Our Story

New Beginnings

July 3, 1981

Frans & Ria Koppers immigrated to Canada from Holland with their 3 children. They brought with them a single 40’ container, one half filled with their most valuable personal possessions and the other half filled with copper and brass planters.

1981

Frans Koppers Imports Ltd was created, our product line consisted of floral supplies mostly brass and copper containers imported from Europe. The new business was established in Mississauga, Ontario.

Our first trade shows were at the Bed Bath and Linen show held at the Exhibition grounds downtown Toronto. We sold our Brass & Copperwares to our retail partners and the business grew. Our customer base consisted of Flower Shops, Garden Centers, Gift Stores and Décor stores. This show was later sold to the CGTA and became a member run show known as the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association and we were the 200th member of the show.

1988

Eldest son Ron graduated from Humber College marketing program and joined the company full time. Soon after their son Paul also joined the family business full time.

1989

The Brass & Copperware decorating trend slowed down and it was a natural path for us to expand into the Giftware / Home décor field. The 90’s was all about building our business.

2000

Mr. and Mrs. Koppers retired, and their sons Paul & Ron Koppers took over running the family business.

2006

With the business expanding, Frans Koppers Imports moved to their new facilities in Guelph, Ontario. Having a warehouse space of 23,000 sq. ft., and 24 feet of ceiling clearance, our modern facilities allows us to better serve our customers, shipping orders out quickly and efficiently.

2017

Ron’s son Cameron joined the family business in logistics, starting the third generation in the business. Paul’s daughter Kaitlin soon after also joined the business, after graduating from the Marketing & Advertising program at Sheridan College. Cameron and Kaitlin are determined to keep up and pursue the hard work their grandparents started in 1981.

2018

Frans Koppers Imports expanded their warehouse to 40,000 sq. ft., to make room for more new and upcoming home décor, giftware, and garden products.

Booth at Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Show

Today

We are proud to offer a comprehensive collection of giftware, home décor, garden décor and outdoor living, as well as seasonal items that we distribute to our Canadian retail partners from coast to coast. With over 40 years’ experience in the Canadian giftware industry, we offer a constantly evolving range of original, innovative high quality items that supply a diverse collection of retailers.

Our goal is to be your first choice as a supplier, exceeding your requirements for product and service. The national sales team at Frans Koppers Imports covers all of Canada, supported by our friendly customer service department at the Guelph office. Please contact us and we will gladly put you in contact with our representative in your area.