This month, let's continue our series of discoveries of artisanal businesses with this discussion with Karine, co-founder of the Jardin des Grenouilles Charmantes .
COMPANY FILE
Name of the company : The Garden of Charming Frogs
Year of foundation : 2004 (Yes, 20 years this year!)
Place of production : Notre-Dame-des-Bois
Artisan owners : Karine Milette and Marc Filiatreault
Flavor Creators Member : yes
Gourmet boutique :
How did you come to create your business?
Karine :
Several reasons pushed us to found our company. First of all, I would mention the creativity aspect that we find in the pleasure of creating new recipes.
Then we wanted to use local products to develop condiments, particularly sauces.
We also wanted to create products that would correspond exactly to what we and our loved ones were looking for and that we couldn't find on grocery store shelves. So, for example, Mariemelade was created to offer a marmalade that would please a friend who was dissatisfied with the products on the market. Over time, Mariemelade has become one of our flagship products.
Finally, another factor that played a role in our approach was the desire to work at home to be as present as possible with our children who were very young at the start of the adventure.
Gourmet boutique:
Which of your products is the most popular?
Karine :
Without a doubt, La Claudelle Thai sauce . Year after year, it is appreciated and continues to gain more and more popularity.
Gourmet boutique:
And you personally, what is your favorite product?
Karine :
I have to say that I really like La Karéenne sauce , the new addition to our sauce collection. I put it everywhere. It goes as well with Asian-inspired dishes as with fried potatoes!
Gourmet boutique:
Do you have an unusual or particularly tasty suggestion to offer us for using your products?
Karine :
You have to try La Brute sauce, or even Sale Brute (for the more daring!) on ice cream. It's quite astonishing.
Gourmet boutique:
What do you appreciate most about being a local artisan?
Karine :
I would say that it is the possibility of interacting with our customers and seeing that they like our products. Find out how they use our products.
We must also not neglect the pleasure for us of working in short circuits and of showcasing local products.
Gourmet boutique:
One last thing you want to mention?
Karine :
Yes ! This year we are proud to celebrate our 20th anniversary!!!