Made up of seven family members, we, along with our employees and partners, are fascinated by this camelina plant with a mysterious history. Together with you, we write the history of camelina and rediscover camelina.
Producer and Processor
Since 2007, we grow camelina in our fields in collaboration with various Quebec producers. This northern plant adjusts perfectly to our Quebec climate. We are constantly working to develop sustainable and eco-responsible farming techniques, in order to produce the best camelina and respect our land.
An eco-responsible culture
The cultivation of camelina is part of a crop rotation system. Being from the cruciferous family, camelina offers a new biodiversity for the soil. We cultivate with organic and natural fertilizers mostly in soil conservation technique. We do not use any seed treatment, fungicide or insecticide whatsoever. Our product is GMO-free and incorporates bees into its growing process.
A plant dedicated to camelina: a responsible energy construction
In 2018, Olimega completed the construction of a processing plant dedicated to camelina. It is equipped with a wall of solar panels with tube heated by solar energy, an innovative initiative that saves 23 tons of greenhouse gases each year, or 10 cars withdrawn from the market. An innovative design by Enerprox Inc., a Quebec company. Another source of pride for Olimega!
Our vision
Be a leader in the production and processing of camelina. Constantly search for sustainable and eco-friendly farming techniques. Develop camelina-based foods, while respecting our values of quality, innovation and authenticity, with the aim of reducing our ecological footprint.
Our mission
Produce, transform and promote camelina and its benefits through the development and marketing of camelina products. Develop a new agricultural culture. Present a new food category to meet the needs of the Quebec, Canadian and global markets.
Our products are guaranteed quality and integrity. They proudly wear the Signé Caméline brand.
Our history
Thanks to its exceptional nutritional properties, camelina is attracting more and more interest among scientists, but is also gaining popularity among consumers and innovative chefs from here and elsewhere. We are proud to be the pioneer producers and processors of camelina and to be able to write with you the story of this extraordinary plant.
2006
A German researcher presents a lecture to a group of farmers and agronomists. Camelina is mentioned as a new alternative plant in crop rotation: unknown and yet full of promise. Curiosity is piqued: how can a 3,000 year old plant contain so many omega-3, and yet be so mysteriously still unknown?
2007
Beginning of searches. Crosses between different varieties are made naturally in the fields, different cultivation methods are also explored. The goal: to get to know the plant and its needs in order to obtain an oil with a subtle and silky taste with superior nutritional values. The camelina product from these years of research will be unique, with its properties and aromas: an oil with a taste unique to Olimega.
2009
Research is underway at Laval University and in the field with MAPAQ: it is concluded that this plant deserves to be unveiled in broad daylight.
2010
Camelina oil is approved as a new food by Health Canada.
2014
Olimega inc. see the day. Initially, there are seven shareholders, all people from the same family and the food industry, passionate about the virtues of camelina. The goal? Bring a new food to our plates and an alternative plant for Quebec agricultural producers in their crop rotation. We want to both influence Quebec’s eating habits and introduce a new plant in Quebec agriculture.
2015
The first bottles of camelina oil are sold in a grocery store under the brand name Et Voilà!
Winner of the Food Innovation Award, long-life product, CTAQ.
Et Voilà!camelina oil spreads its wings to become available throughout Quebec.
Media coverage in several media, including Hello Hello, The Montreal Newspaper, Première Radio-Canada.
Olimega signs agreements with other Quebec agricultural producers for the production of camelina.
2016
Finalist at the 2016 DUX contest, for innovation towards healthy eating habits.
Finalist at the SIAL Innovation contest in Montreal with camelina oil. Media coverage in several media.
Commendable reviews in the Journal de Québec by renowned chef Jean Soulard, former chef of Château Frontenac de Québec.
400 points of sale in Quebec.
Olimega turns a corner and becomes a producer and processor of camelina. The company is continuing its collaboration with its agricultural producers in Quebec, which are important links in development.
2017
Finalist at the 2017 DUX Innovation contest.
A branding strategy is initiated to position itself as a leader in camelina and to define our DNA.
The initial premises are no longer sufficient to meet demand: we are undertaking a factory construction project dedicated to camelina.
One step at a time, camelina oil is on the menu of the most beautiful restaurants in Quebec, as well as in Toronto, at the famous restaurant in CN Tower, Le 360 °.
New camelina products are developed: camelina honey and camelina chocolate: we like to do things differently!
2018
Trade mission to Japan in collaboration with MAPAQ for the Supermarket Trade Show 2018 in Tokyo.
Major turning point: Signé Caméline becomes the new trademark and will replace the bottles little by little Et Voilà!Same good taste, same nutritional properties and same eco-responsible producers, but under a name that allows us to be a leader in camelina at home and abroad.
The camelina factory is finalized: relocation of the offices, production and development of a camelina processing center, a world first.
Beginning of exportation: the first pallets of bottles are sent to Japan.
Selection of camelina seeds at the SIAL Innovation 2018 competition.
Launch of camelina seeds on the Quebec market: a new superfood on our plates.
Undergoing of quality control certification according to GFSI international standards.
2019
Winner DUPC 2019 Grands Prix, category “Products”
Project certification verified without GMO.
Quality control certification recognized according to international quality standards SQF – GFSI Global Food Safety Initiative.
Our partners
Chantal Van Winden
Chief Executive Officer
From farming and having worked as a health professional, Chantal made a career change in 2014 and took the reins of Olimega as CEO. Married to Raymond Durivage, her accomplice of life for over 25 years, with whom she is dedicated to the development and marketing of camelina and ensures that the quality remains impeccable. “We want a bottle of camelina oil in every kitchen! “
Raymond Durivage
Farmer, VP Production & Logistics
A farmer and also a shareholder in EDPA Farm, a family of 6 generations of Durivage family farmers, Raymond is known for his innovation. He is constantly researching and questioning. The goal: to produce better and to provide healthy food to the population.
Simon Durivage Guertin
Farmer, VP Agricultural Production
Farm management technician and farmer, Simon is the VP of production. Expert in the culture of camelina in Quebec, he takes care of field production. His motivation within Olimega is to offer a product from our land that is of high quality.
Marc-Antoine Cloutier
Lawyer, VP Legal Affairs
Lawyer in agricultural law, cooperative and business, president of Trivium lawyers where he represents several companies. Also founding president of Juripop, Marc-Antoine militates for justice for all. Olimega invites him to return to his agricultural origins by allowing him to put his skills at the service of the family business.
Guillaume Cloutier
Agronomist, VP Research & Development
An agronomist very involved in research and development, Guillaume is passionate about the quest for quality and fascinated by the camelina plant. His motivation is to innovate in cultural practices to offer a product of unparalleled safety.
Valérie Janssen
Practitioner SQF, VP Quality Assurance / R & D
A process and food quality technician, Valérie has been involved in the company since September 2016 as a quality coordinator and in research and development. As a SQF practitioner, she applies the requirements of safety, food safety and the maintenance of a quality system. With more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, Valérie’s goal is to provide consumers with a top quality product, from one production to another.
Benoit Grégoire
Chartered Accountant, VP Finance
A chartered accountant, visionary and strategist, Benoit has solid expertise in the areas of management, communications and business development in the food processing industry. An honest and creative leader, he is the initiator of continuous improvement based on the needs of consumers and the environment.