The Bio-Food Industry
This industry provides employment for 1,276 people and is the third most active economic sector in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. Factors that have led to the creation of businesses in this industry include the bio-food product potential, the availability of land and the existence of large producers.

VIANDES DU BRETON in Notre-Dame-du-Lac and L’ABATTOIR SAINT-ALEXANDRE specialize in cutting pork, or 1st stage processing. The pork pieces are subsequently shipped to foreign markets, especially to Japan.

CUISINES GASPÉSIENNES in Matane develops pork-based products such as salami and a spread known as "cretons". These products are destined for regional, Japanese and American m.

FRUITS DE MER DE L'EST, also based in Matane, shells shrimp which come primarily from the Matane region. The shrimp is sold in major markets where its delicate meat is sought out by fine gour.

With dairy production representing 70% of the agricultural sales in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, several companies have specialized in processing dairy products. For example, in Amqui, NATREL produces ice cream while LACTEL, located in Saint-Alexandre, produces powdered milk and infant formulas. These milk products are destined for markets in developing countries.