was created in 1963, 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. 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 pork products. Tom’s son in law, Ron Caldwell, has been the general manager since 1990. continues to supply high quality pork products that our loyal customers have come to know they can depend on.
