September 3, 2007

Canada's meat plants face opposing challenges in market demand

Two meat plants in Canada's Prince Edward Island are struggling to stay profitable but while one faces a lack of demand for its meat, another is languishing because of lack of supply.

Atlantic Beef Products has excess beef production, but is having trouble in marketing it.

Garden Province Meats, the Island's only pork producer, has good markets for its products but could not be supplied with enough of the pigs it wants.

Garden Province Meats was taken over by seven pork producers on the island last year.

Marketing the Island's pork has not been a problem, said co-owner of Garden Province Meats, Scott Dingwell. The company has been able to get into places like Costco.com and high-end retailers in New York, he added.