FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontario Independent Meat Processors honours industry achievements and People's Choice winners at The Meating Place

GUELPH, ON - March 2, 2010 - Ontario Independent Meat Processors (OIMP) recognized outstanding industry achievements and crowned the 2010 People's Choice Award winners during its 30th Anniversary Awards Banquet at The Meating Place on February 27 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The 2010 Meat Industry Achievement (MIA) Award was presented to Springer's Meats, an independent meat processor and retailer owned and operated by the Mueller family in Hamilton, Ontario.

"The MIA Award is given to an OIMP Member Company or individual that our membership feels is deserving of recognition for their achievement in the meat industry," said Laurie Nicol, Executive Director, OIMP. "The Mueller's have been important contributors to the OIMP and the industry for many years."

An enthusiastic crowd of 175 guests sampled a total of 12 People's Choice Competition entries in the Pepperoni Snack Stick and Jerky categories and cast ballots for their favorites. The 2010 People's Choice Awards winners are:

"Big Bruce" Honey Garlic Beef Stick - West Grey Premium Beef, Durham, Ontario
"Pork Teriyaki Jerky" - Brian Quinn's Meats, Yarker, Ontario

"Our members consistently produce high-quality products, so the People's Choice is always a tight race," said Tony Facciolo, President, OIMP. "It was essentially a photo-finish, but West Grey and Brian Quinn's edged out the competition."

Among the other honours of the evening included recognition of OIMP's 10-Year Members for their support of the association and the 2009 Food Handler Training program graduates for their commitment to food safety.

Ontario Independent Meat Processors (OIMP) is the representative voice of the independent meat processor in Ontario, working closely with agricultural and commodity organizations and various levels of government for over 30 years. OIMP's membership includes 205 Business Members (meat and poultry processors, retailers and wholesalers); 62 Associate Members (industry suppliers); and six Affiliate Members (not-for-profit organizations that support OIMP's objectives). The meat sector represents 20% of Ontario s food manufacturing industry, contributing over $6.5 billion to the province's economy.

For more information, visit www.oimp.ca.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Laurie Nicol
OIMP Executive Director
519.763.4558
laurie.nicol@oimp.ca