The provincial government has acknowledged several agri-food companies which have best strengthened Ontario’s economy through increased exports of food produced here.

Yesterday in Breslau, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry, along with Kitchener Centre MPP Daiene Vernile, presented the 2016 Food Exporter Award to Conestoga Meat Packers.

President Arnold Drung says the proud farmer members of the cooperative business and it’s employees have been the key to it’s success.

He adds he’s pleased with the recognition, which gives him another reason to keep on working at growing Conestoga Meat Packers products globally.

The prize was presented on behalf of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal.

The company was given the award based on its global marketing strategy to export its pork to the U.S., Mexico, China and Japan.

The two other finalists were Brampton-based Agrocorp Exports, an exporter of pulses, and popcorn and chip exporter Super-Pufft Snacks Corporation of Mississauga.