THUNDER BAY - Marten Falls First Nation has further expanded its role in the food supply chain in Northern Ontario.
During the Neegani-Iishawin conference at the Valhalla Inn this week, Chief Bruce Achneepineskum announced that Marten Falls First Nation has finalized its acquisition of Cav-Tal Foods Ltd.
“It’s been a few months in the works, the announcement, we acquired the business in October of last year, but we had to finalize all the purchase agreements legally. We were waiting for an opportune time to make an announcement,” said Achneepineskum.
Last year, Marten Falls First Nation invested in Bay Meats, purchasing a 51 per cent ownership.
However, with the acquisition of Cav-Tal Foods Ltd., the First Nation now holds majority ownership in both companies, alongside Bay Meats shareholders Bruce Krupp and Kari Sipila.
Cav-Tal Foods Ltd. is a bulk food distribution company that supplies major grocery retailers (including Safeway and Metro), restaurants, and institutions.
However, the company is distributed entirely in Thunder Bay and the surrounding area.
This acquisition allows Marten Falls First Nation to strengthen the community's economic development in the food industry.
“We're always servicing our own community, our own local community store, Adawegamik, and we hope to do the same for other businesses. We know what it's like to order from distribution centres in the region. Sometimes, it's out of province. So, it's a start for us. We hope to, in the year to come, develop and grow the business and expand the network sales within the whole region,” said Achneepineskum.
Last month, Bay Meats moved to 701 Norah Cres.
“It takes time to reorganize the two businesses into one location,” he said.
Achneepineskum said the move will allow for better efficiency in food distribution.
The company said, in a release, they will retain all existing staff, “including all key team members,” and continue operations without disruption.
According to Achneepineskum, further expansion of the company will create jobs for Marten Falls First Nation community members.
“Having our own business presents more opportunities for training. It certainly opens the doors for us to hire our own members,” said Achneepineskum.
“In the long run, but of course, we want to keep consistency with service. We value the employees that have been there for a long time. They keep the business going. It'll be a business decision when the time comes for us to hire more people within our First Nation.”
