It all began in 1987, with a vision, a truck, and a great deal of ambition.
Nikol Poulin, a born entrepreneur, started delivering food and non-food products. Behind the wheel of his very first truck, he traveled the roads of Beauce and Bellechasse, delivering goods to convenience stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
Meanwhile, in the basement of their home at 2280, 3rd Avenue in Saint-Georges, Raymonde, his wife and partner, diligently managed the accounting and daily operations. Together, they formed a strong and determined team.
In 1990, a sales opportunity with I. Magid brought their business to the regional and eventually provincial level. From Gaspésie to New Brunswick, they built lasting relationships. What was originally planned as a five-year venture turned into seven great years.
1997 marked a turning point. Nikol and Raymonde decided to go independent by founding Nikol Poulin Inc., their own company for distributing food and non-food products. It began in a small warehouse within Cabano Transport’s facilities, followed by a strategic move to 3100 Dionne Boulevard in Saint-Georges—this is where the business truly took off.
It was at that time that the idea of retail took root. Raymonde set up three tables at the warehouse entrance to sell surplus items directly to consumers. From that initiative came Ultra Prix, a brand that would only grow. Two years later, the store moved to 2295 Dionne Boulevard, and eventually returned—larger than ever—to 3100, in a space adjacent to the warehouse.
Thanks to years of hard work, the trust of loyal customers, strong partnerships, and the support of CFE Desjardins, the company became a solid presence in the Quebec and Ontario markets—and beyond. “It’s this trust that allowed us to establish ourselves quickly, in both Canada and the United States.”
In 2011, the second generation took over with passion and vision. Dave, Karine, Marie-Ann, and Philippe Poulin brought new energy, modernized practices, and drove the company to the next level.
2018 marked another major milestone: the construction of a 20,000 sq. ft. distribution center in the Eastern Industrial Park of Saint-Georges.
In 2021, growth continued with the acquisition of a 50,000 sq. ft. warehouse on 42nd Street North (formerly F. Charest Ltée). Today, Groupe NPI operates more than 110,000 sq. ft. of storage space.
With over 100 employees, 13 sales representatives, and 4 discount stores:
Groupe NPI continues to grow with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, rooted in the values of family, proximity, and innovation.
Today, we are proud to serve over 2,000 clients with the support of 350 suppliers from across the globe: North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Groupe NPI is more than just a company— It’s a human adventure, a family story… and a partner for the future.
CATEGORY: HONORARY AWARD
The Jarret d’Or is a discretionary award presented by the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Saint-Georges. It aims to celebrate the success of a Beauce-based business operating for over 25 years that, through its achievements, excellence, and expertise, stands out in its industry and contributes significantly to the region’s economy.
This award is not subject to applications. It is granted in recognition of an outstanding business journey.
In 2025, Groupe NPI had the honor of receiving this distinction, highlighting our commitment, consistency, and deep roots in the Beauce region for over three decades.
