Guelph, Ontario - A collaborative project to design, build and execute market development plans for exporting Ontario produced and Halal certified meat products into international markets is underway with support from Growing Forward 2 (GF2).
With up to $340,750 in funding through GF2, Riz Global Foods is working with Abingdon Meat Packers Ltd., Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd., Springer's Meats, R. Fielder Meat Products Ltd., Canadian Select Meats Inc. and St. Ann's Inc. Each of these processors has specific niche capabilities and product lines that can be successfully exported to Halal markets. Canada Beef Inc. is also a collaborative member of this project and will broadcast project results amongst Ontario producers and processors, encouraging them to also access this growing market opportunity.
This investment will develop international market readiness of Ontario Halal certified meats through completion of the following activities: proper Halal certification of each collaborating processing facility, product development, branding initiatives and supply chain partnerships. These Halal certified meat products include: value-beef burgers, beef 'bacon', specialty deli meats, veal and lamb.
Following these activities, Ontario producers and processors will have access to a best practice guide for accessing Halal markets through the production and supply of Halal certified meats.
"Riz Global Foods, one of the largest halal beef exporters to the Middle East, has the market knowledge, supply chain expertise and distribution relationships required to penetrate these markets successfully," says Syed Ali of Riz Global Foods. "Which will enable Halal certified Canadian meat processors to gain a foothold in new and emerging markets in the Middle East and rest of the world where Halal products are in demand."
"Before this project, processors may have been unaware of these market opportunities," says Kristin Ego MacPhail, AAC Chair. "By utilizing this project as a best practice in accessing emerging markets, Ontario meat producers and processors can become leaders in supplying Halal certified value-added protein products to the world."
The AAC is based in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and is a leader in program delivery. The AAC is a not-for-profit organization that is made up of 67 Ontario agricultural, agri-food and rural organizations. The AAC board of directors reviews all applications and makes the final funding decisions.
GF2 is a comprehensive federal-provincial-territorial initiative aimed at encouraging innovation, competitiveness and market development in Canada's agri-food and agri-products sector. The AAC assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.
Source: AAC