Sobeys proud supporters of local producers, products

By Kirk Starratt

kstarratt@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

A spokesperson for the Sobeys grocery chain says they’ve been proud supporters of local producers and products for the past century and this remains the case today.

About a dozen concerned citizens of Kings County held the half-hour rally at the New Minas store Thursday evening, with Coun. Wayne Atwater leading the charge. The catalyst a special on Ontario corn at a time when local Valley corn is reaching its peak. The store had no Valley or Nova Scotia corn available.

Sobeys communications director Jill Thomas Myrick said Sobeys has proudly supported local producers for more than 100 years and they continue to do so. In Atlantic Canada alone, they purchase about $400 million in locally produced food annually, more than any other retailer. She said they’re continually seeking opportunities to support local producers and they welcome the opportunity to work with them.

“If we have a choice, we will always buy local first, as long as our key requirements are met,” she said, pointing out that the procurement requirements are in place so they can continue to satisfy the expectations of customers. These requirements include food safety and quality, consistent and reliable supply and competitive prices.

Regarding the corn, she said local producers in the Valley were contacted to participate in the feature but were unable to meet the supply required to meet demand. They like to give advance notice of their promotions to local producers to encourage participation. She said it’s important to note that they will be featuring Valley corn in their stores as enough supply becomes available.

AgriGrowers CEO Jim Daigle said they had to decline the invitation to supply corn to Sobeys for the promotion, as they were not in full production mode as of the past week and were unable to supply enough. He said, however, Sobeys has been very supportive of their producers and would be purchasing their corn as it comes on.

Kings Produce Limited sales manager Carolyn Bishop said Sobeys usually plans their ads about four weeks in advance and had contacted them to see if they could supply corn for the current promotion. They had a small quantity of early corn but not a large enough volume to meet the requirements.

“There is local corn out there. Historically speaking, we sell Sobeys a lot of local corn. They’re a great supporter,” Bishop said, pointing out that they will have an opportunity to sell corn to Sobeys later on. When they have an ad placed, they ship a lot.

Bishop said they supply Sobeys New Minas with local cherries and cucumbers, but they ship those directly to the store. Sobeys Windsor has been in contact looking for local produce as well.