by Stella Shepard
There is a hint of pride in the voice of Tom Margeson, President and CEO of Healthy Berries Ltd. when talking about the state-of-the-art facility on Commercial Road in Montague. The company produces high quality puréed berry products.
Tom, who has more than 40 years of experience in the food industry, is passionate about helping people eat healthy.
“After the sudden passing of the previous owner Peter Kohler, I officially took over the company in November 2020 after restructuring the management team, reorganizing the business, and keeping the company working through COVID-19,” says Tom.
“Like Peter, I believe in the product, but more importantly, I believe in the team at Healthy Berries Ltd.”
The products are available in every Canadian province and in nine other countries. By the end of 2021, the products will be available in the United States and India.
“We produce a one-of-a-kind wild blueberry purée on-site in four flavours: wild blueberry, wild blueberry and strawberry, wild blueberry and cranberry, and wild blueberry and haskap in 350 ml glass bottles. The fruit is Maritime sourced except for the Ontario strawberries.
“This year, we launched two flavours in our new 250 ml squeeze bottle. Before the end of the year, we will be launching Superfruit Purée Solos, single serve stick tubes filled with our purée.
“All products are shelf stable with up to two years shelf life and are produced with no added ingredients or preservatives. Fresh fruit is the only ingredient. Nothing is added, and nothing is taken away.
“Our patented state-of-the art process utilizes the entire berry, including the skin, pulp, seeds, and juice, and produces a purée that is extremely high in antioxidants and is much healthier than juice.”
Hiring needs
“Depending on production schedules, we have between nine and 15 full-time and part-time staff,” says Tom.
“We are adding Production Line Workers, who we train on site. We are currently looking for Shift Supervisors and Machine Operators, as well as a Food Safety person to work in our lab. We will require more staff as we develop and add new production lines.
“When hiring, we look for individuals who want to learn new skills and work in a clean production facility that has a BRCGS Global Food Safety certification.
“We look for individuals who are self-starters, enjoy new challenges, and want to progress in their career and develop new skills.
“We offer above minimum wage for entry-level positions and a higher salary for specialized staff.”
Community support
Community Business Development Corporation East (CBDC) is located at the Rural Action Centre on Main Street in Montague. CBDC East provides business loans, counselling advice, entrepreneurship development, and business training.
CBDC East is staffed by Martina MacDonald, Director, Helen Antle, CBDC Officer, and Terri Taylor, Accounts Officer.
“Martina and Helen were very helpful as we secured a loan for new product line processing and packaging equipment acquisitions that the company needed to maintain and grow the business,” says Tom. “They toured the facility and were very impressed with the state-of-the art equipment, and they are very supportive of the business.”
For more information about Community Business Development Corporation East (CBDC) visit www.cbdc.ca or call 902-838-4030.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information about Healthy Berries Ltd., visit www.superfruitpuree.ca.
To apply, email a resumé to info@superfruitpuree.ca
