Raspberry and Champagne, Peach and Prosecco and Strawberry and Grand Marnier are some of the unique flavours made by PEI Preserve Company. It all started with a single jar of preserves, and over 40 years later, the company’s shop now includes a restaurant, gardens, an event space and a wide selection of specialty gifts. Now a unique tourist destination, PEI Preserve Company ships products nationwide and welcomes visitors from across the world.

A spirited experiment

PEI Preserve Company was founded by Bruce and Shirley MacNaughton in 1985. It began when Bruce was at a friend’s house making strawberry jam, and on a whim, he decided to add some Grand Marnier liqueur to the batch.

The experiment was a hit, and Strawberry and Grand Marnier preserves became the first product of a new business that Bruce and his wife decided to start.

Coming to a boil

The operation started small, with Shirley and Bruce attending farmers’ markets to sell their preserves. To inform their product development, Bruce kept a close eye on grocery store shelves to see what flavours of jam, jellies and preserves they carried.

In 1987, it was time for their business to expand, so the MacNaughtons acquired an old butter creamery building in New Glasgow, P.E.I., which itself has a rich history dating back to 1913. In the new space, they focused on expanding their line of preserves. Sticking with Bruce’s original idea, they produced several fruit preserves mixed with different spirits (which is just for flavour, as the boiling process burns off essentially all alcohol content, says current owner and host, Marsha Doiron). Classic strawberry, raspberry and blueberry are also available, plus other unique fruit combinations.

Over time, the MacNaughtons expanded in other ways. First, they added a tea room, which eventually grew into a restaurant that operates from mid-May until October. They also built another building on their property, which was originally called the Garden Theatre and was an entertainment space. This later became an additional seating area for the restaurant and an event space for weddings or other special occasions. Increasing tourist appeal, the MacNaughtons also purchased 12 acres of gardens and added a seasonal butterfly house.

Eventually, PEI Preserve Company expanded its product inventory beyond preserves to include other popular gifting items, like locally-made pottery, jewelry and more specialty foods. To expand sales, in 1991, the MacNaughtons began a mail-order service for their products, which were promoted in a small magazine.

A fresh batch

In 2022, Marsha and Adam Doiron purchased the business. Already fans of PEI Preserve Company, they were excited to put their own stamp on things, adding new products and services like garden picnics. Now with the simplicity of online ordering, Marsha Doiron says they’ve become one of the largest mail-order gift companies in Atlantic Canada.

Speaking of the popularity of PEI Preserve Company locally, Doiron says generations of locals have shopped there, plus the store has become a major tourist destination. She commented, “It’s a very special place. I think just about any tourism operator or islander would agree that it’s a real legacy on Prince Edward Island.”

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