According to a March 2022 report to the Alberta Chambers of Commerce, 35% of shoppers reported it is ‘not easy’ to shop locally. Of those, 43% said it is difficult to identify if a product is produced in Alberta. Enter, Made in Alberta – a buy-local program designed to champion Alberta-made food and beverage products, highlighting the exceptional quality and diversity our province has to offer.
Operated by AFPA in partnership with the Government of Alberta (Agriculture and Irrigation),Made in Alberta is now into its second year, with a solid foundation of over 500 Made in Alberta companies and over 800 products already signed up, and growth outpacing other provincial associations with similar programs.
Promotional campaigns including billboards and print ads, regular features on CTV’s Fields to Forks, articles in leading publications like Western Magazine, Western Grocer Magazine, Alberta Food Report, Business in Calgary, Business in Edmonton, and Edify Magazine, and exposure at major events such as CFR, Farm Fair International, and the Calgary Stamped, are gaining traction with shoppers seeking locally produced food and beverage options. Edify Magazine even created a convenient tear sheet to help consumers identify and incorporate Made in Alberta products into their pantries. Featured companies this season included Token Bitters, Gioielli Tea, Haskap and Harvest, Meuwly’s, Capital Fine Meats, TM Spice, Zypchicks, Got Pickled Brines, Pierogies Polish Foods, Mother May I, and Lone Pine Distillery. These diverse businesses represent the rich tapestry of Alberta’s food and beverage industry, offering everything from artisanal spirits to gourmet condiments.
How it Works
Qualifying companies can sign up to get listed for free on the Made in Alberta website. The site acts as a dedicated platform for consumers to find local products and connect with food and beverage producers throughout the province. Once approved, companies receive a free graphics package and access to downloadable signs that proudly declare their product Made in Alberta. This makes it easier for consumers to identify and purchase those products raised, grown, and produced right here in the province of Alberta.
By actively engaging with the Made in Alberta website and social media platforms, companies can participate in key marketing initiatives, such as collaborations with mainstream media and other popular platforms. This not only increases their visibility but also integrates them into larger marketing efforts that can drive significant customer engagement.
Through Made in Alberta, companies are introduced to AFPA’s extensive network of information tools, resources, food safety and workplace training offerings, as well as events and networking opportunities. Made in Alberta companies are also eligible to compete in AFPA’s Alberta Food and Beverage Awards – an annual contest where a panel of expert judges select the best food and beverage products over a range of categories.
Full Steam Ahead
According to the same Alberta Chambers of Commerce report, 55% of consumers say that shopping locally has become more important since the start of the pandemic. Just under half report shopping locally more frequently now compared to six months ago. As more consumers look to support local products and discover the rich variety that Alberta has to offer, programs like Made in Alberta are vital in bridging the gap between shoppers and producers.
Join the movement! By participating in the Made in Alberta program, you’ll not only enhance your brand visibility but also contribute to strengthening the Alberta food and beverage industry. Let’s celebrate the rich culinary talent and delicious bounty our province has to offer!
Congratulations to all the Alberta Food and Beverage 2024 Winners! Check out the amazing winning list and learn more about their products at our website: www.madeinalberta.co
