11 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | October 2024 Denise Cassidy, executive director with both the PEI Hog Commodity Marketing Board and NB Pork, notes that Maple Leaf purchased Hub Meat Packers in June of 2001 and then stopped slaughtering hogs in New Brunswick in August 2003. A facility in Prince Edward Island was closed in 2008 and a processing facility in Berwick, N.S. was closed in April 2011. The company has had few interactions with the region since. “So basically, (pork producers in N.B. and P.E.I.) are fairly indifferent towards these choices,” says Cassidy. “Maple Leaf has certainly not been active in the Maritimes for a significant amount of years and they would not be at all on anyone’s radar at this time.” Cassidy notes that while Maple Leaf is a national brand, their production has been more focused in Western Canada. Maple Leaf’s products are easily found in Maritime grocery stores but the Maritime pork industry – which relies heavily on exports to Quebec and Ontario – doesn’t perceive them as competition. Further details While the companies will be separate from each other, Maple Leaf Foods will retain a 19.9 per cent ownership share of the new pork company, and there will be an evergreen pork supply agreement between the two businesses. The company says that connected-but-separate approach will deliver value for both businesses while also allowing them to pursue their individual value-creation opportunities. “Under this agreement, the new Pork Company will continue to provide Maple Leaf Foods with a secure supply of high-quality, sustainable pork at market prices, to meet the needs of its Prepared Foods business, providing the new Pork Company a strong anchor customer while allowing it to grow its already material business with customers around the world,” says Maple Leaf promotional materials. Organ is quoted in the same news release as saying that the new company would be a keen investment opportunity, providing access to a premium, value-added pork producer with a clear vision. “We are already setting the standard for best practices in sustainability, animal welfare and high-quality pork production,” said Organ. “We have seen positive momentum in the business in recent quarters as pork markets continue to normalize following several years of market disruption, and we are extremely well-positioned as a standalone company to leverage our unique advantages to drive growth and generate value.” BP Specialty pellets designed with your sows and bottom line in mind! Great for Electronic Sow Feeders • Pellets that Flow Excellent • Don’t Break up Easily • Stay Similar Load after Load Quality • Very Few Fines • Sows Love Them! Price • Very Competitive Sow Pellets CONTACT KENPAL TODAY! Kenpal Farm Products Inc., 69819 London Rd, RR #1 Centralia, ON, N0M 1K0 Tel: 519-228-6444 • Toll Free: 1-800-265-2904 • Fax: 519-228-6560 kpalen@kenpal.on.ca • www.kenpal.on.ca Lactation Gestation MATT JONES Matt Jones is a freelance writer with a specialization in trade publications. He lives in Fredericton, N.B. MAPLE LEAF SPLIT
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