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Atlantic Beef Products (ABPI) is set to enhance its halal beef processing capabilities following a federal investment of up to CAD 2.26 million (approx. $1.63 million) through Canada’s Kosher and Halal Investment Programme.

The funding will support the implementation of advanced processing technologies and packaging upgrades at ABPI’s federally registered beef processing facility in Albany, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

The project is designed to improve production efficiency, increase meat yields, reduce food waste and expand the company’s ability to deliver halal-certified, retail-ready beef products to Canadian markets.

The investment comes as Canadian consumers increasingly seek high-quality, locally processed food products that align with cultural values and dietary requirements. Demand for halal products continues to grow across both retail and foodservice channels, creating new opportunities for domestic processors.

“As one of the first recipients of this programme, Atlantic Beef Products is taking important steps to modernise its operations while responding to evolving consumer preferences,” said Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “By supporting innovation and efficiency at this facility, our government is helping local producers grow market opportunities, strengthen the regional economy, and encourage Canadians to buy Canadian with confidence.”

ABPI’s project will include the installation of advanced steam vacuum systems to enhance cleaning and food safety, upgraded recovery equipment to improve meat yield and new packaging technologies to support a broader range of halal-certified products. An in-line X-ray analyser will also be added to improve fat-content accuracy and product safety.

“This funding allows us to invest in equipment that will better meet the needs of our growing halal customer base, both regionally and nationally,” added ABPI president and CEO Russ Mallard. “Producing and packaging halal products entirely within our facility, and certifying them to exacting halal requirements, gives customers full confidence in the integrity of the products they purchase from us.”

The project also aligns with the federal government’s newly announced Buy Canadian Policy, which prioritises Canadian suppliers and domestically produced goods in federal procurement.

By supporting Canadian processors and expanding local production of kosher and halal foods, the initiative aims to strengthen food system resilience while improving access to diverse, Canadian-made products.

ABPI is currently the only federally registered beef processing plant east of Quebec, processing up to 750 cattle per week. Since its founding in 2003, the company has grown to employ approximately 180 people and sources cattle from producers across Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Industry stakeholders say the investment represents a meaningful step toward expanding halal processing capacity in Atlantic Canada, supporting local producers, and ensuring Canadian consumers have greater access to domestically processed, culturally inclusive food products.