@IGAQC invites you to the Festival des Fromagers Artisans du Québec in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu on July 18th and 19th. Come discover and celebrate Quebec products

MONTREAL, July 14, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - IGA is thrilled to be a presenting partner of the 5^th edition of the Festival des Fromagers Artisans du Québec (Quebec artisanal cheese makers festival) that will take place on July 18th and 19th at the Fromagerie Au Gré des Champs in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. About 25,000 people are expected to visit the site to discover and taste free samples from close to 20 cheese makers in addition to other delicious products from local producers like the Cidrerie du Minot (cider), Le Mas des Patriotes vineyard, and Au Saucisson Vaudois deli meats.

A free event celebrating fine food – just minutes from Montreal
Established in 2010, the Festival des Fromagers Artisans du Québec wants to boost the sustainable development of Quebec cheese producers-transformers and promote artisanal cheeses made exclusively with milk. For the fifth edition, event organizers hope to once again bring together people interested in discovering regional products and meeting the artisans who share their passion for cheese.

The festival site will be divided into four zones:

• Artisanal cheese makers' zone
• Food lovers' zone
• Farm zone
• Kids' zone

There will also be several activities offered that include guided visits of the farm along with tasting and cheese pairing workshops. IGA invites Quebecers to come with their families, significant others, or friends, to share their love of good food and meet and provide support to their local producers.

IGA, a reference in Quebec products
For IGA merchants, this partnership was a natural fit. IGA merchants have always made it a priority to support local products. There is a reason why they were the first to display the "Aliments du Québec" blue labels on their shelves in 2009. IGA has also been supporting a number of Quebec producers and entrepreneurs for many years by offering exclusive partnerships like those they have with Schwartz's and Chocolats Favoris.

"Promoting local products is entrenched in our DNA and that of our merchants who are situated throughout the province," says Suzanne Gagnon, Director of Commercial Program Development at Sobeys Quebec. "Quebec cheese is a priority and our program promoting Quebec artisanal cheese makers will celebrate its 5th anniversary this year with a brand new promotional campaign in outlying regions!"

Furthermore, this past May, IGA celebrated the first anniversary of The Joy of Eating Better movement represented by ambassadors Josée di Stasio, Christian Bégin, and Stefano Faita, all three passionate about good food. The objective is to help Quebecers eat healthier, cook together, discover new flavours, and make responsible choices, which clearly includes the promotion of local Quebec products.

For more information, visit http://www.festivaldesfromagersartisans.com/

About IGA
IGA is the largest group of independent grocers in Canada and its presence in Quebec dates to 1953. All IGA retailers are constantly seeking new ways to serve their customers better. The IGA banner includes 290 IGA, IGA extra, IGA express, and IGA mini stores. IGA is the only group of food retailers to offer consumers the opportunity to accumulate AIR MILE® reward miles.

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SOURCE IGA

Laurie Fossat, Communications Advisor, Sobeys Québec, Tel: [phone], ext. 2158, [email protected]