From humble beginnings to halal industry leader

Ontario-based Amir Quality Meats’ story is that of a family’s dedication to quality, tradition, and community. As one of Canada’s largest independent processors and distributors of Zabiha Halal meats, the company has grown from a small butcher shop to a multi-facility operation serving clients across nine provinces. It operates three facilities—a 20,000-sf processing plant in Brampton, Ont.; a 15,000-sf slaughterhouse in Arthur, Ont.; and another 45,000-sf processing plant in Brampton, which was acquired recently.

This third-generation, family-run business takes pride in upholding halal principles and ensuring every product meets Canada’s food safety and ethical standards. The company’s vertical integration—from raising animals to processing and distribution—allows them to have tight control over their products’ quality.

I spoke to Sherry Aziz, CFO of Amir Quality Meats, about the company’s evolution and the state of the halal meat industry in Canada. Aziz was 12 years old when her family immigrated to Canada from Guyana, South America. After spending 16 years in the banking sector, she took on a leadership role at Amir Quality Meats. As a female leader in the manufacturing industry, she emphasizes the importance of purpose-driven business practices and community engagement.

What led you to switch careers and join the food industry?
SA: My father ran a meat distribution company. In 2006, I decided to take a break from my career and joined my father’s business. He operated a small distribution company supplying halal meat, primarily chicken, to local butcher shops in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). I saw an opportunity—a gap in the market for enhanced food [safety] programs [in the halal meat sector]—and decided to stay and grow the business. In 2010, I launched Amir Quality Meats to address this gap, focusing on added-value products and strong food safety programs.

How did Amir Quality Meats transition from a small butcher shop to a large enterprise?
SA: Family-owned and operated, we have been in the halal meat processing and distribution business for over 30 years. Originally founded as a local halal butcher, our predecessor company provided halal meat, fish, and groceries to numerous small meat stores that serviced the GTA’s Muslim population. After 20 years of operating as a small butcher shop, we transformed our business in response to a request from a large restaurant chain. They faced [food-safety related] challenges with their current halal supplier and came to us with specific requirements. Meeting these requirements demanded significant investment and adaptation. We conducted thorough research and visited farms and abattoir facilities across Canada. After months of collaborating with a new supplier, we calibrated processes to meet stringent food safety and halal standards. This experience led to the founding of Amir Quality Meats and highlighted the absence of Muslim-owned certified halal suppliers in the foodservice industry. Over the past 30 years, we have leveraged this customer-centric approach to build a business that serves our community and aligns with our values.

What was your initial vision for Amir Quality Meats?
SA: I felt strongly about food safety and how we presented ourselves. When people walk into our company, they should not think they’re entering a typical meat distribution facility. Cleanliness and adherence to halal principles were extremely important to me. My vision was to create a workplace and product that employees and customers could take pride in.

Amir Quality Meats’ director of operations Adam Aziz, CFO Sherry Aziz and CEO Tony Aziz. Photo © Amir Quality Meats

How has the company grown since its inception?
SA: We started with a 3,000-sf facility in Mississauga, Ont., and, over time, expanded to 6,000-sf. Today, we operate a federally regulated processing plant of 20,000-sf in Brampton. In 2022, we acquired a slaughterhouse in Arthur, allowing us to become a vertically integrated [company] and better control our supply chain.

How did your banking career influence your approach to entrepreneurship?
SA: My banking career instilled discipline and a focus on processes, which became invaluable when building Amir Quality Meats. However, the entrepreneurial spirit runs in my family—my father always ran his businesses, and that ambition inspired me.

What advantages does vertical integration bring to Amir Quality Meats?
SA: Vertical integration allows us to control our supply chain, ensuring consistency and quality. While our Arthur facility is currently provincially regulated, we aim to achieve federal status by 2026, making us fully integrated.

What sets Amir Quality Meats apart from other halal meat producers?
SA: We are the first federally licensed, vertically integrated halal meat company in Canada with a Class A primary processing facility. Additionally, as a female-led, Muslim-owned company, we bring a unique perspective and commitment to excellence.

Amir Quality Meats employs John Bean Technologies’ (JBT’s) DSI Waterjet Portioning System to slice meat. Photo © Amir Quality Meats

How does Amir Quality Meats prioritize food safety?
SA: Food safety is central to our identity. We exceed industry standards through rigorous internal audits, certifications like SQF, and unannounced inspections. Our head of food safety ensures we remain ahead of client expectations.

Does Amir Quality Meats use robotics or automation in its production?
SA: Yes, we employ technologies like water jet machines and automated deboning lines to improve efficiency. Continuous improvement is a core part of our philosophy.

What is a key operational challenge for Amir Quality Meats?
SA: Labour shortages remain a significant challenge, as manufacturing isn’t seen as glamorous work. We’re advocating for policy changes to support the industry and investing in employee retention through benefits, events, and recognition programs.

What strategies do you use to retain employees?
SA: We offer competitive benefits and vacation packages and organize events like barbecues, luncheons, and year-end galas to foster a supportive work culture.

What are Amir Quality Meats’ CSR initiatives?
SA: We actively support food banks and organizations like Second Harvest to address food insecurity. Sustainability and giving back are integral to our mission.

What unique challenges have you faced as a female leader in manufacturing?
SA: Work-life balance is a significant challenge. Lack of mentorship and the burden of proving oneself are additional hurdles. Unlike men, women often face skepticism in leadership roles.

How can we increase the ratio of women in manufacturing?
SA: We need to measure and track progress to ensure fair practices. Representation can only improve if we set measurable goals and work towards them.

What advice do you have for young women entrepreneurs?
SA: Believe in yourself and your passion. Don’t give up, even when things get tough. Learn from your mistakes and use them to grow.
Give yourself a break during tough times. Always believe in yourself and stay focused on your dream, even if it gets hard. Don’t be afraid to fail. My greatest lessons came from when I made the biggest mistakes. I learned from them, and I made my business stronger. So, don’t be afraid to fail.
Amir Quality Meats exemplifies how a family-owned business can combine tradition, innovation, and ethical practices to achieve success. From its humble beginnings as a local butcher shop to becoming one of the leaders in Canada’s halal meat industry, the company remains dedicated to halal principles, food safety, and community engagement. The story of Amir Quality Meats is not just about business growth, but also about the power of values, vision, and resilience.

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