PEI Pork Plus and FoodTrust of Prince Edward Island have formally launched their first co-branded product. Summerside Farms Pork, a distinctive, wholesome, high-quality pork product, is now available at Co-op stores throughout the Province.
"We are proud to launch our first product under the FoodTrust brand in partnership with Island hog and grain growers, the Atlantic Veterinary College, Garden Province Meats and Co-op Atlantic," said Ian Mutch, chair of PEI Pork Plus. "It is produced by a dedicated group of farmers who follow responsible and progressive feeding, safety and environmental standards established in conjunction with FoodTrust, and is processed using Garden Province Meats high quality standards."
The pork is produced under a unique feeding regime that results in a balanced fat profile that is healthier for consumers. The significant increase in the level of polyunsaturated fats in particular is good news for consumers with cholesterol management problems. Hogs are fed with a proprietary grain-based feed developed by Dr. Dan Hurnik, Swine Research Chair at the vet college and Dr. Ted Van Lunen of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Charlottetown. They are processed without moisture enhancements or additives that artificially tenderize the meat, and antibiotics are excluded from use as growth promotants. Summerside Farms Pork is naturally moist and tender.
Research and testing was carried out in Boston, where consumers were impressed by the superior taste and health attributes of the product. The New England market is seen as a significant export opportunity for this product. However, it is recognized that Islanders too deserve to taste the best that the province has to offer, and for this reason it was decided that the initial launch should occur in the home market.
"FoodTrust products are expected to bring higher returns to the industry, consistent with the objectives of the province's Food Strategy," said Agriculture and Forestry Minister Mitch Murphy. "Their high standards for branded products will be supported by the new sustainable resource policy which was announced during this fall's Throne Speech."
Darren MacKinnon, Store Manager of the Souris Co-op, has seen an increase in sales since launching Summerside Farms Park. "Customers in Souris are drawn to the product, because they know it is an Island product, and report back that they are really impressed with the great taste, and the fact that it is good for them too is a bonus," he said.
Barry Cudmore, chair of FoodTrust, said Summerside Farms Pork is the first of a number of new products to be launched in the coming months. "We are excited about the high quality new products currently being developed with our co-branding producers and processors," he said. "At the same time, we are working with a number of retail partners that will bring greater recognition and support to the FoodTrust brand."
FoodTrust of Prince Edward Island is a marketing organization with the mandate to develop brand standards and market food products produced and processed under sustainably managed systems. PEI Pork Plus is a producer-led company focussed on developing new products for the Island hog industry.