Co-op Adds Value to Poultry Market

An Annapolis Valley poultry processor, ACA Co-operative Ltd., is expanding its operations and launching new product lines under its Eden Valley Farms brand with the help of a $2 million loan from Economic Development and Tourism.

ACA Co-operative Ltd., New Minas, is installing new packaging equipment for its growing list of "counter-ready" products and embarking on a regional marketing program.

"This will help us to increase our share of the market for branded products," said company president Phil Kadelka, "We'll be introducing several new items for the grill later this month, and six or seven additional products, including some new roast products, in September." The Eden Valley line includes marinaded, seasoned, boneless and other value-added chicken, turkey and egg products.

ACA Co-operative is owned by 55 poultry and egg producers and employs 470 Nova Scotians. The co-operative has added 60 employees since January to produce the new value-added products. "Our Eden Valley Farms brand lets consumers know they're buying a home grown product, that they're supporting their neighbours," says Mr. Kadelka.

The $2 million loan from Economic Development and Tourism is helping ACA to purchase and install packaging equipment. It will also be used to finance a brand-awareness campaign through advertising and consumer promotions.

"ACA is an important part of the province's poultry industry and a major employer in the valley," said Economic Development and Tourism Minister, Manning MacDonald. "This investment will help ACA to compete more effectively with out-of-province companies. We're pleased to support the co-operative in this innovative venture."

ACA Co-operative processes more than half of the chicken, all of the turkey, and about a quarter of the eggs marketed by producers in Nova Scotia. The co-operative pays more than $11 million in wages each year, and contributes $56 million to the local economy.