Embers Products Ltd., a specialty sauces producer located in Kinkora, received top honours at the Canadian Fine Food Show held recently in Toronto. The company's Wild Blueberry Salsa-Picante beat out 43 other entrants in the Chutney and Salsa category to take home the coveted honour.
"We're thrilled with our first place finish," said Rhysia Smith, who co-owns and operates Embers Products Ltd. with her husband Brian. "The Wild Blueberry line is new for us and this recognition is an excellent market launch for the products."
This is the company's best finish at the Canadian Fine Food Show. At the 2000 show, Embers Products Ltd. was a finalist in the Dessert category with its "Over the Top Chocolate Orange Sauce".
"On behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island, I wish to congratulate Embers on its strong showing at the food show," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "My department has had the pleasure of dealing with the Smiths over the years and they consistently produce excellent products which represent the Island very well. They are most deserving of such an honour."
Since opening in 1993, Embers Products Ltd. has earned a reputation in many markets as a quality product. The company continues to expand its product line which now includes maple mustard sauces, cranberry sauces and four chocolate sauces.
"Our early success with the Wild Blueberry products is really a collaborative effort," said Smith. "We were encouraged by our advisor at Prince Edward Island Business Development to explore a Wild Blueberry product line and received funding assistance from the National Research Council for the project. We then worked with food technologist Carol Crouse of The Food Chain Ltd. to develop the products. Our packaging is also really great, thanks to Laura and Dean from Williams and Crue in Summerside."
In addition to the Salsa-Picante, the Wild Blueberry product line also features a dessert salsa, Wild Blueberry Cream and Wild Blueberry Syrup with Pure Maple.