For more than two centuries, evian® has been shaped by its unique origins in the French Alps and its longstanding connection to culture, hospitality, and gastronomy. As the brand deepens its presence in Canada’s culinary landscape, evian® is pleased to announce acclaimed Canadian Chef Francis Blais as its Brand Ambassador in Canada.
The partnership comes in a milestone year for evian® as the brand celebrates its 200th anniversary and marks the evolution of a relationship with Francis, built on a shared appreciation for provenance, creativity, and the role of water in the culinary experience.
From its source in Évian-les-Bains, where rain and snow filter naturally through layers of glacial rock for more than 15 years, evian®’s story is intrinsically connected to origin and place. This philosophy resonates with Chef Francis, whose ingredient-driven approach to cooking is grounded in craftsmanship and a deep respect for the ingredients he works with.
Over their relationship, Chef Francis has developed a genuine affinity for evian® and its story. As Brand Ambassador, Chef Francis will represent evian® in Canada, bringing his unique perspective as a chef and restaurateur to the partnership, representing the brand across a range of initiatives and moments throughout the year.
The partnership will also have a permanent home at Bistrot à Franky, Chef Francis’ highly anticipated first restaurant, which officially opens in Montréal on October 12th, 2026. evian® will serve as the restaurant’s exclusive water partner, bringing the relationship between Francis and the brand directly to the table.
A Partnership Years in the Making
The relationship between evian® and Chef Francis began in 2025 with Reflections of Terroir, a bespoke dining experience presented in Toronto in partnership with Menu Extra. Marking the culinary studio’s Toronto debut, the evening explored ideas of origin, terroir and the role of water within the dining experience.
The relationship expanded internationally in 2026 when Chef Francis was invited to Évian-les-Bains, France, to represent Canada as part of the brand’s global 200 Years Young celebrations. As one of only two guest chefs selected worldwide to contribute to the milestone fine-dining experience, Chef Francis had the opportunity to experience firsthand the source, Alpine environment and heritage behind evian® natural spring water.
Most recently, evian® and Menu Extra reunited in Montréal for In Praise of Shadows (Éloge de l’ombre), an immersive dining experience presented as part of evian®’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Inspired by water, time and nature, the evening brought together gastronomy, art, fragrance, sound, light and scenographic design, with evian®’s story woven naturally throughout the experience.
“Francis has an extraordinary ability to create experiences that feel both considered and effortless,” says Alexandra Latendresse, Senior Director of Marketing, Danone. “Our relationship with Francis has grown through a genuine, shared appreciation for provenance, creativity and hospitality. From Toronto to Évian-les-Bains and Montréal, we have seen that connection evolve naturally. We are proud to welcome him as evian®’s Brand Ambassador in Canada and equally excited that evian® will have a place at the table at Bistrot à Franky as the restaurant’s exclusive water partner.”
“Through my relationship with evian®, I’ve had the opportunity to discover the brand in Canada and experience its source firsthand in Évian-les-Bains. evian® has a sense of place and respect for its origin that really resonates with me as a chef. Becoming an ambassador feels like a natural continuation of our relationship, and I’m excited for evian® to be part of the experience we’re creating at Bistrot à Franky,” says Chef Francis Blais.
As evian® and Chef Francis enter this next chapter together, the partnership will continue to evolve through culinary experiences that celebrate the people, places and moments that bring us together around the table.
