Our Story

Johnston's Homestyle Products has an inspiring story. A story of family, support, loyalty and perseverance.

Johnston’s Story

What started as a small venture in the basement of the Johnston’s home in 1947 harvested 7 decades and counting, of traditional salads. Five generations of Johnston’s have steered the family business on Prince Edward Island, starting with Ernest and Aileen Johnston continuing to the present day.

Johnston’s has supported the Prince Edward Island economy by buying millions of pounds of potatoes, cabbage, carrots, beef and pork from Island farmers and providing employment to dozens of people, directly and indirectly. They have stayed loyal to consumers and long standing employees. In harsh economic times they persevered by rebuilding after a disastrous fire, and growing the brand to the success it is today.

Johnston's Through the Years

1947-1948

Established by Ernest and Aileen Johnston in their home kitchen following the end of the Second World War. They started cooking potted meats, followed by the company’s signature potato salad and coleslaw.

1947-1948

1961

The Johnson’s upgraded their home and moved the production to their basement where they hired a few employees to help them out.

Following a career in the Royal Canadian Navy, Harris Johnston, the oldest son of Ernest and Aileen, became involved in the family-owned company.

1961

1971

Harris Johnston took over running the company and moved the business from a home to a building. The business grew, exporting products daily to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

1971

1977

In April, disaster struck when the building housing the production facility burned to the ground, destroying equipment, inventory and completely wiping out the business. Shaken but undeterred, Harris made the decision to rebuild the business in a new and larger plant. In December, the new 2,400 square foot, federally-inspected food processing facility opened.

1977

1980-1990

Johnston’s continued to create salads and meat products based on their original recipes. They also supplied fresh peeled and diced vegetables to hospitals, government institutions, hotels and restaurants. Harris and his wife, Shirley, and their three sons worked in the business, handling all aspects of administration, sales, and quality control.

1980-1990

1987

Fresh, peeled and diced vegetables were added to the product mix to supply hotels, restaurants and a variety of institutions. The company earned an excellent reputation for prompt, responsible service, using its own distribution system.

1987

1990

The physical plant was expanded to 20,000 square feet to handle the additional products.

1990

1990-2000

Johnston’s Homestyle Products adjusted its business model in response to the new reality of consumers preferring large grocery stores to small rural stores, refocusing distribution and rationalizing the product line. The company added new products, including desserts, while retiring others, continually adjusting the product mix to stay competitive.

1990-2000

2000

Keybrand Foods Inc took an ownership position at Johnston’s allowing it to expand, doubling its production and now occupying 32,000 square feet of production space.

2000

2004

Harris Johnston retired and the remaining portion of the company was sold to Keybrand Foods Inc.

2004

2013

The company expanded into new facilities, doubling its production and storage space. The Johnston’s Homestyle Products brand was retained and remained the number one selling brand for refrigerated salads in Atlantic Canada.

2013

2014

The Johnston specialty retail packs were launched.

2014

2018

Freshstone Brands Inc purchased the company from Keybrand Foods Inc. Allowing Johnston's to continue to be a household favourite in the Maritimes as well as nationally.

2018

2023

Today, the Johnston's family is still heavily involved in the business ensuring it doesn't diverge from its roots.

2023

Curious what products Johnston’s makes today?

Taste our history.