Partnering with Sobeys means big business for small business
When it comes to the grocery shopping experience, the team at Sobeys loves to bring an exciting new product to their shelves – and even better when it’s a local success story. In a world where the modern consumer wants to eat with a conscience and with healthy ingredients, they found the best of both worlds when they forged a relationship with Newfoundland Jam and Pickle Factory. Based in Perry’s Cove, Newfoundland Jam and Pickle Factory began its operations in 1999. In these early days their product was distributed through Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing Inc. and carried at local corner stores and other select locations across Newfoundland and Labrador.
According to owner Berkley Bursey, business was slow to start until Sobeys stepped in with an interest in their product for its Foodland stores in Newfoundland. With this support and broadened distribution, the grassroots company has grown from one small production space to three large kitchens with over 10 employees. The company’s current product assortment includes items that can be found in a good old-fashioned ‘Jiggs Dinner.’ These products include two varieties of mustard, bread and butter pickles, cabbage and tomato pickles, and pickled beets.
“Newfoundland Jam and Pickle Factory has always received great support from Sobeys, which has had a significant impact on our business development opportunities,” comments Bursey. “Our products were originally carried on local Foodland shelves and are now in all 14 Sobeys store across the province as well, enabling us to meet a greater demand. Working with a large retailer like Sobeys has opened doors for us and, as a small business based here in Newfoundland, it’s been exciting.”