Atlantic Beef Products Inc., located in Albany PEI, was founded in 2003 by Maritime beef producers who needed a local plant to ship their cattle to for processing when the Moncton, New Brunswick plant shuttered in 2002.
“Our plant is unique in Canada as we are owned by the Atlantic Beef Producers Cooperative Ltd., that is owned by beef producers from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia,” explains ABPI president, Russ Mallard. “We are the only beef plant cooperative in Canada, and we provide an invaluable essential service to beef and dairy producers in the region, that might not otherwise be available if beef producers had not stepped up to invest back in the early 2000’s.”
Atlantic Beef Products — a dynamic operation meeting more than carnivore cravings
In addition to producing some of the best quality and highly sought-after steaks in the nation, the Atlantic Beef Plant is also involved in the biosciences industry through the association with BLES Biochemicals Inc., a privately owned Canadian-controlled pharmaceutical company. BLES® is a pulmonary surfactant for use in the treatment of premature infants suffering from Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome. It treats lung distress by reducing surface tension in the lungs to allow for proper breathing patterns when a child is born without the necessary endogenous surfactant.
Since 2017, pulmonary surfactant extraction has been integrated into the processing line, making the operational procedure a fascinating perspective to take in first-hand for experts in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
More than meets the eye
According to Mallard, Beef and meat processing methods in general are not all that well known by the public. “I think our visitors leave our plant after a tour, with a much better appreciation of the complexities of running a modern meat processing operation, these meetings of purpose deepen the knowledge of how much effort is made to ensure food safety for consumers, and how much care we take of the cattle prior to their processing. We also make a concentrated effort to utilize as much of the beef carcass as possible”.
By augmenting speaker series with PEI’s biosciences experts, or enriching programming with localized technical tours, business event organizers in both the agribusiness and life sciences industry can attract delegates, increase revenues, and inspire future generations.
Susan Freeman, Executive Director of Meetings and Conventions PEI enthusiastically asserts that, “delegates who attend life sciences events and conferences on PEI can experience interactive, hands-on tours of cutting-edge production facilities and laboratories, where they can witness the development of new bioscience products and expand their minds beyond what they thought was possible”.
A new future is created when we make each meeting an opportunity
Regular flights are available on Air Canada, Westjet, Flair, and Porter, with Charlottetown just two hours from Toronto. Find out more here.
Visit Meetings & Conventions PEI’s website to find out how to transform your next meeting, conference, or incentive travel program into a lasting experience.
About the Author
Chef Ilona Daniel is the founder of Tribe Fresh Events and Consulting, a purpose-driven insights consultancy accelerated by modern approaches to the hospitality industry, immersive experiences, community and culture development, and projects spanning the globe. A Culinary Instructor at the Culinary Institute of Canada, she is also on the Board of Directors for the Tourism Association of PEI & is the Food and Drink Editor for Harrowsmith Magazine. You’ve probably seen Chef ILona on many lifestyle and TV shows like “Untamed Gourmet,” — the episode entitled, “PEI Lobster” which she hosted was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award.