Café William receives Government of Canada support to remain competitive

Sherbrooke, Thursday, June 25, 2026 –Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Sherbrooke business, which operates in Quebec’s biofood sector, receives $1 million in funding from CED.

Marianne Dandurand, Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead, and the Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke, today highlighted a non-repayable contribution of $1 million granted to Café William. This CED funding will enable the business to improve its productivity and production capacity and diversify its markets to mitigate the impacts of tariffs on its competitiveness.

Founded in 2017, but with its operations beginning in 1987, Café William imports, roasts and distributes speciality coffees in Canada and the U.S. In addition to offering its own brand and to selling to food service distributors (restaurants, hotels and institutions), the business produces private label coffee for major U.S. retailers. CED’s funding will focus on the acquisition of production equipment and the cost of implementing a marketing strategy in Ontario for the Café William brand.

In a climate marked by trade pressures, supply chain disruptions and increased competition, the biofood sector plays a central role in Canada’s economy and food sovereignty. The investments announced today align with the Government of Canada’s willingness to build a food system that is more resilient, more autonomous and more affordable, including through innovation, increased local processing and support for homegrown businesses.

Quotes

“Quebec’s biofood sector is a driving force in our economy and a key vector for innovation in all regions across Quebec. By supporting businesses and organizations that invest in new processes, cutting-edge technologies and increased production capacity, our government is enhancing their competitiveness, stimulating the creation of quality jobs and fostering sustainable economic growth. These investments will enable our entrepreneurs to innovate further and to seize new business opportunities both at home and on international markets.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic–Cartierville, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED

“Café William is a veritable Sherbrooke jewel. Deeply rooted in the daily life of Sherbrooke residents, the business contributes to the region’s economic prosperity through its diverse products and ambition to grow. The Government of Canada is proud to support businesses such as this one, whose know-how attests to the quality of our homegrown entrepreneurs.”

The Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Deputy government whip

“Café William impresses me with its ability to innovate and reinvent itself. From pioneering new ways to transport its coffee beans to developing new markets in a challenging trade environment, the company is never afraid to think outside the box in order to keep growing. Our government’s non-repayable contribution will help Café William continue its growth, remain competitive, and keep winning over coffee lovers far beyond the Eastern Townships.”

Marianne Dandurand, Member of Parliament for Compton–Stanstead

“This strategic support from CED comes at a key moment for Café William. Accessing this contribution gives us the necessary levers to modernize our production equipment and accelerate the deployment of our marketing strategy in Ontario. We thank the Government of Canada for believing in our know-how and for actively boosting the competitiveness of our homegrown businesses in an ever-evolving market.”

Rémi Tremblay, President and CEO, Café William

Quick facts

CED’s support for the business was announced this morning by the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for CED. The funds have been granted under the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), which is part of CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
This investment aligns with the Government of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, unveiled on June 11, 2026, which aims to strengthen our capacity to produce and process more food within the country, consolidate supply chains and increase the resilience of the food system against global shocks, while also improving access to and the availability of food for Canadians.
CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 business offices, CED accompanies businesses, supporting organizations and all regions across Quebec into tomorrow’s economy.

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