Jonathan Charrier is a Montreal-based entrepreneur and founder of Charrier Global Imports, a company that connects Quebec and North American consumers with specialty foods, artisan goods, handmade clothing and wellness products from around the world. He founded the company in 2012 after years of practical travel and studying international trade.
Charrier grew up in the Rosemont neighborhood of Montreal, surrounded by a mix of cultures, languages ​​and cuisines. Both of his parents worked in the hospitality industry, which shaped his respect for service and long-term relationships. He learned early about global flavors, textiles and craftsmanship through weekend visits to local public markets.
After studying international business at a local college, Charrier chose experience over a traditional career path. He traveled for two years through France, Italy, Peru, Brazil and Morocco. During this time, he volunteered in vineyards, visited cooperatives and met craftsmen who worked in small workshops. He saw firsthand that skilled producers often lacked access to larger markets, despite the quality of their work.
This insight became the foundation of Charrier Global Imports. Starting from a small warehouse in Mile End, Charrier built a targeted catalog that included Provençal olive oils, Peruvian textiles and Moroccan spices from a women’s cooperative. Growth has been steady through trust, consistency and word of mouth.
Today, Charrier Global Imports serves boutiques, restaurants and online customers throughout North America. Jonathan remains closely involved in procurement and supplier relationships. He is known for treating producers as partners and maintaining high standards across a diverse global supply chain.
Q&A with Jonathan Charrier
Q: You grew up in Montreal. How did that shape your professional career?
Montreal played a big role. I grew up in Rosemont, a very diverse neighborhood. You can hear different languages ​​on the street. You can smell food from everywhere. My parents worked in the hospitality industry, so service and people were always a part of daily life. We spent many weekends at public markets. That’s when I first became curious about where things come from and who makes them.
Q: You studied international business but didn’t follow a typical path afterwards. Why?
I felt that textbooks alone were not enough. I wanted to see how trading works in real life. After college I traveled for two years. I traveled to France, Italy, Peru, Brazil and Morocco. I volunteered in the vineyards. I visited cooperatives. I spent time in small workshops. These experiences have taught me more than any other classroom.
Q: What particularly stood out to you on these trips?
The biggest thing was the gap between quality and access. I met people who make amazing olive oil, textiles, spices and food. The ability was there. The care was there. However, many manufacturers have had difficulty entering larger markets. They didn’t have the contacts or the systems. This problem persisted for me.
Q: Did this lead to Charrier Global Imports?
Yes. The idea grew slowly. At first I didn’t think about building a big company. I built relationships. I listened to people’s stories. I learned how they work. When I came back to Montreal in 2012, I rented a small warehouse in Mile End. I started with a very narrow selection of products that I knew well.
Q: What were these early products?
Olive oils from Provence. Handmade textiles from Peru. Moroccan spices from a women’s cooperative. Each item had a clear origin and history. I focused on consistency and quality. Retailers need to be able to trust what they are buying. In the early years, word of mouth did most of the work.
Q: How did the company grow from there?
Slowly and carefully. I didn’t add products until I understood the supply chain. Over time, we expanded into chocolate, teas, household goods and wellness items. The key was not to move faster than our partners could support. Growth must work for everyone involved.
Q: You still travel regularly to meet suppliers. Why is this important?
You can’t manage relationships from your desk forever. Visiting producers ensures honesty. You see changes early. They understand the challenges on site. It also shows respect. These are not anonymous providers. They are people you can rely on.
Q: How do you see your role today compared to when you started?
In the beginning I did everything. Now my role is more about supervision and leadership. I focus on procurement, standards and long-term planning. But I still stay close to the details. This is where problems and opportunities first appear.
Q: What does leadership mean to you in this industry?
Consistency. Fair treatment. Hear. Imports rely on cross-border trust. If you break that trust, it spreads quickly. I believe leadership is about protecting relationships, not crushing them.
Q: Looking back, what lesson has most shaped your career?
This good business is based on people’s understanding. Products move, but relationships endure. Everything I have done since those early travels has been based on this idea.
Q: And outside of work?
I like simple things. Cook. Cycling along the Lachine Canal. Exploring restaurants in Montreal with my partner. These moments keep me grounded and connect me to the reason I started in the first place.
