Alberta-based Carmen Creek Gourmet Meats has bought its biggest competitor, Grande Prairie Bison Co.
Carmen Creek partner Dean Andres said the sale included the important European customer list and distribution network. Almost half of Carmen Creek’s bison meat is shipped fresh to Europe.
“Germans are gung ho about game meat. They tend to be a lot more adventurous in Europe,” said Andres.
The company will maintain both the Carmen Creek and Grande Prairie Bison Co. marketing names in Europe, but will streamline its Canadian and American markets under the Carmen Creek brand.
Europe’s increasing bison demand has helped boost Canadian bison prices. For the first time in months, rail prices for bison at $2.15 a pound are higher than beef at $1.45.
Weak prices in the past have pushed many producers out of the business, creating a shortage, said Andres.
“The meat industry is going to be in very tight supply for the next 10 years. There are very good returns for producers right now.”
Carmen Creek buys 100 to 150 bison a week for slaughter.
