CTAQ – Award of the Food Industry Personality for 2019
Sherrington, April 9, 2019– It is in front of more than 400 guests at its annual Conference held from March 22nd to 24th, that the Québec Food Processing Council presented the prestigious award of the Food Industry Personality for 2019 to Mr. Gerry Van Winden, President and CEO of VegPro International Inc. The adventure of Mr. Van Winden in the salad business began at an early age while he was working in the family business with his brothers and many cousins. It was in 1998 that he took over management of the family business and founded Vegpro International Inc. where he is President and CEO. Vegpro is, today, the largest producer of fresh vegetables in Canada. Specializing in cultivating and packaging tenderleaf lettuce, the company also markets a wide range of vegetables grown on its own farms and lands. From the outset, the entrepreneur's vision has been to supply his retail customers year round. He did not hesitate to invest heavily in Québec and Florida lands in order to produce on a large scale and provide its plants with different types of mixed lettuces with unsurpassed freshness. He also did not hesitate to build factories equipped with automated machinery able to wash, sort and pack on a very large scale, as well as provide complete traceability of its products by strongly reducing the risk of contamination. Innovating, listening, questioning norms and standards of doing things are the guidelines that inspire the actions and decisions of Gerry Van Winden. The Food Industry Personality Contest is intended to honor the great merit of a person who allows the Québec food industry to reach new heights. Applications are submitted to a jury that designates which of their peers, is deserving to receive this recognition. The Council of Quebec (CTAQ) food processing is a consolidation of the strengths of the industry which represents 11 associations. Its mission is to ensure representation, promotion and defend the interests of its stakeholders and support them in achieving their full potential to ensure the sustainability of the food industry in Québec.
An $11.2M research project to slow down the degradation of cultivated organic soils
Sherrington, April 24th 2019 - The CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville is thrilled to announce a visit from representatives of Laval University, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec in the region to announce the creation of the $11.2 million NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Conservation and Restoration of Cultivated Organic Soils. It is no accident that the produce growers of the Jardins-de-Napierville area decided to involve themselves in this research chair. As a matter of fact, local farmers are recognized for their exceptional mobilization when it comes to the development and the adoption of best agricultural practices. Farmer mobilization allowed the creation of regional initiatives such as La Mouche Rose from CONSORTIUM PRISME. This mobilization also led to the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management (PELI), overseen by the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville, who's role is to promote alternatives to the use of pesticides. "The RCM is proud of the undertaking shown by its producers in this initiative. They demonstrate once more that our region is a leader in the field of agriculture" said Paul Viau, Warden of the Jardins-de-Napierville RCM and President of the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville. Michel Charbonneau, general manager of the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville, states that "based on this longstanding agro-environmental engagement, it was natural to collaborate on other large-scale projects. This research chair led by Prof. Jean Caron represents a great opportunity to extend our network with the goal of helping farmers that rethink their practices with the future in mind." Improvements to current cultivation methods will emerge from this research chair. The PELI is determined to promote these new practices through its Agrobonsens information platform. Thus, the PELI will incite farmers to cultivate with their "gros bon sens", which encompasses both pesticide reduction and soil preservation. "Best agricultural practices that preserve the environment are at the heart of our online repository Agrobonsens.com. The PELI's mission is to promote best practices, including those to be developed through this research chair" says Isabelle Matteau, coordinator of the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management (PELI). About the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Pest Management (PELI): Overseen by the CLD des Jardins-de-Napierville, its mission is to promote and widely diffuse information on integrated pest management, a repertoire of best practices aiming to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture. The PELI is funded by the Government of Québec (MAPAQ), the Jardins-de-Napierville RCM and
Fresh Attitude Prewashed Baby Lettuces and Salad Kits Now Available in Western Canada
