Bedessee Brief History
How it starts
It all started when founder, Lionel Bedessee migrated to Canada with his family in 1971. With little to no West Indian store in sight, he decided to transport Bedessee Imports -- the family business he molded and managed with love for so long in Corentyne, Guyana, to his new North American home.
Since 1977, Bedessee Imports has been serving the Caribbean community with unique goods and tailored services. From sparkling wine to coconut oil-based soaps to our recently opened commercial bakery -- our product list is an endless reflection of our travels around the world that motivates us to acquire the most authentic items guaranteed to keep our customers are satisfied.
5000+ Products
Today, the humble family operation has grown to housing over 5,000 products, adhering to quality and commitment has grown to become one of the best-known, most-loved brands throughout the world. With distribution centers in five U.S. states — New York, Chicago, Maryland, Boston, Connecticut, and one in Toronto, Canada
Bedessee Imports is passionate about promoting sales with the slogan, We're in Your Kitchen More Than You Think, striving to deliver local tastes into kitchens determined to stay true to their homeland.oil-based soaps to our recently opened commercial bakery -- our product list is an endless reflection of our travels around the world that motivates us to acquire the most authentic items guaranteed to keep our customers are satisfied.
Key Milestones
LIONEL BEDESSEE OPERATES SUCCESSFUL IMPORTING AND DISTRIBUTING BUSINESS IN COURANTYNE BERBICE GUYANA
LIONEL BEDESSEE OPERATES A SMALL TRADING BUSINESS FROM HIS HOME IN WATERLOO ONTARIO.
OPENS SMALL RETAIL STORE 1429-31 QUEEN STREET WEST IN TORONTO
BECOME FIRST IMPORTER TO IMPORT GUYANESE FISH SUCH AS GILLEYBAKA, GRAY SNAPPER AND BUCK CRABS.
EXPENDED IN TO A BIGGER RETAIL OUTLET AT 1373 QUEEN STREET.
NTRODUCES SPORTING GOODS AND OPENS CANADA'S LARGEST CRICKET OUTLET AT 1447A QUEEN ST. WEST WITH SMALL FOOD WAREHOUSE (3000 SQ FT)
OPENS FIRST USA WAREHOUSE IN BROOKLYN NEW YORK AND ACQUIRES LARGER WAREHOUSE IN SCARBOROUGH AT 2360 MIDLAND AVE. (8000 SQ FT)
CLOSES ALL RETAIL FOOD OPERATION AND MOVE TO ONE LOCATION IN SCARBOROUGH. INSTALLS STATE OF THE ART FULLY AUTOMATED CHOW MEIN FACTORY. THE FIRST OF ITS KIND. THE FLOUR IS RECEIVED, CONVEYED AND MIXED WITHOUT THE TOUCH OF HUMAN HANDS. THE FIRST SANITARY CLOSED SYSTEM CHOW MEIN DRYER, DESIGNED BY THE BEDESSEE’S. (OTHERS MANUFACTURERS DRY CHOW MEIN WITH OUTSIDE AIR).
JOINT VENTURE IN SURINAME TO OPEN FISH PROCESSING FACILITY WITH OWN FISHING BOATS.
Acquires an additional 4,000 sq ft of warehouse space for surplus stock and adds 100 new items to the product line. Also acquires a 6,000 sq ft facility in Brooklyn, NY at 110 North First St.1990: Expands the fish processing plant in Suriname and acquires more fishing boats.
The Toronto location moves into one large 25,000 sq ft facility at 2350 Midland Ave. and installs a large drive-in freezer for frozen fish and cassava. U.S. operations move into a 17,000 sq ft warehouse in Brooklyn at 140 Varick Ave., installing a 3,000 sq ft automated freezer for fish products. (Photo)
The company celebrates its 20th anniversary. (Guyana Times article)
Toronto operations install a 50-tonne bulk storage silo to expand the chow mein production line. This fully automated system allows the company to receive flour by tanker truck, saving on bag costs and reducing waste. (Photo)
Toronto operations lose 4 trucks in a fire for unknown reasons. (Photo). The Suriname operation moves to a new, EU-approved HACCP fish processing plant—the first of its kind for Guyanese fish.
U.S. operations move to a giant new 45,000 sq ft location at 601 Wortman Ave in Brooklyn, installing 8,000 sq ft of drive-in freezers to expand fish operations. (Photo)
Canadian operations move to a massive new 47,000 sq ft location at 2 Golden Gate Court, installing a 29,000 cubic sq ft drive-in freezer.
Looking to the Future
As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment to innovation and sustainability remains stronger than ever. We're investing in new technologies, expanding our global network, and developing more sustainable solutions for food distribution.
Our vision for the future includes:
- 100% sustainable packaging by 2030
- Carbon-neutral operations by 2035
- Expansion into emerging markets
- Advanced AI-driven logistics solutions
Our Brands
