1966
At that time, Jean-Claude Massé was one of the largest cigar tobacco producers in the region. As the tobacco market slowed in 1966, an official from the strawberry growing certification program approached Mr. Massé and offered him the chance to start growing and producing strawberry plants under the supervision of a specialized team in this field. He accepted the offer and decided to launch his crop growing activities in this new domain, which he quickly mastered. Thus Pépinière A. Massé was founded.
1982
Alain Massé (Jean-Claude’s son) and his wife, Colette, decided to take over the reins of the company in 1982. During this period, the business already enjoyed excellent visibility in Quebec and supplied many producers. Ambitious in nature, Alain sought to open other markets and grow the family business. Little by little, he managed to find a seller who was willing to represent him on the American market. Pépinière A. Massé then began shipping plants to Plant City in Florida, where a large part of East Coast producers are located. During this same period, Driscoll’s was looking for Canadian producers who would be interested in growing strawberry plants for the American giant. Pépinière A. Massé seized this opportunity, setting the foundation of a business relationship that was to last throughout many years.
2016
In 2016, Alain’s daughter, Justine, decided to join the family business with her spouse, Sébastien. Thanks to their complementary fields of expertise, they were able to stabilize the Quebec market and considerably increase sales in Florida. Their relationship with Driscoll’s offered them the opportunity, in 2019, to start tunnel farming exclusive varieties of raspberry and mulberry plants for the American giant. A new parcel of land was acquired, allowing this partnership to help Pépinière A. Massé diversify its activities in addition to becoming a pioneer in mulberry tunnel farming in Canada.
2024
Pépinière A. Massé acquired over 100 acres of land. This purchase doubled its available growing surface and the development of its market.
2025
The team at Pépinière A. Massé desires to continue its expansion by growing its markets, both in Canada and in the United States. In the area of soilless cultivation, the company is pursuing its efforts to develop the mulberry market in Quebec by offering a very high quality plant.
Our core values are the foundation of our company and guide us every day in its operation.