A South Huron poultry processor is gaining traction as a supplier to the Muslim community, here at home and potentially in the US.
Hayter Turkey Farm near Dashwood has been in business for 65 years, and has gained certification through the Canadian chapter of the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America.
has been producing halal products for the past 15 years, which started as a partnership with a Toronto-based company under private labels.
Hayter operations manager Sean Maguire says the rapidly-increasing Muslim populations in London and Toronto have led to new marketing opportunities for his company.
He mentions that Hayter has hired a full-time Muslim man of faith to perform the slaughter ritual that conforms with religious law.
Maguire notes that the rest of the process is similar to non-halal products, but care is taken to make sure halal turkeys are kept separate at the end of the line for shipping.
He says Hayter is working with an American-based broker, to market the company’s halal products in the US.
One area where demand for Hayter halal turkey is high is Dearborn, Michigan which is home to America’s largest Muslim community.
Maguire says the company is also exploring opportunities to market halal turkey in areas like eastern Europe.
