Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative (AHPC), a significant player in the Canadian agriculture sector, is expanding and modernize its facility.
Founded in 1940 and owned by over 100 beekeepers across Alberta, western Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, AHPC is at the forefront of processing and packaging quality Canadian honey.
Located in Spruce Grove, Alberta, the co-operative manages about 30 percent of Canada's honey production under the Bee Maid brand. Recognized for its light colour and mild sweetness, the honey has a strong domestic and international presence.
Acknowledging a 37 percent increase in sales over the past five years, AHPC recently upgraded its production capabilities.
This initiative, supported by a $1,822,945 loan from PrairiesCan's Jobs and Growth Fund in 2022, included a 50,000 square foot expansion, increasing the working space by 60 percent.
The expansion not only enhances the plant's output but also integrates modern automation technologies that elevate productivity and reduce operational costs.
“We are really appreciative of the financial support that the PrairiesCan fund provides an SME like the Alberta Honey Producers Co-operative,” said COO Henry Klassen, “Our beekeeper members are heavily invested in this project, and it is encouraging to see when a program like PrairiesCan comes alongside and works together with our membership to make this happen.”
With these upgrades, AHPC aims to further penetrate the export markets and anticipates creating more jobs, both internally and within their beekeeper network.
This expansion not only secures AHPC's position as a leader in the honey industry but also supports sustainable agricultural practices by contributing to healthy bee populations and enhanced crop yields across Western Canada.
As AHPC embraces technological advancements and expands its operations, the co-operative sets a new standard for innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.