was created in
1967, a small family enterprise, providing slaughter, cutting
& wrapping, and further processing, of beef, pork and game
for local farmers and hunters.
Within 10 years a major plant expansion was completed and the
facility was operating under the strict guidelines of the Canadian
Federal Inspection Agency providing full time employment for many
local people, some of whom, along with family members, are still
employed. 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, developing Hertel’s now renowned
line of fresh sausages processed without wheat gluten, lactose
(milk) products, or artificial preservatives. He also created
a 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 of the founders,
Thomas and Helena Hertel. Due to the dedication of himself and
his 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.
Tom’s son in law, Ron Caldwell, has been the general manager
for the past 10 years. He is also the head sausage maker, ensuring
the continuing high quality that our loyal customers have come
to know they can depend on.
