It’s Alberta beef only at Calgary Co-op stores

Co-op announced that it will now sell exclusively Alberta beef in its Calgary stores starting this week.

There’s a total of 24 Co-op stores in the Calgary area. It’s a first for a major grocery retailer.

Co-op said the move is in response to consumer demand for local and fresh products.

“Eating local has been a trend for a while, but for more than 60 years it’s been Calgary Co-op’s mission,” Ken Keelor, Calgary Co-op’s chief executive officer, said. “We are committed to supporting local suppliers, and we’re proud to be the first major retailer to guarantee all our fresh beef will be from Alberta.”

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Suppliers include JBS Canada and Alberta Beef Producers.

The new agreement will have all 24 Calgary and area Co-op stores stocked with beef that is harvested, produced and packaged in Alberta, from the JBS Canada facility near Brooks.