The Manager of public relations and consumer marketing programs with Manitoba Pork, says participation in events like the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair provide a unique opportunity for pork producers to interact directly with the public.
The 2015 Royal Manitoba Winter fair kicks off Monday in Brandon.
Manitoba Pork Council will be represented at this year’s Thru the Farmgate exhibit with a completely revamped pork display which includes the return of live pigs.
Susan Riese, the Manager of public relations and consumer marketing programs with Manitoba Pork, says these days people seem to be more interested in how their food is raised and where it comes from so it’s no longer just a matter of picking up recipes or looking at the pigs.
When people see how the animals are raised and the environment that they’re raised in it kind of prompts them to ask questions and that leads to opportunities to have discussions about maybe how they thought the animals were raised and what actually happens in reality.
The same goes for their perception of the impact of the industry on the environment.
As far as interacting with the public goes it’s a great opportunity.
Anytime you can have a one on one conversation with someone and maybe clarify something that they’re concerned about or inform them about something that they didn’t know or a cool fact about pigs, that’s a win for us.
Word does get around.
Word of mouth advertising is still the best and least expensive form of advertising and now with social media the word spreads faster and faster but when you’re talking to people one on one you can really address their concerns and make sure that they’re leaving with a positive impressions of the industry.
Riese says for the most part folks just want to know that the pigs are well cared for, that they’re comfortable, safe and healthy, and that their food supply is safe as well.
