Vancouver Island’s oldest pork production company welcomes 2023

Hertel’s Meats—Vancouver Island’s longest-running local and family-owned pork production company, is based in Port Alberni. Hertel’s is bringing in the new year with 55 years of service to Vancouver Island with no plans of slowing down. As pioneers in the industry, they have been carving the path and elevating the standards for generations. From manufacturing, processing, and production Hertel’s Meats has provided the best quality pork products with a wide range of options since 1967.

“All county fresh, from our family to yours”

Thomas and Helena Hertel started their journey back in the late sixties with a plan to help provide for the need they saw on the island they call home. After 10 years of building their clientele and reputation, they were able to make major upgrades to the plant, expanding to give them the means to be one of the most well-trusted manufacturers and distributors of pork on the island. After building their business through generations, founding partners Thomas and Helena have decided they’re taking a step back from busy production life to their well-earned retirement, leaving the company with trusted employees who have worked with Hertel’s through multiple generations.

Hertel’s Meats has been elevating standards for decades by bringing you a wide variety of pork products without gluten, lactose, or artificial preservatives. A delicious staple of Hertel’s is their naturally smoked cured bacon using special processes to remove unwanted chemicals, creating a product without nitrates or chemical preservatives.

Hertel’s is distinguished for removing the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG) from all of their seasonings, a trend that was soon initiated by many other major meat-processing plants. Hertel’s Meats is a clear choice for natural clean pork products that you know you can trust.

Check out a variety of recipes and carving guides on their website for all your favorite hams, as well as some wonderful recipes using Hertel’s Meats’ variety of ham, bacon, sausages, and more!

Hertel’s Meats is based in Port Alberni. Find their products at your local grocery store, or visit them online HertelMeats.ca.