Federal Investment Boosts PEI Beef Plant for Growing Halal Market

ALBANY, PE – January 09, 2026 – The Government of Canada is injecting up to $2.25 million into Atlantic Beef Products Inc. (ABPI), a move set to significantly upgrade the Prince Edward Island facility and expand its capacity to serve Canada’s rapidly growing halal food market. The investment, announced today by the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, positions the region’s only federally registered beef plant to become a leader in high-quality, locally processed halal beef.

This funding, delivered through the new Kosher and Halal Investment Program, will enable the Albany-based processor to implement advanced technologies and sophisticated packaging processes. The project is designed not only to increase meat yield and operational efficiency but also to meet the exacting standards of the halal market, providing Canadian consumers with greater access to domestically produced, certified products.

As one of the first recipients under the federal program, ABPI’s modernization underscores a strategic alignment with the government's recently unveiled 'Buy Canadian Policy,' which aims to strengthen the domestic economy by prioritizing Canadian suppliers and building a more resilient national food system.

"The Canadian beef industry is an important contributor to the economy of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic region," stated Minister MacDonald. "By supporting innovation and efficiency at Atlantic Beef Products Inc., our government is helping to grow market opportunities for local producers, meet the evolving preferences of consumers, and encourage all to 'Buy Canadian' with confidence."

Tapping into a Multi-Billion Dollar Appetite

The federal investment arrives at a critical moment, as demand for halal food in Canada is experiencing explosive growth. Driven by a burgeoning Muslim population—which has more than doubled in the last two decades to nearly 5% of the national population—and a broader consumer trend towards ethically sourced foods, the Canadian halal market is valued at over $1 billion annually and is projected to exceed $4.3 billion by 2029. The halal meat sector alone is forecast to grow by 10% to 15% annually.

This demographic and cultural shift has created a significant economic opportunity. Modern consumers, particularly a younger generation of Canadian Muslims, are seeking more than just certification; they demand high-quality, conveniently packaged, and readily available halal products in mainstream retail outlets. The investment in ABPI is a direct response to this market evolution, aiming to close the gap between rising demand and domestic supply.

By enhancing its production capabilities, ABPI can now more effectively compete and capture a larger share of this lucrative market, ensuring that Canadian dollars are spent on Canadian-made products. This move diversifies the company's offerings and provides a new, high-value revenue stream that will ripple throughout the Atlantic region's agricultural sector.

A Technological Leap for Atlantic Beef

The core of the $2.25 million project lies in a comprehensive technological overhaul of the Albany plant. The funds will facilitate the installation of state-of-the-art equipment designed to elevate food safety, maximize output, and reduce waste.

Key among these upgrades is the implementation of advanced steam vacuum systems. This technology uses high-temperature steam to sanitize carcasses far more effectively than traditional knife-trimming, drastically reducing bacterial loads and enhancing food safety. Crucially, it achieves this without removing valuable meat, thereby preserving yield and increasing overall profitability.

Furthermore, the plant will integrate an in-line x-ray analyzer. This sophisticated system provides real-time analysis of meat composition, ensuring precise and consistent fat content for retail-ready products. It also serves as a critical safety check, capable of detecting and removing foreign contaminants like bone fragments or metal before packaging. For consumers, this means a safer and more reliable product; for the processor, it means unparalleled quality control and operational efficiency.

New packaging technology will also be introduced, allowing ABPI to deliver a wider range of high-quality, retail-ready halal products tailored for Canadian grocery stores. This final step is crucial for meeting the modern consumer’s need for convenience and confidence in the products they purchase.

"This investment will allow us to produce halal products for retail and foodservice that will give our halal customers full confidence that the products they buy from us will meet exacting halal standards," said Russ Mallard, President & CEO of Atlantic Beef Products Inc.

Bolstering the Atlantic Beef Supply Chain

For Prince Edward Island and the broader Maritime provinces, this investment represents more than just a plant upgrade; it is a significant reinforcement of a vital piece of regional infrastructure. As the only federally registered beef processing plant east of Quebec, ABPI is a cornerstone of the Atlantic Canadian beef industry. The facility, which employs approximately 180 people, processes up to 750 cattle each week, providing an essential service for beef producers across Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.

By securing the plant's long-term viability and expanding its market access, this federal funding provides stability and new opportunities for hundreds of local farm families. The increased demand for cattle suitable for the halal market will create a new premium channel for producers, potentially leading to better and more stable prices.

The initiative is a textbook example of the 'Buy Canadian Policy' in action. It supports a local business, secures Canadian jobs, and strengthens the domestic food supply chain from the ground up. By enabling a regional processor to meet a national demand, the investment ensures that the benefits are distributed across the entire value chain, from the farmer's field to the consumer's table. This modernization promises to not only enhance the plant's performance but also to solidify the future of beef production in Atlantic Canada, ensuring the region remains a key contributor to the nation's food security and economic prosperity.