Natrel

Natrel
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryDairy products distribution
Founded1990
Headquarters4600, Armand-Frappier street Saint-Hubert, Quebec J3Z 1G5
ProductsMilk, Butter, Cream, Sour cream, Cottage cheese, Ice cream, Cheese, Dips and Spread
ParentAgropur
Websitewww.natrel.ca

Natrel is a Canadian dairy co-operative based in Montreal, Quebec. The brand specializes in milk without antibiotics or artificial growth hormones and distributes the product throughout Canada.

History

An advertisement for Natrel shaped as a milk carton

Natrel was formed in 1990 as the dairy subsidiary of the Agropur agricultural cooperative, headquartered in Longueuil, Quebec.

In 2012 the company began producing shelf-stable milk in collaboration with Tetra Pak.[1] The first product released in the line was Baboo, a shelf-stable drink aimed towards toddlers.[1][2] Baboo received criticism for what some people perceived to be an unnecessary product while the company argued that its formulation of milk protein made the drink easily digestible for young children.[1][2]

In 2015 the company opened a "Milk Bar" cafe in Montreal in collaboration with coffee company Java U.[3] The company opened a second Milk Bar in Toronto in 2016.[4]

Operations

As with other Canadian dairy companies, Natrel's butter production peaks in the spring.[5]

Locations

References

  1. ^ a b c Leung, Wency (2012-03-27). "Why warm milk is getting a cool reception". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
  2. ^ a b Pagliaro, Jennifer (2012-02-07). "Toddler nutrition: Natrel accused of milking parents' fear with Baboo, a toddler drink". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
  3. ^ Krashinsky, Susan (2015-05-26). "Natrel opens 'milk bar' in Quebec café as consumption falls". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 2023-01-27.
  4. ^ Scriver, Amanda (7 November 2016). "Natrel Milk Bar: Toronto's Dairy-Forward Modern Design Cafe". sprudge.com. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
  5. ^ "Inside Canada's national butter reserve, the government stockpile that ensures you can do your holiday baking". financialpost. Retrieved 2023-01-27.