WORLD TRADE CENTRE WINNIPEG
MANITOBA BIRDSEED BUSINESS CONTINUES TO SOAR
Owners Farrukh Zain and Abdul Azeem Farooqi
in an employer-matched retirement plan that includes contributions to RRSPs and TFSAs. Thanks to the Canadian government’s international trade support through the Trade Commissioner Service, Agri-Tel Grain has set its sights on international markets. The company is signing distribution agreements in the Indo-Pacific region and the Middle East, while also identifying products to bring over to Canada that could help grow local cottage industries like horticulture. Looking ahead, Agri-Tel Grain plans to develop an AI- enabled website and add a new pressed seed production line. They’re also expanding their warehouse and production area capacity, and they’ve invested in new machinery to optimize their entire packaging process. All of this drives job creation and boosts local economic activity. Along the way, the World Trade Centre Winnipeg played a pivotal role in Agri-Tel’s journey by providing deep market intelligence, personalized trade advisory and strategic connections across the global export ecosystem. WTC Winnipeg helped the company identify new opportunities, reduce market entry risks and build a smarter path to international growth by working directly with their team and their hired consultant. Last but not least, Export Development Canada has also been instrumental in providing strategic advice fuelling the company’s growth. Learn more about Agri-Tel Grain at agritelgrain.com and World Trade Centre Winnipeg at wtcwinnipeg.com. ■ Along the way, the World Trade Centre Winnipeg played a pivotal role in Agri-Tel’s journey by providing deep market intelligence, personalized trade advisory and strategic connections.
C ustomers from near and far continue to flock towards a Manitoba business that specializes in premium birdseed and animal feed. A proudly homegrown business delivering world-class products and services, Agri-Tel Grain launched in 1978 with a three-pronged focus on bulk grain, mixed seeds and pressed seeds. When new owners took over the Beausejour-based business in 2017, they decided to move away from bulk sales to focus on the two other aspects, working vigorously to develop new markets. The pressed seed proved to be a niche product that offered the biggest opportunity. Over time, Agri-Tel Grain became one of the largest producers in North America and established capacity of two million pieces per year, which is expected to double by the middle of 2026 through a new production line. Agri-Tel Grain products are sold at national retailers like Walmart, Canadian Tire, Loblaws, many pet stores and Amazon. They’re also the sole supplier of wild birdseed to Costco west of Manitoba — and the Premium Song birdseed has been sold at Costco for the last two decades. Beyond wild birdseed, the company has expanded its offerings to include feed for pet birds and farm animals like poultry, cattle and horses. They take pride in using natural ingredients, with homegrown grain sourced right from the Prairies. Adding to the appeal, the company guarantees a shelf life of 18 to 24 months for its pressed seed products, which are created through a semi-automated process. Amid many successes, the company faces the challenge of recruiting and retaining the best possible workforce in a rural setting. To overcome that hurdle, they offer a robust benefits package to their 30-plus employees. In addition to health coverage, workers can participate BY JENNIFER MCFEE
11 WINTER 2025
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