FTG Foods opens new meat processing plant in Strathmore

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

FTG Foods hosted the grand opening of their new meat packing facility in Strathmore, June 6, after nearly a year of preparations. 

Trini Crvantes, speaking on behalf of FTG foods, explained the team sought out Strathmore, deeming it the perfect location due to its proximity to Calgary, as well as being able to effectively triple the size of their operations.

“We were fortunate that we were able to find this location, this property on sale … we also got to know the Filipino community members of Strathmore. We feel the support from the community so that’s why we built the facility here,” she said. “We are starting to move all our machinery from Calgary, and we are going to get a trial run going. By the beginning of next month, we are going to have a start on full production.”

Crvantes explained several of the challenges the team encountered while setting up the facility included acquiring approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency – ensuring standards compliance and the ability to mass produce their products. 

With the expansion of their capacity, the team is also looking to expand their employee base from its current 20-person staff over the next five years based on their revenue streams. 

FTG Foods specializes in bringing the taste of the Philippines to the Canadian market, with their original goal being to be able to provide their community with a taste of home since their inception in 2015. 

With the advent of the new facility, FTG is aiming to expand their wholesale customer base and make themselves more available internationally.

“It is very hard as immigrants to leave your country behind, start fresh, acclimate to the lifestyle in a foreign land. Just having something as a comfort food is a very big thing to get you through the day, to get you through the struggles or just missing back home,” said Crvantes. “Not a lot of Filipinos are fortunate to go back home, especially now with this economy.”

Before the facility is officially up and running, the team is aiming to stockpile extra supplies in order to weather the transition as they reset operations. 

Crvantes estimated they will be able to have full time operations up and running at the new facility by the beginning of July.

As part of their grand opening ceremony, FTG Foods had invited local dignitaries including Mayor Pat Fule, several members of local council, as well as MLA Chantelle de Jonge.