Four O’Clock – A Canadian Leader in Premium Tea for Over 30 Years

Four O’Clock®: A Canadian Family Business Driven by a Passion for Authentic Tea

As Canadian consumers value buying local and supporting the national economy more than ever, it is essential to recognize the invaluable contribution made by local companies. In the tea market, Four O’Clock®, a Trans-Herbe Inc. brand, stands out with pride. For over 30 years, this family-owned business, handed down from mother to daughter, has embodied excellence in the world of tea. Combining expertise, innovation and a lasting commitment to sustainability, Four O’Clock® has established itself as a key player in a market as demanding as it is passionate.

Facts That Tell the Whole Story

Beyond unique tea and herbal tea recipes, Trans-Herbe Inc. is also:

• Canada’s leading producer of teas and herbal teas.
• A company that produces 1.5 million tea and herbal tea bags daily, exclusively in Quebec.
• An 82,000 sq. ft. production area with state-of-the-art equipment.
• A family business run by women, from generation to generation.

A Visionary Businesswoman

“Back in 1992, I was in London, standing on the terrace of a tea house when Big Ben chimed four times. In that moment, I had a bold idea — to create truly unique teas for Canadians. It felt a little crazy at the time, but I really believed in it, I worked relentlessly and today, I’m proud to see what we’ve become.” — Johanne Dion, founder of Four O’Clock®

Driven by a deep desire to share unique, avant-garde tea recipes, Johanne returned to the suburbs of Montreal to build the soul of the brand. With her team, she began crafting unique teas, combining creativity, expertise and superior quality ingredients. Since its creation, Four O’Clock® has innovated with one idea in mind: introducing Canadians to new and refined blends.

Karine Pomerleau: Sustainability in Mind, Taste at Heart

With a degree in notarial law, Karine Pomerleau, daughter of Johanne Dion, joined the family business in 1996. Since 2015, she has taken over the management of Trans-Herbe Inc. as General Manager. Under her leadership, the company has experienced remarkable growth, bringing together over 100 employees and serving customers in more than ten countries. She also breathed modernity into the organization, by introducing new ways of operating.

Among her many accomplishments, her commitment to sustainable and fair trade practices was a major factor in the company’s move towards organic production in the 2000s. For instance, Tea bags are 100% compostable, Packaging is made from recycled and recyclable cardboard, Ingredients are non-GMO and naturally gluten-free

Certifications That Speak to Real Quality

Four O’Clock® develops its products from a wide selection of organic raw materials sourced from farming methods that respect communities and the environment. Among its many certifications, its partnership with Fairtrade reflects a firm commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices. These include:

• Supporting fairer wages and decent working conditions
• Providing the Fairtrade Premium, managed by the cooperative for projects of their choice
• Encouraging the use of sustainable farming methods