Putting a twist on the canning tradition

Bernardin Ltd. is working to keep canning top of mind for Canadian consumers.

The mason jar company has signed Chef Anna Olson as its celebrity spokesperson.

“She brings fresh new information into the canning category,” says Catherine Shaw, senior director of marketing for Bernardin. “She’s personable and relates to our consumer.”

While Bernardin has already seen a lot of success — they have products in grocery retailers across the country, from Canadian Tire, to Walmart, to independent grocers — the company thinks Olson will be a fresh face for the public.

“She’s about traditions with a twist,” Shaw says.

Olson’s recruitment to the Bernardin team coincides with some new products the company is releasing this year, hoping to capitalize on the popularity the classic mason jar has seen recently.

Shaw pointed out three trends we can expect to see when it comes to canning: an increase in colour, more mason jars being converted into beverage-holders, and herbs.

“Herbs are expected to be the next hot edible trend,” Shaw says.

Bernardin expects its demographic to expand. With health conscious consumers becoming the new norm, families are apt to buy local ingredients and take the time to can — something that might seem unusual for today’s fast-paced shopper.

Families are also taking the time to freeze ingredients to use in the winter. This trend alongside less food-centric ways to use mason jars— storage containers or home decor — means Bernardin’s prime selling period has expanded from the summer canning months, to year-round.

While Bernardin has an assortment of new products to roll out in Canada this year, Shaw noted their iconic mason jar is really the company’s bread and butter.