Calgary AB - Today Wild Rose Meats Inc. (holding company for Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats) acquired all of the shares of Alberta-based Grande Prairie Bison Company (GPBC). The acquisition, which is effective immediately, includes ownership of the GPBC brand, trademarks, and strong European customer base and distribution network
“This is a unique opportunity to build our European market share with the addition of a highly reputable brand,” says Kelly Long, Founding Partner, Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats.
“In Europe, Grande Prairie Bison is synonymous with Canadian quality and integrity. This is due in no small part to the visionary marketing strategy of GPBC founder Jorn Nordmann. We are thrilled that he has agreed to work with us over the next six months to ensure a seamless transition of his company‘s marketing base and his considerable knowledge of the EU market.
“Consolidation of GPBC and Carmen Creek shipping and distribution will drive significant cost efficiencies,” adds Dean Andres, Founding Partner, Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats. “As we broaden awareness and build our EU market share, there will be solid growth potential for Canadian producers. This is good news for ranchers who want to build their herds.”
Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats is a privately held, award winning, Calgary based company, co-founded by Pieter Spinder, Kelly Long and Dean Andres, that specializes in the marketing and distribution of branded gourmet bison. The company has listings with a number of major retailers and foodservice distributors throughout North America and Europe. Since its inception in 2002, sales have grown incrementally each year and the Carmen Creek Producer Value Chain has been formally recognized as a leading example of Canadian agri-industry innovation.
For more information:
Dean Andres
Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats
780.975.0123 | dean.andres@carmencreek.com
Backgrounder
Q: What is included in the GPBC acquisition?
A: All of the shares of Grande Prairie Bison Company (GPBC).
Specifically this includes: the GPBC brand, trademarks, customers and EU shipping and distribution networks.
Q: Isn’t GPBC a Carmen Creek competitor?
A: It has been.
Until this acquisition, GPBC has been a friendly competitor to Carmen Creek, particularly in the EU where GPBC has focused its marketing efforts. However, Carmen Creek has worked closely with GPBC over the years to maximize carcass value in North America and the two organizations have long shared a commitment to build the Canadian bison industry.
Q: Why has Carmen Creek made this acquisition now?
A: This is a unique and timely opportunity.
Jorn Nordmann, founder of GPBC, has chosen to streamline and focus on other aspects of his business. The two companies align on several aspects including product quality and marketing priorities. Acquisition of the GPBC assets will offer Carmen Creek significant cost efficiencies in terms of shipping and distribution networks in the EU. Moreover, integration of the two brands will build presence for the caliber of Canadian bison in Europe. GPBC has established customers in countries where Carmen Creek is not represented and vice versa.
Q: Will Carmen Creek replace the GPBC brand?
A: No. The two brands will complement each other.
For the foreseeable future, Carmen Creek will market both brands in the EU as a means of building awareness and market share for Canadian bison. Where it makes strategic sense, Carmen Creek will add value to the GPBC brand through enhanced packaging and web marketing. GPBC existing customers may be assured of a continued level of exceptional service.
Q: How will this acquisition affect producers?
A: Positively. Increased EU market share will increase demand for animals.
As sales increase in the EU as a result of marketing, shipping and distribution efficiencies, more Canadian bison will be required to supply new and existing customers. Carmen Creek Premium Producer Partners will be given exclusive opportunity to meet the rising demand.
For more information:
Dean Andres
Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats
780.975.0123 | dean.andres@carmencreek.com
|
