, contributing to job creation and the advancement of a more equitable and sustainable economy. The firm has a strong commitment to sustainable development, having been one of the first in Quebec to produce accountability reports and adhere to high standards of transparency in economic, social, and environmental practices.
Vice President, Community Engagement and Public Affairs and Executive Committee Member
Dominique Chaussé
Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Direct Investments, Major Accounts
Isabelle Lechasseur
Portfolio Director, CoInvestments
Stéphan Morency
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Geneviève Morin
President, Administrator, CEO, Board Member and Member of the Steering Committee
Caroline Senneville
Board Member, President of the Council and President of the Coordination Committee
Past deals in Organic Food
Café William
Private Equity Round in 2024
Café William Spartivento is a retail brand focused on the production and distribution of organic and fair-trade coffee beans. The company aims to create a distinctive coffee experience, offering a diverse range of products that cater to various preferences, including light and medium roasts. Committed to sustainability, Café William promotes eco-friendly practices throughout its operations. In addition to its coffee offerings, the company provides roasting and distribution services, making it easier for retail markets to source quality coffee and accessories. With these initiatives, Café William seeks to enhance the coffee experience while supporting ethical production methods.
Cultures Gen V
Venture Round in 2024
Cultures Gen V is a producer of diversified greenhouse vegetables, focusing on sustainable practices that respect both people and the environment. The company cultivates a variety of crops, including conventional lettuce and tomatoes, along with organic cucumbers, peppers, mini cucumbers, and tomatoes. Its operations serve markets across Quebec, Ontario, and the United States, aiming to provide high-quality produce while adhering to environmentally friendly farming methods.
Buddha Brands
Venture Round in 2022
Buddha Brands specializes in producing plant-based snacks and beverages that prioritize clean and purposeful ingredients, catering to health-conscious consumers. Their product lineup includes Thirsty Buddha coconut water, Thirsty Buddha sparkling coconut water, and Hungry Buddha nutrition bars, all designed to support a healthy lifestyle. The company emphasizes mindfulness in its mission to help communities lead positive lives through better eating habits. By offering snacks and beverages that are vegan, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, Buddha Brands ensures that customers can enjoy delicious options without major allergens such as dairy, soy, and peanuts, as well as sugar alcohols.
HOLOS
Seed Round in 2022
HOLOS focuses on producing organic oats sourced from Saskatchewan and offers a range of nutrition bars designed for convenient, healthy snacking. The company aims to support mental and physical well-being through its products, which include creamy and crunchy muesli made from a blend of organic whole grains, nuts, seeds, spices, and dried fruits. Available in four distinct flavors, these offerings cater to consumers seeking nutritious breakfast options that align with a busy lifestyle.
Tournevent
Venture Round in 2022
Tournevent is an agricultural company focused on organic production, incorporating an agri-food processing component. The company specializes in the cultivation of various organic crops, including canola, industrial hemp, camelina, golden and brown flax, buckwheat, yellow soup peas, lentils, and garlic, along with its garlic flower. By prioritizing non-GMO practices, Tournevent provides consumers with a range of organic and gluten-free products.
Dion Herbs & Spices
Private Equity Round in 2021
Dion Herbs & Spices is a prominent seller of herbs and spices based in Quebec, recognized for offering a comprehensive range of products. According to AC Nielsen studies, it holds a leading position in the market, with its products available in over 1,000 retail locations across Canada and the United States. The company specializes in producing a variety of herbs, spices, and related food items, including organic products, house mixes, mushrooms, seafood seasonings, and various types of salts. This diverse product line enables consumers to access healthier food choices at affordable prices.
TOP Glaciers
Venture Round in 2020
TOP Glaciers Inc. is a food manufacturing company based in Montreal, Canada, that specializes in the production and sale of frozen desserts. Founded in 2016, the company offers a diverse range of products, including natural ice creams, sorbets, and various specialty items such as bars and cakes. TOP Glaciers emphasizes quality by providing organic, healthy options, including vegan sorbets made with real fruit and fair trade ingredients. The company aims to deliver premium products to customers at reasonable prices, catering to those seeking artisanal and health-conscious dessert choices.
Pierre Du Moulin
Venture Round in 2019
Pierre Du Moulin is dedicated to fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs in the agricultural and agri-food sector, specifically in Charlevoix. The business aims to enhance the value of agricultural land by promoting sustainable and organic farming practices. It offers a range of services, including consulting, management, procurement, agricultural production, and logistics, to support farming companies at all stages, from inception to market delivery. Through these initiatives, Pierre Du Moulin seeks to facilitate the development of innovative agricultural projects that contribute to the region's economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Maison Le Grand
Seed Round in 2018
Maison Le Grand is a producer of plant-based goods in the area. Fresh pestos, sauces, soups, hummus, and other whole meals made from natural ingredients without preservatives are among the company's offerings, allowing clients to lead healthy lives. Also accessible online are their products. The community's main chains and health food stores carry their items.
Les Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix
Private Equity Round in 2018
Les Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix Inc. is a Canadian company based in St-Urbain, established in 2001, that specializes in the organic breeding, production, processing, and distribution of organic meats. The company focuses on organic chicken, pork, and turkeys, offering a variety of products including cold cuts, sausages, and cooked and dried charcuteries. By providing high-quality organic meat products, Les Viandes Biologiques de Charlevoix serves the food industry, enabling efficient distribution for its clients.
Alasko Foods
Private Equity Round in 2016
Alasko Foods operates as a provider of frozen foods, serving a variety of sectors including hotels, industrial clients, and retail brands across North America. The company imports, prepares, and distributes over 80 million pounds of frozen fruits and vegetables annually, catering to both institutional and consumer markets. With a global supply network that encompasses over 60 agri-food producers in 20 countries, Alasko ensures that all facilities are federally inspected and adhere to H.A.C.C.P. program requirements. The company maintains a robust distribution network utilizing seven warehouses to optimize the efficiency and control of the cold chain, which is crucial for frozen food products. An internal quality assurance program monitors products continuously to uphold safety and quality standards. The Montreal facility is certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and has received a GFTC gold rating, alongside organic certification from Ecocert Canada.
Pacini
Private Equity Round in 2013
Pacini operates a chain of Italian restaurants across Canada, boasting over 30 locations and employing around 1,300 staff members. Known for delivering an authentic Italian dining experience, Pacini is recognized as the fastest-growing restaurant brand in the Canadian hotel industry. The menu features a variety of offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all made from high-quality, fresh ingredients, with a commitment to eliminating artificial trans fats and reducing sodium in its sauces. In addition to its culinary offerings, Pacini includes a unique Bread Bar and a Piazza Pacini grocery store at its locations, allowing customers to purchase fine Italian products in a market-style atmosphere. With more than 30 years as a franchisor, the chain continues to expand and enhance its reputation for exceptional service and healthy eating options.
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