Walmart stores across Canada are carrying new Klemtu Spirit Hot Smoked Salmon from Mowi Canada West.
The new smoked salmon is the result of a partnership between Mowi Canada West and the Kitasoo Xai’Xais First Nation of Klemtu, a small village located on Swindle Island, off the coast of British Columbia.
“We hope the consumer will see the care and quality of the product while enjoying the great taste,” Mowi Consumer Products of the Americas Managing Director Joe Fidalgo said. “Walmart Canada has been a supporter of this product from the moment it was first discussed. We appreciate the platform the team at Walmart has given Mowi and the First Nations community to present this to public.”
Klemtu had seen little economic opportunity until the community ventured into aquaculture in the 1980s, Mowi said in a press release. “After a few years of great success, a partnership with Mowi Canada West was formed to continue to grow the operation and meet the demand of the global salmon market,” Mowi said.
Mowi and the Kitasoo Xai’Xais First Nation have transformed an existing processing building into a modern hot-smoke facility. The new hot smoked salmon is prepared and hand-packed by the Nation, and the packaging displays indigenous artwork unique to the nation with bright colors representing the vibrant culture of the Kitasoo Xai'Xais people.
The product launch involved two years of planning, logistical challenges (the island is only accessible by ferry or small plane), and many obstacles resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Mowi.
The development and product was facilitated by Mowi plant and processing managers Helen Smith and Pam Chalmers, and the smoking expertise of the Ducktrap and Mowi CP Engineering team.
With the product in hand, the Mowi USA CP Sales team secured an exclusive launch with Walmart Canada.
“Mowi Canada West is privileged to operate in the breathtaking coastal village of Klemtu and it is with great respect that we maintain a strong relationship with Kitasoo Xai'Xais people who continue to allow us to farm sustainably in their territories,” Mowi Canada West Managing Director Diane Morrison said.
Photo courtesy of Mowi Canada West
