For The Record

Was there a deal?
In looking into questions surrounding the Prince Edward Island government's decision to pull the plug on the province's only hog killing plant Opposition Leader Olive Crane received a copy of the letter which follows.
Crane wants to know why, if there was a future for the plant, the government took the decision Dec. 13, 2007, to discontinue its support; announce that it was concerned over how finances were being handled, and request an investigation by the PEI Auditor General. Crane says nothing further has been heard regarding that request.
In response to the government's decision, Albert Girgenti, president of AVA Companies in Hicksville, New York, wrote the following letter to PEI Premier Robert Ghiz.

December 27, 2007

AVA Companies
Hicksville, NY

Honorable Robert Ghiz
Premier
Government of P.E.I.
Charlottetown, PE

Dear Mr. Premier,

Last week I have learned with disappointment that your Government decided to not continue (to) support NOFG PEI, Inc. Pork Plant. I am not writing this letter to judge or comment on your decision but merely to provide you with some important facts about AVA's relationship with NOFG PEI and the developments that we have accomplished as partners since the take over of the plant in October 2007.

I have known and worked with Mr. Mario Maillet for over 12 years and together we have developed numerous successful meat programs in the United States. We were the first to introduce an All Natural No Antibiotics Certified Humane Pork in the United States in 1998. In 2004 we have developed distribution of Organic Meat and Poultry. A full USDA Case Ready Fresh Program and relationship with further value added processors. In October 2006, Mr. Maillet introduced AVA to PEI illustrated the value of branding such items with a great story behind it. I immediately supported this venture in several ways. I became one of the main customers of fresh conventional pork in an effort to build a strong New York distribution network for PEI pork. I made all of my resources available to develop a full Omega Deli Program branded PEI. I met with Mr. Wayne Hooper to demonstrate my support to the Island's Hog Industry and have supported Mr. Maillet's efforts in the successful branding, PEI Pork Program.

Furthermore, AVA with its relationship with Costco made PEI Omega pork the sole supplier of Pork for Costco.com. AVA has invested in excess of $100,000 USA in promotion and listings for Costco. This is only the beginning for Costco. The program has been so successful that Costco is considering it across all their warehouses. In addition, as of early January 2008, my company made an arrangement with a major customer to sell approximately 400 Natural hogs per week and Shop Rite is awaiting Fresh Case Ready Organic Pork.

AVA and Mr. Maillet are planning to launch the full PEI Omega deli program to the A&P group. This includes A&P, Food Emporium, Pathmark, Superfresh. We have about 500 stores where I have all the listings and all the labels printed, and ready to launch in February 2008.

Boars Head, one of the, if not the most premier value added producers wishes to partner with AVA for Omega Hams, and Fresh Omega Bacon which is already developed and ready to sell.

As I outlined, AVA Companies has spent a considerable amount of resources in developing all I mentioned in a short period of time. The team that was created with PEI Pork and Mr. Maillet has all the components for success.

At this point, AVA needs to secure pork from PEI in order to continue introducing all of these programs. AVA is committed to launch all the programs and continue to support the plant. However, I need to reassure my customers that PEI Province is committed to PEI branded pork. I would encourage your views on how this can be accomplished.

The business model of NOFG PEI is the only model that can create a stable hog industry without the need of Government intervention. This model that we have started with a complete market driven pricing system will bring all the value created back to the farm.

Let me reiterate my support towards developing a PEI brand in the United States and I await your comments on how we can accomplish this as a team.

Very truly yours,

Albert Girgenti
President