MFPA Summer BBQ Guide

2014

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2 Manitoba Food Processors Association Winning Combinations M anitoba's food industry is thriving, with offerings far beyond the wheat, produce, and meat commodities that are typ- ically associated with the prairies. A wide and ever-increasing range of food items are made in the province, and the Manitoba Food Processors Asso- ciation (MFPA) exists to support the companies creating these products, from single-person operations to well- known household brand names from long-established businesses. Services offered by the MFPA to its members include training, human re- sources, networking opportunities, and consumer awareness through the Buy Manitoba program. While these servi- ces are available to all members, a lot of the MFPA's more involved compan- ies are smaller scale, with fewer than 20 employees; many of which pro- duce hand crafted, small-batch foods and beverages. The range of training programs avail- able to members through the MFPA in- clude: health and safety, human resour- ces, sales and business development – all of which are essential to helping food producers get their products into the hands of consumers. With increased demand for artisanal products, the MFPA can help small food companies navigate the commer- cialization process. Dozens of products that started out being sold only at farm- ers' markets are now available at local retailers, including large chain grocery stores, and still maintain product in- tegrity through heavy focus on safety and quality. The MFPA also helps smaller compan- ies by supporting provincial initiatives such the Great Manitoba Food Fight (GMFF), a competition for new and innovative Manitoba food products. Competitors' products are judged by an expert panel on several qualities. The gold, silver, and bronze winners each receive a product development and ser- vice award package. The 2014 gold medal winner, Jill Tan- ner's Jamore! Real Fruit Spread, con- tains no refined sugars or sweeteners. Silver medal winner Bessie Hatizitri- fonos' all natural/organic olive tapenade is aptly nicknamed "life-changing"! And bronze medal winner Amy Nik- kels' organic Rolled Naked Oats are made without any industrial heat treat- ment, bringing you a time-honoured product that is raw, unprocessed, and naturally tasty. In addition to this year's GMFF winners, many other MFPA mem- bers are meeting consumer needs through their development of new and innovative products: Prairie West Ice Cream is in the busi- ness of meeting the needs of their cus- tomers by offering a variety of unique flavours. They are continuously testing new ingredients and researching in- novative packaging ideas and encour- age their customers to contact them with new flavour concepts. You can try their line of flavours including Gold- en French Toast, Funky Monkey and Mocha Crunch, at Scoop Shoppes and select restaurants. Family owned and operated Piccola Cu- cina crafts handmade Italian macaroons using all natural ingredients, without the use of preservatives or chemicals. Re- maining true to their Italian roots, they use traditional family recipes. All of their products are gluten free, dairy free, grain free, soy free, yeast free, corn free and low in sodium. They're completely vegetarian and made with a super food main ingredient – almonds. Their prod- ucts are available at a variety of gour- met specialty stores, seasonal markets and through their online store. Shoal Lake Wild Rice has been in busi- ness for over 70 years and recognize the specific dietary requirements and pref- erences of their consumers who face health challenges like celiac disease, diabetes, heart conditions and those who simply desire optimum health. The company is successfully meeting the expectations of this new genera- tion of consumers with their Floating Leaf brand. This line of products in- cludes wild rice blends, Artisan Wild Rice Egg pastas, Wild Rice & Quinoa Harvest Stuffing and Pancake, Waffle & Muffin Mix. Their products can be found at most major retailers in Manitoba. As our province's food industry con- tinues to flourish, and consumer de- mand for Manitoba products increases, the MFPA will guide its members to success through the delivery of its pro- grams and will help consumers identify and discover these delicious Manitoba made food products. 2014 GMFF silver winner Bessie Hatizitrifonos' "Life Changing" Kalamata Olive Tapenade 2014 GMFF bronze winner Amy Nikkels' Rolled Naked Oats 2014 GMFF gold winner Jill Tanner's Jamore! Real Fruit Spread For additional information please visit buymanitobafoods.ca or mfpa.mb.ca. Photos property of the Province of Manitoba – captured by Doug Little

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