Keystone Processors Blog

According to an article on blc.cattle.ca, now that the country-of-origin labeling (COOL) is a reality, U.S. retailers are leveraging the label requirements to build unique and differentiated store brands using Canadian beef.

Retailers are recognizing that developing private label and branded beef is important and that Canadian beef can deliver on consistency and quality.

The article states, in a study of U.S. consumers in the fall of 2009, over 76 per cent agreed that Canadian beef is a premium product.  As well, 59 per cent agreed with the statement that Canadian beef came from wholesome, natural environment. This preference demonstrates that Canadian beef meets the demands of the U.S. market and enjoys a favourable reputation with American consumers.

Ultimately, we’re against COOL and we would like the U.S. government to rethink this system because we believe it’s an unfair trade practice and is contrary to free trade.  However, the silver lining is that BIC is opening the door to more possibilities for Canadian beef producers, like Keystone, to expand their markets eventually.  U.S. retailers are promoting Canadian beef as a premium, high-quality beef and we whole-heartedly agree. We need to start marketing Manitoba beef worldwide to build on this existing reputation. That’s why we’re creating one of the most advanced beef plants in North America, so we can broaden our horizons and bring new branded beef products to more premium, niche markets.

Let us know what you think.

Click here to read the full article

Buy Local, Government policy, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release

Farmer-owned company to market premium beef from Manitoba farms to the world

Winnipeg, November 2, 2009 – The employees and investors of Keystone Processors Ltd. welcomed Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz to their plant today as he announced his government has conditionally approved the farmer-owned company for a loan of up to $10 million.

Additionally, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Rosann Wowchuk joined Minister Ritz to announce that the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council would increase its investment in the plant by up to an additional $7.5 million. The money will be used to upgrade the former pork plant on Marion Street into a federally-licensed beef slaughter and processing plant.

“These funds are critical for us to move forward with significant plant upgrades, which will eventually allow us to export Manitoba beef across the country and around the world,” said Kelly Penner, President and CEO of Keystone Processors Ltd. “Our company represents Manitoba farmers taking control of their destiny by owning every part of the value chain from farm gate to our customers’ plates.” Read more…

Buy Local, Export markets, Government policy, Kosher and Halal, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release, Nutrition, Online shopping, Uncategorized kelly penner, MCEC, Minister Gerry Ritz, Minister Rosann Wowchuk

One of many top restaurants and food service operations opting for premium, Manitoba beef

Winnipeg, October 1, 2009 – A growing number of Manitoba’s top chefs and restaurants are now serving premium, Manitoba-raised beef from Keystone Processors Ltd. The Winnipeg-based, farmer-owned beef plant has landed more than 40 retail and restaurant clients since it opened earlier this year, including the high profile and high volume casino restaurants operated by Manitoba Lotteries.

“Manitoba Lotteries proudly uses the best products available from local farmers, manufacturers and suppliers,” said Manitoba Lotteries President and CEO Winston Hodgins. “When it comes to our casino restaurants, buying food locally makes sense from economic and environmental perspective. We welcome the addition of premium beef from Keystone Processors to our menus, and invite our guests to enjoy the great tastes of Manitoba that we offer.”

Other Keystone Processors restaurant clients include Amici’s, Bailey’s Restaurant and Bar, Bistro 7 ¼, Billabong Restaurant and Bar, Fusion Grill, Inferno Bistro, Ivory Restaurant, Maple Tree Restaurant and Steakhouse, Mise Restaurant, Pineridge Hollow, and Sevala’s Catering. Read more…

Buy Local, Environment, Export markets, News Release, Restaurants Amici Restaurant, Bailey's Restaurant and Bar, Billabong Australian Restaurant and Bar, Bistro 7 1/4, Fusion Grill, Inferno Bistro, Ivory Restaurant, Manitoba Lotteries, Maple Tree Restaurant and Steakhouse, Mise Restaurant, Pineridge Hollow, Sevala's Catering, Winnipeg Casinos, Winston Hodgins

Winnipeg, August 12, 2009 - Winnipeggers have a new inside track to top quality hormone-free beef straight from the farm now that Keystone Processors Ltd. has opened its doors to sell Manitoba-raised beef direct to consumers.

The beef processing plant, which opened earlier this year on Marion Street in St. Boniface, is working with Natural Prairie Beef to bring NPB’s brand of premium, locally raised, hormone-free beef to the Winnipeg market. Consumers can now purchase steaks, burgers, hamburger and wieners by the box. Orders can be placed online or by phone for pick-up or city-wide delivery. Read more…

Buy Local, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release, Online shopping, Retail locations kelly penner, Keystone Online Store, Natural Prairie Beef

Keystone Processors is pleased to announce it is working with Natural Prairie Beef to bring its brand of premium, locally raised hormone-free beef to the Winnipeg market. Beginning in August, we’ll be selling Natural Prairie Beef steaks, roasts, hamburger and wieners directly to consumers. You can order online and either have your beef delivered to your home or you can pick it up at our plant at 663 Marion Street (two blocks east of Archibald). We’re just finalizing our online ordering system now, in the meantime you can give us a call to place your order today: (204) 235-0454.
Straight from the Farm
Natural Prairie Beef is a farmer-owned Manitoba company committed to raising cattle without the use of hormones. Here in Manitoba, we have plenty of wide open spaces, fresh air, clean water and great feed. That’s pretty much all cattle need to grow strong and healthy. The European Union has banned imports of hormone-raised beef out of concerns for food safety and the long-term health effects. Read more…

Buy Local, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release, Online shopping, Retail locations aged beef, European Union, Food safety, hormone-free beef, Manitoba company, Natural Prairie Beef

Winnipeg’s Keystone Processors Ltd. was the scene of a Chinese cultural and business exchange this week as it strengthened its ties with a major corporation from the City of Harbin in Northeast China.

Keystone Processors joined the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement  Council in welcoming senior representatives from the POTA Information Consulting Co., Ltd. and the POTA Institute of Business to Manitoba. General Manager Peter Pang and International Business Development Manager Judy Pang were on a fact finding and business development mission with a goal of opening new two-way trade with Manitoba in general, and to establish closer ties with Keystone Processors in particular. Read more…

Export markets, Manitoba cattle, News Release, Photos CFIA, China, Harbin, Judy Pang, kelly penner, MCEC, Peter Pang, Plains Processors, POTA Group, Sperlling Industries

Keystone Processors held its official opening today, marking the occasion with an official ‘tenderloin cutting’ ceremony.

About three dozen guests crowded into the reception area of the plant at 663 Marion Street in Winnipeg to see Keystone Processors President Kelly Penner slice into a finely aged, premium Manitoba tenderloin with Kate Butler, Executive Director of the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council. Read more…

Buy Local, Government policy, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release, Nutrition, Photos, Uncategorized Agriculture Canada, Dan Wuersch, Dave Angus, Dave Shambrock, Eugene Warwaruk, kate butler, kelly penner, Keystone Processors, Manitoba Food Processors Association, Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, Plains Processors, Rob Harms, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce

Keystone Processors Ltd. celebrates official opening

Winnipeg, March 10, 2009 – Keystone Processors has completed the first phase of its ongoing renovation and sent its first shipment of Manitoba beef to market. To celebrate the milestone, the company held an official opening today where managers and investors cut into a tenderloin in lieu of the traditional ribbon.

“We’re pleased to be up and running with trucks at our loading docks,” said Corry Berndsen, Keystone Processor’s Vice President of Operations. “This is just phase one done. We’re continuing with our plant upgrades and new construction with a view to having the plant fully operational by 2011.”

Keystone Processors has begun operations processing boneless beef for retail and wholesale operations. Its first customers included Winnipeg Old Country meats and De Luca’s Specialty Foods. Read more…

Export markets, Government policy, Kosher and Halal, Manitoba cattle, News Release Canadian Food Inspection Agency, corry berndsen, De Luca's Specialty Foods, Winnipeg Old Country

We’re a new kind of cattle company. In an industry dominated by a handful of massive corporations, Keystone Processors is a Manitoba-based company owned by a group of dedicated Manitoba cattle producers. We each have decades of experience in this business, raising the highest quality cattle for market. Together we’re creating an efficient, modern company to bring the best tasting, highest quality beef to Manitobans, all the while following the strictest food safety standards.

By owning the entire value chain – from gate to plate – we control every stage of production, which means value and quality for you and your family. At the same time, we also believe we can breathe new life into our province’s troubled cattle industry. Read more…

Buy Local, Manitoba cattle, News Release Keystone Processors, manitoba

Company to own and operate new Manitoba beef plant.

Winnipeg, December 4, 2008 – Natural Prairie Beef Inc. announced today it was teaming with the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council to form Keystone Processors Ltd., a new company to own and operate the former Maple Leaf pork plant at 663 Marion St. in Winnipeg. NPB and MCEC will be the first two shareholders in the new company, which expects to welcome additional shareholders as the plant begins operations.

“This new flexible corporate structure is best for all parties because it envisions multiple companies investing in and utilizing this new beef plant for the benefit of all Manitoba beef producers,” said Corry Berndsen, Vice President of Operations for Keystone Processors Ltd. “We’re building one of the most advanced beef plants in Canada and our business model will help us maximize its earnings in a highly competitive industry.” Read more…

Buy Local, Export markets, Kosher and Halal, Manitoba cattle, Natural beef, News Release cattle enhancement council, corry berndsen, frank sylvester, kate butler, kelly penner, keystone processors ltd., manitoba, natural prairie beef inc.