Meat and Poultry Ontario celebrates 40th anniversary

Meat & Poultry Ontario (MPO) celebrated its 40^th year at the 2021 Red Carpet Gala, held in Waterloo, Ont., on November 19. The gala brought together MPO’s members to honour the family of people that make up the association and celebrated their commitment to both the organization and Ontario’s meat sector.

The evening kicked-off with a special 40^th Anniversary presentation by Franco Naccarato, MPO’s executive director and Laurie Nicol, former executive director.

“Tonight, we celebrate the champions of Ontario’s meat sector, who have supported our organization for over 40 years. These members are dedicated to building their businesses and contributing to the industry and their communities,” said Franco Naccarato. “Tonight is a time to say thank you and celebrate their innovation and accomplishments.”

MPO honoured Bramic Sales, Charlies Meat and Seafood, Hayter’s Turkey Products, and University of Guelph (Meat Science Laboratory, Department of Animals & Poultry Science) as they received their 10-year membership plaque, followed by Abate Packers, Canadian Butcher Supply, Domingos Meat Packers, Sargent Farms and Townsend Butchers, who were honoured for 25 years of loyal MPO membership. For the first time ever, a 40-year membership award was accepted by founding MPO member and commodity partner, Ontario Pork.

The Meat Industry Achievement (MIA) Award, which is given to an MPO business member company or individual that deserves recognition for their achievements in the meat and poultry industry, was presented to King Cole Duck of Stouffville, Ont.

The Associate Member Recognition Award (AMRA) is judged by the membership and given to an associate member company that is deserving of recognition for their contribution to the association and to the industry. This year Viscofan Canada, Markham, Ont., was honoured with this distinction.

Since the awards’ inception in 1995, MPO has presented only 13 prestigious Lifetime Member Awards to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to industry. This year they inducted Richard Halenda of Halenda’s Fine Foods into that club.