Nutrinor the most northern milk product in Québec

The most northern dairy farm in Québec, Nutrinor is not solely distinguishable by its geographical location. Their local supply sources and engagement towards sustainable development make this cooperative, founded in 1949, an indispensable reference in the realm of dairy products.

A different taste

The only dairy farm in Québec to have its own mill, Nutrinor guarantees quality nutrition to their cows and regularly monitors the health of their herds. Situated at the heart of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, the dairy farm’s land receives anywhere from 30 to 40 extra minutes of sun a day during the summer season compared to Montréal, which allows for better growth of their hay. And, considering Northern nights are cooler, “the plant undergoes stress, which results in very different levels of sugar, omega-3, and omega-6. Our milk has a particular taste linked to our feed, this is where the name “northern milk” comes from”, explains Paul Pomerleau, lead agribusiness director at Nutrinor.

Longer storage

Pasteurization of Nutrinor milk relies on an exclusive technology that allows for it to be conserved longer than the milk of their competitors, without affecting the milk’s fresh taste. Thank to what Pomerleau calls “an industry secret”, the milk can thus be stored for 28 days and the cream for 35. “Currently, we are modifying one of our processes so that the shelf life of our creams can surpass 40 days”, he states. The quality and freshness of their dairy products is also guaranteed by a constant supply. “Once we receive milk in the morning, it is delivered by the end of the day. It does not sit in silos or in cold rooms”, indicates the director.

Sustainable development

Committed to a plan for sustainable development for the past several years, Nutrinor introduced their partners, suppliers, and consultants to this environmental approach. To join them on this journey and to help them improve, the dairy specialist has added a sustainable development consultant to their team. Cohorts of 10 farms at a time receive information on specific sustainable development techniques to adopt. With the same goal in mind, Nutrinor opposes the importation of dairy products as well as the sale of hay seeds containing GMOs. “We enforce these actions to do our part, but also to ensure the continuation of our business and our members. We have therefore eliminated the products that we cannot develop in a sustainable manner”, outlines Pomerleau.

THANKS TO AN AGREEMENT MADE IN 2017, THE ENTIRE LINE OF NUTRINOR PRODUCTS IS NOW OFFERED IN HECTOR LARIVÉE”S LARGE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK.