German Legacy Hidden in Langley
Discover Langley's hidden German meat factory where 6 generations of Freybe family tradition creates premium deli meats since 1844.
Frebye Foods
LANGLEY, BC — Tucked away in an industrial corner of Langley at 27101 56th Avenue sits a remarkable secret: a 120,000 square foot factory where centuries-old German meat-making traditions continue to flourish, nearly 180 years after their origins.
The Freybe Gourmet Foods facility represents one of Canada's most intriguing immigrant success stories, tracing its roots back to 1844 when Johann Carl Freybe first opened his meat shop in Germany. What began as a small German storefront has evolved into western Canada's premier manufacturer of premium deli meats, generating approximately $78 million in annual sales while employing more than 250 local workers.
The German connection runs deeper than mere heritage. Current president and CEO Sven Freybe represents the sixth generation of family leadership, maintaining the exacting standards his ancestor established nearly two centuries ago. "Nothing tastes like the difference quality makes," remains the company motto, a philosophy that guided Johann Carl Freybe's original German operation and continues to drive production in Langley today.
The transformation from German craftsmanship to Canadian manufacturing began in 1955 when Ulrich Freybe, Johann's great-grandson, recognized opportunity across the Atlantic. His decision to bring authentic Germanic meat-making techniques to North America would eventually establish one of the most successful specialty food operations in British Columbia.
Inside the sprawling Langley facility, traditional European methods merge with modern Canadian food safety standards. The operation produces more than 120 varieties of sausage, ham, and specialty meats, including authentic salami, pâté, bacon, liver sausage, and smokies. While most products are crafted locally on Coast Salish lands, a select few salamis are still manufactured in Germany to preserve absolute authenticity.
What makes this factory particularly fascinating is its hidden-in-plain-sight location. Drivers passing through Langley's industrial district likely have no idea they're near a facility preserving nearly two centuries of German culinary tradition. The unassuming exterior conceals sophisticated production lines where artisanal quality meets industrial efficiency.
Six generations of passion can't be wrong. If it ain't broke, why fix it? The demand for traditionally crafted meats has carried the family legacy right on through to today, and Johan would be so proud.
This remarkable fusion of Old World craftsmanship and New World innovation continues to serve western Canada's growing appetite for premium gourmet meats, proving that some traditions transcend borders and generations, finding new life in unexpected places.
TAGS: #Freybe Foods #Langley BC #German Tradition #Gourmet Meats #Family Legacy #Hidden Gems
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