Vegpro International, a Canadian, family-owned company, is introducing - their most popular products to Western Canada. Fresh Attitude prewashed baby lettuces and salad kits have officially made their debut in the produce sections of Western Canada’s grocery stores, and can be found in major retailers such as Walmart, Sobey’s/Safeway and Save-on-Foods. The lettuces and salad kits are grown in the Okanagan Valley in season, and packed locally year-round. The company purchased 700 acres of farming land in the North Okanagan and are leasing parcels of nearby organic certified land to bring fresh produce to stores in the area. A brand new, state-of-the-art 70,000 square foot product washing and packing facility was also built in Coldstream, B.C. Not only will Fresh Attitude products provide healthy, safe produce options for shoppers, but the high quality working environment provided by the company is creating employment opportunities in the community. The Van Wilden family, with three generations of farming experience, is the foundation of Vegpro International and understands the importance of growing and packing local as much as possible. “We believe proximity to our fields and operations translates into tangible gains for our customers such as greater ability to adjust to their inventory needs,” said Luc Prévost, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. The decision to expand into Western Canada was made as the company saw an opportunity to build on its vertically integrated business model, which has proven successful in its facilities in Eastern Canada and the United States. Fresh Attitude already represents 68% of National Category growth, and plans to continue introducing new, innovative products to grocery store shelves in the future. ### About Vegpro International For nearly 20 years, Vegpro International has been the leading producer of fresh vegetables in Canada and is known for its Fresh Attitude brand. Specializing in the production, washing and packaging of field-grown baby lettuces and crucifers, it also markets a wide range of vegetables grown on its own farmlands across North America. Vegpro International’s mission is to be recognized as a leader in innovation of agricultural production and packaging of ready-to-eat salads and vegetables, by bringing a combination of freshness and convenience to communities seeking produce from local sources year-round. For inquiries, please contact: Jonathan Blais jblais@vegpro.com 1-877-613-5700 x108 Vegpro International Inc. - BC 10029, Ricardo Rd Coldstream, BC V1B 3C1 CANADA
Vegpro International launches new WOK FRESH Attitude™ Line
A warm and vitamin-rich side dish, ideal for helping consumers make wiser food choices. Sherrington, Québec – September 26, 2018 - Awareness campaigns that encourage Canadians to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet are abundant. To help consumers in a hurry to achieve this goal, Vegpro International, the vegetable producers behind the popular FRESH Attitude lettuce and mixes, is proud to introduce its brand new range of fresh and ready-to-cook vegetable stir-fries. Prepared locally Prepared at its Sherrington facility in Canada, in part from field-grown vegetables, these products are available at the refrigerated counter in the fruit and vegetable section of the main grocery chains in Quebec and Ontario (Canada) such as IGA, Metro, Super C and Food Basics. Freshness at every bite Available as a family portion, these vegetable stir-fries are easy to cook in a wok or in a large pan for a quick nutritious meal. Made from eight pre-washed and crisp vegetables, these side dishes are enhanced with a tasty sauce. Available in four delicious flavors, they will please your entire family. Ginger and Citrus, Sweet and Sour, Korean Red Pepper and Thai Sweet Chili, each recipe has been carefully crafted by our chef to offer a gluten-free and vegan selection. Add a protein to get a high-quality meal solution based with fresh vegetables. These practical sautés allow you to revisit simplicity with healthy eating habits. To learn more about this new healthy product, visit https://freshattitudesalads.com/ About Vegpro International For nearly 20 years, Vegpro International has been the leading producer of fresh vegetables in Canada and is known for its FRESH Attitude brand. Specializing in the production, washing and packaging of field-grown baby lettuces and crucifers, it also markets a wide range of vegetables grown on its own farmlands across North America. Its mission is to be recognized as a leader in innovation of agricultural production and packaging of ready to eat salads and vegetables, by bringing a combination of freshness and convenience to communities seeking produce from local sources all year-round. For more information, for high-resolution photos or for a request to visit the facilities, please contact: Gabrielle Délisle Product Manager 450 454-7712 #393 gdelisle@vegpro.com
Montreal’s Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert
Proclaimed Quebec’s « health – flavor » event of the spring, the Expo “MSEV” attracted lovers of healthy food, living and ecology. Over 250 exhibitors gathered for this 19th edition to greet 23 500 visitors at Montreal’s Palais des Congrès. We were pleased to show you our new “SUPER Food” products made with baby kale. Thank you for stopping by our booth and see you next year!
Take up the Health Challenge with Fresh Attitude!
From March 31 to May 11, 2016, Fresh Attitude is proud partner of the Health Challenge, an initiative from Capsana. For more than 10 years now, this campaign invites Quebecers to adopt an healthier lifestyle by reaching at 3 simple goals during 6 weeks : On this occasion, our employees are up to the challenge and already subscribed online. Be part of this adventure too and