The fruits of labor continue to flourish at Canadawide as three brothers, George, Michael and Nick, successfully continue to grow their parents’ legacy.

“I’m excited about what we do,” said George Pitsikoulis, president and chief executive officer. “I always like to see how new products take off, and the next item that will be discovered. I love it, because we are selling health to public.”

Canadawide is a full-line wholesale distributer of fruits and vegetables selected with care and imported from all over the world. It will be bringing its latest labor of love to Quebec City for the Quebec Produce Marketing Association convention in August.

“We are attending the convention and we will be showcasing our ‘Frescadel Organic’ division, which is our brand of packaged organic produce,” said Jessica Dube, Canada–wide’s marketing director.

The “Frescadel Organic” packaging line includes washed and microwavable snow peas, sugar snap peas, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and red and green field peppers.

Canadawide prides itself on the top quality of all its products.  

“What we are known for is our variety,” said Pitsikoulis.

Canadawide as always is intent on delivering what customers want. Part of the secret to their success is “hard work along with constantly searching out the latest trend and wanting to be first to market,” said Pitsikoulis.

The company also continues to benefit from the ever-growing popularity of eating fresh fruits and vegetables.  

“People are more concerned about their health and want to eat more and more fruits and vegetables,” said Dube, “We are always looking for new packaging to help consumers in their buying process. That means advantageous formats, grab-and-go netting, ready-to-eat and microwavable trays.”

Canadawide is currently developing its “Frescadel Organic” packaging division. Flow packs are currently available and clients are also offered “Frescadel Organic” netting for lemons, grapefruits and oranges.

“We can package any fruit in this netting,” said Dube, “We package depending on customer preference. If a customer prefers three pounds of oranges in netting, we can provide that. If they prefer individual packaging or a small group of fruits, like kiwi in a flow pack, we can also do that.”

Canadawide is also making a push on its “Gaïapur” brand packaging division. “You can now find ‘Gaïapur’ peaches, nectarines and plums in stores,” said Dube.

The Canadawide success story is also a wonderful story of love and dedication. It all began in 1961 after John Pitsikoulis, the founder of the firm, and Angeliki, the woman who became his wife, met. They both had recently immigrated to Montreal from their native Greece. Within a year they opened a small green grocer in downtown Montreal. They worked long hours and sacrificed much, but were blessed with the birth of three sons, who all learned the family business at a very young age.

“My brothers and I were born and raised in this business, spending weekends and all summers at the store, where we learned what we do,” said Pitsikoulis.

By 1983, John Pitsikoulis founded Canadawide as a fruit and vegetable wholesale operation. Now all three brothers —  George, Michael and Nick — oversee the business.

“All major decisions are made together, and the family atmosphere is reflected in all the people we work with,” said Pitsikoulis. “We are one large family.”

The company has grown to over 240 employees and founder John Pitsikoulis is still involved and keeps a watchful eye on the business.  

“Mr. John says hi to his customers in the morning,” said Dube.

“Dad is our ambassador, everyone knows his expertise and retail background,” said George Pitsikoulis. “He used to run upwards of 25 stores and always has different advice and suggestions for customers.”

George Pitsikoulis and his brothers have learned a lot from their parents, and the brothers still adhere to the family philosophy.

“Respect your name, integrity, stand by your word and live up to what you say is what my father taught me,” said Pitsikoulis.

That is the credo that maintains the company’s excellent reputation and ensures client satisfaction. So the Pitsikoulis passion of selling products that help people be healthy in turn has meant a very healthy and happy company.