Live the “cassis experience” with Cassis Monna & Filles

Cassis holds no secrets for Cassis Monna & Filles . The family business located on Île d'Orléans has been growing and processing this little fruit since the early 90s. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it is a superfood with an acid taste that becomes tasty and aromatic when combined. sugar and even alcohol. Moreover, Crème de cassis from the Monna family is undoubtedly the best-known blackcurrant product in Quebec. Delicious combined with a gin and tonic, according to company co-owner Anne Monna, whom I had the pleasure of asking a few questions.

Born in blackcurrant

Sisters Anne and Catherine Monna have taken over the business for several years, after their father passed the torch to them. Bernard Monna taught them a lot about wine and crème de cassis production, a skill he also inherited from his father. In fact, this liquor expertise has been shared from generation to generation for nearly 150 years. But why blackcurrant? Quite simply because it is a fruit that Mr. Monna was already fond of and the soil of Île d'Orléans was favorable to its cultivation. The fact that he could also obtain a craft liquor license also motivated him a lot to start his business.

Raised by entrepreneurial parents, it was only natural for Anne to get involved from her childhood: " I helped sell my father's blackcurrant products, as well as the roses that my mother produced in her greenhouses ". After studying cinema, working and traveling for a few years, she returned to the family land to help her sister Catherine with her new seasonal restaurant project La Monnaguette. Subsequently, after gaining experience, their father offered them to run the blackcurrant business. " My sister and I have been working with passion for nearly 20 years now to develop tasty, creative and inspiring products and experiences for customers who love authenticity ."

A remarkable evolution

From growing blackcurrants for pleasure to the diverse and reputable company it is today, Cassis Monna & Filles has come a long way over time. The boutique and restaurant-terrace are also joined by a creamery and an economuseum of liqueurs. Visiting the site turns out to be a very pleasant experience, especially on beautiful summer days!

Several products featuring blackcurrant have also been added over the years. There are various products such as alcoholic products, jellies and jams , ketchup , vinaigrette, onion confit and blackcurrant butter recently. Anne shares that she and her sister plan to market a new line of spirits and dried black currants in the coming months, to the delight of overseas buyers. “ We sent our first pallets in Japan last December and orders for the Asian market continue to come in ". The company also exports a few other products to Europe, but gradually.

Several other projects to come

Anne confides that there is no shortage of ideas for Cassis Monna & Filles! The Orleans-based company plans to integrate a cocktail bar, a private reception room and perhaps even a hotel space into the estate in order to enhance the experience as much as possible. In addition, she hopes to have more points of sale in Quebec and even venture into the field of health and beauty.

One thing is certain: Cassis Monna & Filles is a dynamic company that is not afraid to go for it and make people talk about it!

Reviewed by Marie-Pascale

Cover photo: Anne and Catherine Monna. C redit: Francis Fontaine