Canadians concerned about shopping local may have increasingly limited options, now that Alberta-based Sunterra Farms Ltd. has filed for bankruptcy protection.
The order filed in late March protects the company and its subsidiaries for 30 days while it restructures its finances.
The Sunterra Group company has eight Sunterra Market grocery store locations in Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer, in addition to pork processing and greenhouse divisions with agricultural operations in Alberta, South Dakota, and Iowa.
Patricia Hayes, a Calgary shopper, says she’s disappointed Sunterra Market could be closing its doors.
“Their produce is nice,” said Hayes. “They use local meat, and local milk and eggs… I think that’s what we’re looking for.”
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Sunterra Farms was founded in 1970 near the town of Acme, and the company still operates its headquarters and some local production facilities there.
Other shoppers like Patrick Kim say shopping at places like Sunterra Market just isn’t feasible sometimes.
“They do have good quality choices,” Kim explained. “I just think their prices are a little overpriced. But that’s the only reason why I’d rather go to a Safeway or Superstore.”
Global News reached out to Sunterra Farms for comment, but did not hear back by deadline.
It would be a shame on those who purport to “support local and buy Canadian” if Sunterra were to close. Sunterra has the unfortunate “perception” of being more expensive. It’s actually not – I’ve done the math. Shopping at Sunterra for the past 2 years reduced my grocery bill and food waste significantly plus Sunterra offers local, Canadian and seasonal products. Of course, their speciality items cost a premium but Sunterra’s regular price on fresh local meat and produce is often cheaper than the big box stores and its better quality with an even lower cost per serving. I love that they sell local greenhouse products. Year round, I get tomatoes, lettuce, etc. that taste great and are fully nutritious. Sunterra’s real (not flavoured) sourdough bread is $5ish compared to up to $8 elsewhere, and they haven’t shrinkflationed or artificially “enhanced” their products with cheaper substitutes like the others.