Our Story

The Founders

Klaus and Mary Lee Shurmann started Old Country Sausages in 2002 in Raymond Alberta. Klaus grew up in Germany where he apprenticed as a sausage maker. He brought Old World traditions and processes with him to Alberta. Together, Klaus and Mary Lee created a new market, pioneering the making of traditional clean meats without added nitrites.

Early Growth

They gained a reputation for quality and taste while selling locally including the Lethbridge farmers market. Over time, their products achieved wide distribution across Alberta in organic and natural food stores.

The Reality of Craft Food

Making sausages is hard work! Labour and capital intensive with many moving parts including managing inventory, managing vendors, perishable ingredients, marketing, sales, equipment maintenance, regulations, cold chain, etc! Around 2015 Klaus and Mary Lee started to think about spending more time with their horses and farm in the prairies.

A New Chapter

As a snack lover I was an enthusiastic customer of their products, especially the Air Dry Pepperoni. It was clean, filling and delicious. Even while travelling throughout Europe I couldn't quite find anything like it. With my background in e-commerce and systems, and my strong belief that the world needs better food, I wondered if I could bring this food to even more people. It should be easy to eat healthy!

Carrying the Torch

In 2017, I bought the business and was grateful to receive many lessons from Klaus and Mary Lee. Being new to the industry there was a lot to learn and some of the wisdoms they shared with me I only fully grasped years later after my own hands on experience. It was a challenging transition - like jumping on a moving fast moving train.

Today and Beyond

Some of our equipment and processes have adapted, but the clean ingredients and commitment to slow, thoughtful food will always remain. We are here to make the very best food we can. Food that is delicious and nourishing. Food that energizes us to be our best selves and give back to the world.