Pet Valu joins Nova Scotia Loyal program to highlight local products

The province announced a new addition to its Nova Scotia Loyal program, making it easier for residents to shop local for their pets’ needs.

The retailer Pet Valu has joined the program, which means locally made products will now be labelled on store shelves.

There are 37 Pet Valu locations across the province, and according to Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc, they will help residents ensure they are able to choose products that were made in Nova Scotia.

According to the province, there are more than a dozen registered Nova Scotia Loyal businesses that produce pet products, including food, treats, apparel and other pet accessories.

“As a Canadian company with 37 locally owned and operated stores across Nova Scotia, we are deeply committed to supporting local brands and businesses. Our stores proudly carry a variety of authentic Nova Scotian products and now, thanks to Nova Scotia Loyal, it is very easy for devoted pet lovers to quickly see and purchase the quality pet products made in this province in their local store,” said Greg Ramier, president and chief operating officer of Pet Valu.

The program already has more than a thousand registered Loyal businesses, and this year, over 215,000 students and new Nova Scotians across the province will receive Nova Scotia Loyal farmers’ market vouchers.

Producers a part of the program can qualify if the head office is located in the province or is (75 per cent) owned by Nova Scotia residents. The business’ primary activity is the production of a good, and it is a Nova Scotia producer that sells directly to consumers or retailers.

Rebate to help cover costs

In February, the government announced a pilot program to help businesses steer customers to buy local amid the rising tensions with the U.S.

It’s important to make it easier for the public to identify and buy products from Nova Scotia, LeBlanc said at the time.

The program allows businesses to apply for a 70 per cent rebate on eligible expenses they incur for adding the “Nova Scotia Loyal” logo to their products.

The rebates, up to a maximum of $3,000 per business, will help cover expenses such as graphic design work and the printing and production of new packaging, dies and labels.