ACA - "Growing" Strong in the Annapolis Valley

Tucked away in Kentville, Nova Scotia, is one of Annapolis Valley's largest employers, ACA Co-operative Limited. This farmer-owned company has provided top quality chicken, turkey and egg products to customers for over 60 years. Marketing Manager Monica Cumby says that much of its success over the years can be attributed to using a straight-forward business approach to produce exceptional products.

When it comes to such things as the safety of its products or modifying production to meet customer demand, ACA Co-operative is all business. Of late, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer preference, especially with respect to poultry. "People are becoming more health conscious and want to eliminate trans fats from their diet," explains Marketing Manager Monica Cumby. "We changed our processing and packaging to suit this new trend."

Public concern has also heightened in response to media reports that cite Avian Influenza as a potential health danger. "We take this threat seriously - no matter how minimal the risk - and have implemented safety programs and bio-security measures in response." One change came in the elimination of "free range" chickens, where the chickens have the option of living inside or outside. "Since we don't want our birds exposed to potential Avian Flu carriers such as wild birds, we have adopted a "free run" method. Now they can roam at will within the barn."

As ACA Co-operative continues to provide quality products under its brand, Eden Valley Farms, it has also ventured into providing private label products for Sobeys and has its sights set on the U.S. market. "We are growing and it makes ACA a very exciting and satisfying place to work."