In Saint-Césaire, Quebec, three passionate agricultural entrepreneurs chose Automat-e technology to modernize the direct sale of their products. Through their innovative project, Julie Nadeau, Marc Lapointe, and Julie Lapointe show that automated lockers are a solution for the future—bringing producers closer to consumers while supporting the local economy.
An Automated Locker Concept Born from a Family Story 🚜
The story of Le Casier Bleu has its roots in a family farm deeply rooted in Quebec’s landscape. For three generations, the Lapointe family has run a cattle farm renowned for the quality of its products. Eager to innovate and find a new way to distribute their products without going through major grocery chains, Marc became interested in a fast-growing European concept: automated vending.
“My brother was looking for a new way to distribute our products, but without going through the usual channels. He found the idea of automated lockers really clever,” Julie explains.
Won over by the model, the three partners got in touch with Automat-e to bring their project to life. That first conversation marked the beginning of a bold and inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
✈️ From Quebec to France to Discover the Automated Locker Concept
Curious to fully understand how the connected vending system works, Marc and Julie crossed the Atlantic to see the installations firsthand. In France, they discovered a high-performing, reliable technology designed to showcase local products through self-service—already proven by hundreds of French producers, artisans, and retailers.
“We flew all the way to France to visit the factory and meet the engineers behind the concept,” they explain.
That experience confirmed their decision: they would adapt the model in Quebec with Automat-e, a company specialized in automated lockers in France through its Canadian branch.
After several months of preparation, contracts, and financing steps, Le Casier Bleu finally opened its doors to the public on October 17.
❄️ The First Automated Locker with a Freezer
One of Le Casier Bleu’s distinguishing features is that it is the first pilot project to integrate freezers into an automated locker system. It was a technical challenge tackled hand in hand with Automat-e, which adapted its technology to the specific needs of Quebec’s climate and products.
Today, the store stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. The refrigerated and frozen vending units make it possible to offer a wide variety of products while ensuring freshness and quality.
A Modern, 100% Local Self-Service Automated Locker 🗺️
The automated locker system is simple and intuitive: customers select their items from an individual compartment, go to the kiosk to pay, and collect their order in just a few seconds when the doors unlock. It’s a smooth experience, available 24/7, that’s transforming the way people shop for farm products.
“It’s 100% local. Nothing comes from outside our terroir,” Julie explains.
At Le Casier Bleu automated vending point, you’ll find a wide selection of meat, fruit, vegetables, prepared meals, and value-added products. The offering changes every week depending on harvests and deliveries, making each visit unique. Very active on social media, the founders regularly share updates through photos and videos to maintain a direct connection with their customers.
An Automated Locker Concept That Customers Love 💙
Since opening, the project has been a real success. Calls and messages have been pouring in, the producers say—a clear sign of strong enthusiasm for this new way of selling. Residents of Saint-Césaire appreciate the convenience of the automated locker system, which lets them buy fresh products at any time, without intermediaries.
By choosing Automat-e, Le Casier Bleu’s founders found a partner able to adapt European technology to the needs of the Quebec market.
Automated Lockers: A Rapidly Growing Concept 🌍
Building on the success of this first installation, the three producers are already looking ahead. Their goal: to expand the Le Casier Bleu concept to other regions of Quebec, especially rural areas where local shops are becoming scarce.
“This is our first location, but we’d like to set up elsewhere in Quebec. We’re targeting more remote municipalities that don’t have a convenience store or a grocery shop nearby,” Julie explains.
This vision is part of a sustainable approach: making local products easier to access while supporting regional producers. It’s an ambitious yet deeply human project—one that highlights the full potential of automated lockers to revitalize local commerce.
A Promising Future for Le Casier Bleu’s Automated Locker 🚀
The Le Casier Bleu project is only just getting started. The founders now want to develop a website and a mobile app so customers can shop online and reserve products remotely. This new step will strengthen the concept’s digital presence while making the customer experience even easier.
Visionary and passionate, the three entrepreneurs proudly champion the values of local agriculture and innovation.
The entire Automat-e team wishes them all the best for what’s next in this exciting journey, and is proud to support them on the road to success.
📍 Le Casier Bleu
1005 Route 112 – Saint-Césaire, Quebec
Open 24/7
