Choosing Nova Scotia: Apple Valley Foods

Apple Valley President, Jeff Sarsfield and NSBI CEO, Laurel Broten 

Kentville’s Apple Valley Foods has grown over the past 25 years to become one of the largest pie manufacturers in Canada.

We caught up with Apple Valley’s president Jeff Sarsfield to learn more the company’s manufacturing and exporting operations in the Annapolis Valley.

Can you give us a brief history of the company: how it got started to where you are today?
Established in 1999, the company Apple Valley's manufacturing operations has expanded several times over the past 18 years. The company produces frozen fruit and cream pies for customers throughout North America. Proudly located in the Annapolis Valley, we are blessed with an excellent workforce, with local and regional suppliers for many of our inputs.

What factors have contributed to the company’s growth over the years?
Safety, quality and competitiveness have been the keys to our growth.

How important is exporting to Apple Valley Foods?
Apple Valley sells products throughout North America. Exporting is extremely important with only a small fraction of our revenue sold within the Nova Scotia market.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to new exporters or companies considering exporting from Nova Scotia?
Attention to quality, cost and consumers trends as well as the focus on continuous improvement are essential.

What’s the best thing, in your opinion, about doing business from Nova Scotia?
The quality of the workforce, tremendous supplier partners and the Port of Halifax are key factors in operating an export business within Nova Scotia.

Anything else you’d like to share?
The NSBI team took the time understand our business and recognize the needs to further expand our presence in our Kentville operations.

Where can people interested in Apple Valley Foods learn more?
To learn more please visit our website. 

Apple Valley Foods is eligible to receive payroll rebates through Nova Scotia Business Inc., over a five-year period based on achieving specific hiring targets.

If you are a Nova Scotia business looking to discover new exporting opportunities, NSBI’s Regional Business Development team located throughout the province is dedicated to finding solutions and services for your business.