Tony and Francis Gaudet of Belle Pulses in Bellevue have been recognized for the innovation they have brought to the pulse industry, as recipients of the Pulse Promoter Award by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG).
The Gaudet brothers operate Belle Pulses Ltd. processing yellow and green split peas for sale to the global market. Founded in 1979, Belle Pulses is one of the largest processors of split peas in Canada. The family business began with grandfather Jean Gaudet, who sold yellow peas to Catelli in Montreal in 1950. Jean’s son Ron Gaudet took over the family business, building a small processing plant on his farm and expanding the marketing potential for yellow peas. Ron eventually passed the family business on to Tony and Francis.
“Tony and Francis have continued to expand the business started by their grandfather and father,” says Corey Loessin, SPG Director. “Both understand the market demand for split peas, and they have worked with plant breeders to end users to provide the product they want. They are taking peas from all across Saskatchewan and marketing them to the world.”
Tony and Francis have grown the Belle Pulses company business to now include a second processing plant in Duck Lake, SK, as well as an elevator service in Montana. Their small family operation in Saskatchewan has grown to an organization that services markets internationally.
“Tony and Francis have been strong champions of the pulse industry, committing their operations to the future and growth potential of pulses in Saskatchewan,” says Brad Blackwell, SPG Chair. “Their strengths in processing innovation and logistics contribute to a thriving family pulse business in Saskatchewan. We at SPG recognize the foundational work they continue to put in with their communities and with the industry as a whole.”
The Pulse Promoter Award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of Saskatchewan’s pulse industry in the areas of production, marketing, promotion, research, extension, processing, management, and/or innovation. The Pulse Promoter Award is supported in partnership with BASF Canada.
Accountable to and funded by growers, SPG’s strategic direction is guided by a nine member, grower-elected, Board of Directors. SPG’s mission is to provide leadership for profitable growth for Saskatchewan pulses.
For more information please contact:
Andrea Lauder
Communications Manager
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Cell: (306) 250-6858
Email: alauder@saskpulse.com
Amber Johnson
Director of Marketing and Communications
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers
Cell: (306) 222-8161
Email: ajohnson@saskpulse.com
