From Farm to Foodservice: 75 Years of King Cole Ducks

For 75 years, King Cole Ducks has been bringing quality duck and duck products to Canadian tables. What began in 1951 as a small family farm serving local markets has grown into a trusted partner for restaurants, chefs and food distributors across North America.

Through decades of change in the foodservice industry, one thing has remained consistent: King Cole Ducks’ commitment to quality, family values and helping culinary professionals create memorable meals.

From a Small Family Farm to a Foodservice Partner Across North America

Founded in 1951, King Cole Ducks began with a simple commitment to raising and providing wholesome, natural duck. Over the years, that commitment has remained at the heart of the business as the company has grown and evolved.

As foodservice changed, so did the ways chefs and operators used duck. King Cole Ducks worked closely with culinary professionals to understand their needs and develop products that could fit into a wide variety of kitchens and menu concepts.

Today, duck can be found across the foodservice landscape, from neighbourhood restaurants and family dining establishments to bistros, pubs and fine dining kitchens. King Cole Ducks has been proud to grow alongside these operators, helping make duck a more accessible and versatile ingredient for today's menus.

Supporting Menu Innovation for 75 Years

Over the past 75 years, King Cole Ducks has worked alongside chefs and foodservice professionals to introduce new products and inspire menu innovation.

That collaboration is especially important in today's foodservice environment, where operators are balancing creativity with consistency, labour considerations and the need to deliver memorable experiences to their customers.

By offering a variety of duck products and formats, King Cole Ducks helps make it easier for operators to incorporate duck into their menus. From classic preparations to modern applications, these products give chefs the flexibility to create dishes that fit their concept and customers.

It's this combination of quality, versatility and culinary inspiration that has helped duck move beyond its traditional applications and onto a wider range of menus.

Duck Has a Place on Every Menu

Duck has long been associated with elevated cuisine and fine dining, but today's foodservice operators are finding new and creative ways to incorporate it into approachable dishes. Its rich flavour and versatility make duck an ingredient that can work across a variety of menu styles. Duck breast can be featured as the centrepiece of an elevated entrée, while pulled duck can bring a premium twist to sandwiches, tacos, flatbreads and other casual offerings. Smoked duck breast can add depth and a unique flavour profile to pizzas, salads and appetizers.

For operators, this versatility creates opportunities to offer something different without completely reinventing their menu. 

For foodservice operators, duck can provide:

• Menu differentiation: A premium alternative to more common proteins that can help a dish stand out
• Versatility: Duck can be used in everything from appetizers and salads to pizzas, sandwiches and entrées
• Premium appeal: Duck can elevate a menu item and create a more memorable dining experience
• Creative potential: Its rich flavour gives chefs an opportunity to experiment with new flavour combinations and applications

A Commitment to Quality and Family Values

While King Cole Ducks' products and offerings have evolved over the decades, its commitment to quality and family values has never changed.

For foodservice operators, working with a trusted supplier means more than simply sourcing an ingredient. It means building a relationship with a partner that understands the importance of quality, consistency and service.

After 75 years in business, King Cole Ducks brings generations of experience to that partnership. Its longstanding relationships with chefs, restaurants and food distributors are a reflection of the company's commitment to the people and businesses that have helped shape its journey.

The foodservice industry will continue to evolve, and so will the ways chefs and operators use duck. New dining concepts, changing consumer preferences and continued culinary innovation will create new opportunities to bring duck to the table in unexpected ways. King Cole Ducks is committed to continuing that journey alongside foodservice professionals, developing products and ideas that help operators create memorable meals.

Here's to 75 years of King Cole Ducks, and to the next chapter of creating memorable meals together.