About us

Following years of working in large companies in the food industry, Frank Raymond dreamed of starting his own business; a company that would offer all services, from storage to marketing all the way through to distribution. Concurrently, Ted Van de Water offers Frank to join and help him develop his company; then called Van de Water-Boyd, located in Toronto. Frank Raymond agreed, and so began the realization of his dream, a legacy set forth in his corporate vision.
Van de Water-Boyd opened its very first office in Quebec. Located in Ville Saint-Laurent, the Quebec subsidiary occupied three employees, including Frank Raymond. The latter is mandated to develop the province of Quebec. At the outset, the company canned vegetables and sold them to large grocery stores as private label. Within two years, more than 35 national companies signed a service agreement with Van de Water-Boyd.

Mr. Raymond had established a very clear image of the future of the company: to better represent his idea he outlined his vision with a diagram. It is with this illustration and strong belief for his company that he would convince 35 customers to sign on.

Land was purchased in Laval for the construction of a new office. New offices and a warehouse was a result of a booming business. Construction was concluded at the end of 1971.

Purchase of the first two delivery trucks for distribution to reach expanding areas of Greater Montreal’s metropolitan. The same year, the company takes on the current name of Van de Water-Raymond.

To meet the growing demand, the motor fleet of the company is expanding. In total, thirteen semi-trailers will serve all clients throughout Canada.

Upon the request of their client Steinberg, Van de Water-Raymond acquires its first plane; a faster and more efficient way to serve Valdi stores, a subsidiary of the grocer.

Launch of house brand “VR”. Club Price (Costco) will be the first customer.

Van de Water Raymond buys Freeman Alimentel.

Creation of the multi-surface division, to enhance its service offer.

Opening of the Buy & Sell division to develop new opportunities in Canada.

Van de Water Raymond has made a major technology investment with the addition of the VR-Trac software and by providing a tablet to all representatives.

Opening of an Atlantic office to serve the needs of the Maritime provinces.

Partnership with West Impact Sales & Marketing (based in Calgary) and creation of the Insight Marketing umbrella allowing a nationwide service.

Van de Water Raymond made a major investment in technology by upgrading the system (software) used by their sales representatives. For this project, VWR has teamed up with the Québec-based company CIS (Rep2). This allows representatives to take in-store orders on the spot.

Stéphane Raymond takes over as president of the company.

Van de Water Raymond celebrates 60 years of success!