Hertel's Meats Story

Located in the beautiful foothills of the Beaufort Range in the Alberni Valley, Hertel Meats first began back in 1963 as small family enterprise processing beef, pork and game for local farmers and hunters. Due to an increase in demand, within 10 years a major plant expansion was completed. The expanded facility was and continues to operate under the strict guidelines of the Canadian Federal Inspection Agency. It provides full time employment for many local people, some of whom, along with family members, are still employed at the plant. Strong growth continued and in 1980, Tom and his wife Helena established Hertel Meats as a limited company.

In the mid 80’s, Tom Hertel recognized and responded to a need he saw in his customers by developing Hertel’s now renowned line of fresh sausages; processed without wheat gluten, lactose (milk) products, or artificial preservatives. He also created a line of naturally smoked bacon cured without the use of sodium nitrite, nitrate or other chemical preservatives which quickly established itself as a top seller and remains in high demand today. Hertels was also a pioneer in the production of products seasoned without the use of Monosodium Glutamate. (MSG), a trend that was soon imitated by many other major meat processing plants.

The reputation and success of Hertel Meats Ltd. can be directly attributed to the old-fashioned family work ethic and special care of the founders, Thomas and Helena Hertel. Because of the dedication of Tom, Helena and their family, the name “Hertel’s” has become synonymous with top quality, freshness and service.

Hertel Meats is renowned among Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland Grocery Retailers for the freshness and availability of their top-quality wholesale fresh pork cuts. We are also proud to offer locally crafted fresh and smoked sausages, bacon, hams and artisanal salamis to our growing number of loyal customers.