A tradition of excellence... since 1919

Taste, choice, quality... these have been our company's guiding principles ever since Albert-Louis Van Houtte, our founder, first opened his specialty grocery store in Montreal in 1919.

Like many young men in the early part of the 20th century, Albert-Louis emigrated to North America from Europe, carrying his hopes and dreams for a brighter future. Arriving in Canada from France in 1912, Albert-Louis lost no time in deciding that he would go into business for himself – as an importer of horses.

After the First World War forced him to give up this business and pursue other activities, he cast around for a new line of work – one which would draw directly on his European heritage. In 1919, Albert-Louis opened a grocery store in Montreal and began importing specialty European goods. Steeped in the culture of the Old World, he quickly realized that it was difficult, if not impossible, to obtain the fine coffee that he loved.

Rather than settle for the ordinary, however, he began roasting his own coffee in small batches at the back of his shop, using traditional European roasting methods. By bringing out a few simple wooden crates to serve as chairs, Albert-Louis established his first "café" where customers could enjoy his fine European blends. Word of his excellent coffee spread quickly and Albert-Louis' reputation grew as his business prospered.

By 1944, the year of Albert-Louis' death, the "Maison A.L. Van Houtte" – now a family business – was firmly established.

Faithful to Albert-Louis' original mission

Throughout the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, our company continued to grow, inspired by Albert-Louis' passion for fine coffees and unparalleled customer service.

In the 1970s, we began building a network of coffee shops serving gourmet coffees – the forerunners of the many coffee bars and cafés that now dot our urban landscape. At the same time, we started forging close relationships with grocery stores so that customers could enjoy our coffees at home.

The 1980s and 1990s were a time of renewal for our company. Under the vigorous leadership of Paul-André Guillotte and Benoît Beauregard, Van Houtte expanded into other areas of the coffee business, such as providing coffee for people at work.

Although Albert-Louis Van Houtte would have difficulty recognizing his company today, he would be pleased nonetheless to know that his original vision and passion continues to guide everything we do. We roast all of our coffees using the traditional European roasting methods adopted then perfected by Albert-Louis himself, and we remain committed to offering our customers a unique range of fine coffees perfect for a variety of tastes and lifestyles.