Mrakovic Meats – Rooted in Community

BUSINESS MEMBER PROFILE Mrakovic Meats – Rooted in Community April Jackman, Events, Marketing & Communications Manager, MPO

Earlier in August I had the pleasure of visiting Mrakovic Meat & Deli’s new, state-of-the-art processing facility in Toronto. During my visit, I was able to sit down with the Mrakovic family to discuss their business journey over the years—over a mouthwatering spread of smoked meat, I might add.

The Mrakovic family immigrated to Canada from Bosnia 26 years ago, landing in Etobicoke, a city they have called home ever since. In the early days of the business, they began by smoking beef in their apartment using a recipe that has been in the family for several generations. Through word of mouth in the community, demand for their product grew and it wasn’t long before they outgrew their space.

In 2003, they officially opened Mrakovic Meat & Deli in Etobicoke. The deli started with just 4 employees and included a butcher shop, bakery and a grocery store with customary Balkan products. Over the years that followed, their reputation in the community continued to spark growth and they further developed and expanded their product line to include sausages, burgers and their award winning Chevapi. Today, Mrakovic employs a full team of 30 butchers and production workers in Toronto, and their original storefront has expanded to include a grill and outdoor patio.

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But what makes Mrakovic most unique is their dedication to quality, sourcing only from the best local suppliers. Additionally, all Mrakovic meat products are Halal certified. “We won’t sell food that we won’t eat,” said Amir Mrakovic, Owner of Mrakovic Meats. “Using only the best quality ingredients & fresh, never frozen meat allows the product to speak for itself.” This aligns

Adis and Amir Mrakovic showing us their new state of the art processing facility in Toronto.

with their business philosophy that everyone is welcome – bringing people from all walks of life together through food, making their products a staple of the community.

Mrakovic products can be found in several retail locations across Ontario, Quebec and into the USA. Moreover, due to demand, they are now in the final stages of seeking federal certification to further expand the business.

Though Mrakovic is a newer member to MPO, they see great value in their membership so far. Since becoming a member in 2018 they have attended several industry events where they have forged relationships with new suppliers and have earned recognition with consumers through MPO awards.

“Having someone by our side during challenges has been invaluable,” Amir commented. “Your team is always just a phone call away and is available to assist with any questions we may have regarding regulatory standards.”

When asked about the future of the company under the current circumstances, I’m told the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed things down at all. In fact, it has highlighted a new and unique opportunity for any processor who is producing specialty products. Mrakovic Meats, like many MPO members, is seeing increased demand for local, specialty products as people are now more open to trying new things and shopping closer to home.

44 Wellesworth Drive Etobicoke, ON M9C 4R1 (416) 695-7396 https://www.mrakovic.com/

@MrakovicM @MrakovicMeat @MrakovicMeat