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About Erie James

Grandpa-Slater

Don Slater

Celebrating 100 Years

About Us

The Erie Produce Company and the Howard James Company were both incorporated in 1921.

In May of 1953, Don Slater began working for the Howard James Company. In 1968, Don and his partner Tony Darowski purchased Howard James and became the sole owners. In 1972, Howard James Company merged with Erie Produce Company and Erie James Limited was born. Today, we remain active in the growing, packing, sales and distribution of greenhouse-grown vegetables as well as field-grown fruits and vegetables. 

1996, Don and Tony sold Erie James to Don’s sons, Mark and Jim Slater, who are the sole owners today. Erie James remains 100% family-owned and operated. We have experienced a steady growth trajectory since 1968 and are still growing today.

In 2021, we are proudly celebrating 100 years in business. Marketing over 230 acres of fresh, gourmet produce, the Slater family values our commitment to the development and maintenance of profitable relationships with all of our partners, growers, and customers. This includes helping our growers and their families become stronger and more resilient every day because we are growers ourselves! 

Today, we are now a third-generation, family-owned and operated business with the involvement of the Slater grandchildren.

Our Scope

Scope Of Our Business

Man Picking Fresh Produce at Grocery Store

Retail

Erie James has many longstanding relationships with both Canadian and American retailers. We are respected for our longevity in the business and known for our integrity and delivering on our promises.

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Wholesale

Erie James’ business relationships throughout Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada, the Maritimes, and the United States allow us to take advantage of markets in other areas and provides opportunities that otherwise might not be available.

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Export

Erie James has long exported past our southern border and we continue to research and explore new exports to maximize profits and opportunities.

Safety Measures

Our Top Priority

01
Optimum Conditions
We grow our hydroponic vegetables in a virtually organic environment with the application of biological pest controls.

02
Food Safety
All of our produce is picked, packed and shipped under strict food safety guidelines.

03
Traceability
We label our produce with PLU/UPC codes listing country of origin for easy identification. Our packaging is coded for food safety traceability.

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Fresh Produce 

Consistent quality is one of the reasons for our long-standing success. We achieve exceptional quality through our climate-controlled state-of-the-art greenhouses that provide an excellent growing environment.

We handpick our products off the vine once matured to attain the best flavour. Erie James produce is delivered in attractive packaging for visible in-store display. We also offer specialty consumer packs for added value.

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Customer Satisfaction

Our commitment to service has consistently earned us four-star credit ratings in both industry-respected Red Book and Blue Books. Our customers know they will receive the products they need in the time frame they expect. Within a day of being harvested, our produce is delivered to store shelves across North America, providing customers with freshness guaranteed.

Erie James also has the expertise to extend service beyond delivery with a merchandising support program that includes assistance with in-store demos and care and handling information.

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Environmentally Friendly

At Erie James, we pride ourselves on being environmentally friendly. To reduce our environmental impact:

  • 100% of our corrugated cartons are made from non-bleached recycled materials
  • We crush all of our cartons on site to be recycled
  • We use a common footprint carton to maximize our freight efficiency
  • We strive to reduce unnecessary packaging
  • We use recyclable packaging material wherever possible
  • We are constantly researching new alternatives with our packaging suppliers

 

Our Mission

How We Measure Success

Erie James Ltd. is committed to providing fresh, safe, quality produce and excellence in products and services while enhancing valuable relationships and being a responsible corporate citizen. We measure our success by adhering to our company core values:

E

Experience

Family-run and operated for over 75 years.

R

Reputation

Built on trust, reliability, and respect.

I

Integrity

We stand by our word, with no exceptions.

E

Excellence

Be the best in quality and service in all we do.

J

Joint Partnerships

Maintaining and developing profitable relationships with all partners, growers, customers, suppliers, carriers, and employees.

A

Accountability

We guarantee customer satisfaction.

M

Motivated

Your success is our success.

E

Ethical

Professional, honest business practices.

S

Service

Safety, support and solutions.   

Gallery

Latest Photos

Community Relations

Our Responsibility

Our Marketing Strategy 

Erie James is committed to providing fresh, safe and quality produce, as well as excellence in products and services. While enhancing valuable relationships and being a responsible corporate citizen.

Community Involvement

  • Yearly donations to Hogs for Hospice
  • Canada summer jobs program (the hiring of students)
  • Donations to Local Charitable Alliance

Discover Freshness

Erie James Produce

Put the goodness of Erie James produce on the dinner tables of your customers.