GUELPH, ON – Ontario Pork and Loblaws®, Zehrs®, valu-mart® and Your Independent Grocer® stores in Ontario have announced a new initiative to help consumers identify locally grown pork products in stores. Starting this month, Ontario-grown and processed pork products in close to 200 stores across the province will be identified by Ontario Pork labels on product packaging and through flyer advertising.
"We began testing the Ontario Pork branding program in 2014, and are delighted to be expanding the program and achieving such extensive distribution through this new relationship with Loblaw," said Amy Cronin, Ontario Pork Chair. "We are proud of our products and pleased to make it easier for consumers to identify and select Ontario pork."
"This new initiative with Ontario Pork aligns perfectly with our corporate social responsibility priorities," said Brad Porter, Vice President, Meat/Seafood, Produce & Floral, Loblaw Companies Ltd. "At Loblaw, we have committed to a Canadian-first buying strategy that gives priority to local and regional products when the safety, quality, availability and value are right for our customers."
The Ontario pork will be supplied by two federal processing plants, Sofina Foods Inc. and Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd.
"Ontario consumers can be confident in the quality of the Ontario pork products while knowing they are supporting our local farms and processors," said George Wilson, Vice President – Pork, Sofina Foods Inc.
Ontario Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Minister Jeff Leal is thrilled to see this collaboration between producers and processors for the industry saying, "It is great to see industry partners working together to help boost demand for locally grown and harvested food from Ontario. We are proud to have been able to provide Ontario Pork with $2 million to help them build greater consumer recognition and awareness of their excellent locally raised and processed pork products. Together, we are all helping bring more local food to consumers' plates, while supporting farmers, strengthening communities and growing Ontario's economy."
"The pork industry has such a positive impact on the Ontario economy. It is encouraging to see our local retail partners embrace this program and support our industry," said Arnold Drung, President, Conestoga Meat Packers Ltd.
About Ontario Pork
Ontario Pork represents the 1,524 farmers who market 4.97 million hogs in the province. The organization plays a role in many areas, including research, government representation, environmental issues, consumer education and food quality assurance. Ontario's pork industry "farm to fork" generated $2.5 billion in economic output and 15,814 in full time equivalent jobs. For more information visit Ontario Pork's website at www.ontariopork.on.ca.
Source: Ontario Pork
