© Marcan PackagingServing as the bridge between offshore growers and Canadian retailers as well as wholesalers is the core activity of Québec-based Marcan Packaging. The company has the ability to handle produce imported from all over the world. "We are the ultimate supply chain facilitator, taking care of inland logistics, tracking containers, providing cold storage, managing inventory, but also regrading, repackaging as needed, and providing financing," says Francis Routhier, President of Marcan Packaging. "This enables growers to focus on what they do best, which is growing and selling fruit."
The company's dedicated account-sales management team ensures the highest possible grower returns and routinely handles payments and advances as needed. "We're an all-in-one concierge for Canadian retail programs and beyond, providing our services by being 100 percent reliable and transparent with customers on both sides of the table or the ocean." The goal is to create a supply chain that's smooth, transparent, and frictionless for everyone involved. "We're all about making life easier for growers and retailers, enabling them to build strong, lasting relationships," added Routhier.
© Marcan Packaging
Optical sorting technology differentiates
The company's Boucherville, Québec facility is the heart of its operation. The facility is home to the latest technology, including a TOMRA optical sorter that allows fruit to be graded quickly and precisely while removing any human eye bias and ensuring higher pack-out rates. The TOMRA equipment is paired with Giró high-capacity bagging lines and top-seal lines. "Our investment in these lines allows us to handle a wide range of produce with precision and speed, and our quality control checkpoints ensure everything meets the highest standards," Routhier commented. While it is very uncommon to see this kind of investment by an importer, it enables Marcan to work at another level. "It has been critical in helping us meet our specs and keep rejections to less than 0.5 percent. All in all, it is an important way to set ourselves apart."
"While citrus - oranges, lemons, limes, and easy peelers - is our jam, we have the ability and know-how to handle other fruits as well." Examples are the top-sealing and packing of grapes, blueberries, stone fruit, and kiwi fruit. Apart from these commodities, the team at Marcan Packaging has the know-how to handle any other commodity. Given that the company is a contract service provider, growers get to pick and choose the services they need. The company's published rate card is like a à la carte list and one service or a bundle of services can be purchased, fitting the grower's seasonal or year-round needs.
© Marcan Packaging
Reach
Although Québec is Marcan Packaging's backyard, the company is also a go-to service provider in Ontario and all the way to the Maritimes. In addition, it is set up with the logistics and knowledge to deliver into Western Canada for national retailer programs as well as specialty and seasonal programs.
Customer feedback
According to Routhier, there are three things Marcan's customers value the most: knowing exactly what's happening to their fruit, getting the best possible packout, and receiving orders on time. Customers are always in the know as dashboards that contain data like spec checks, lot-level tracking, pack-out rates, and shrink numbers are shared with them. This transparency is key as it allows customers to make informed decisions with confidence. In addition, optical sorting and targeted rework maximize product value, and disciplined processes keep product movement on schedule.
Cost pressure is real, and inflation coupled with today's trade environment are squeezing the supply chain. Marcan Packaging supports growers in keeping programs on track, costs in check, and quality intact without compromising quality and service. "As a service specialist, we are built to deliver on these promises, and we're obsessed with being the best contract service partner and making our customers happy," Routhier finished.
For more information:
Francis Routhier
President
Marcan Packaging
Tel: (+1) 514-754-7973
[email protected]
https://marcan-inc.com/en/