Atlantic Beef Wins National Recognition

The recent national recognition of an Atlantic Canadian food company is a sign of the region's commitment to developing a successful beef industry, according to Ernest Fage, Nova Scotia's agriculture minister.

At an awards banquet on May 25 in Whistler, B.C., Co-op Atlantic was awarded the Canadian Grand Prix Award in the private label -- perishables category, from the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors. The company's Atlantic Tender Beef Classic products garnered the award.

"I am very pleased Co-op Atlantic and Maritime beef producers are being recognized for their tireless work to develop the Tender Beef products," said Mr. Fage. "Consumers want to buy local products as much as possible, and now, they can choose high- quality beef products produced in Atlantic Canada."

Atlantic Tender Beef Classic is a line of beef products developed five years ago by Co-op Atlantic, beef producers, provincial agriculture departments and other Maritime beef industry leaders, to meet consumer demands for consistently tender, locally raised beef. The product is marketed by Co-op Atlantic and sold exclusively through their grocery stores in Atlantic Canada.

The minister congratulated Eric Claus, CEO of Co-op Atlantic, and beef producers throughout Atlantic Canada on the accomplishment.