In a significant stride towards bolstering the food manufacturing sector, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario has allocated C$18.4 million repayable investment to eight burgeoning food manufacturers. This initiative underscores the government's commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the industry. The investment will enable these companies to incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, enhance their production capacities, and expand their market reach.
Andriani. is spearheading this transformative wave with the establishment of a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in London, Ontario. Specializing in gluten-free and GMO-free pasta, Andriani’s project, which forms part of a larger C$33.6 million investment, aims to better serve the North American market. This new facility is poised to revolutionize the gluten-free food segment, ensuring high-quality, safe, and nutritious products for consumers.
Aspire Bakeries, known for its frozen, baked, and ready-to-bake consumer products, is set to receive C$2 million to advance clean technologies and enhance production at its Brantford and Ancaster facilities. This initiative will support quick-serve restaurant chains and retail in-store bakeries, ensuring that Aspire's delectable offerings continue to meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
Baxter's Bakery in Cobourg is undergoing a profound transformation. With a C$900,000 investment, the bakery is adopting artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven analytics. These technological advancements will not only enhance efficiency and productivity but also increase revenue, ensuring that Baxter's butter tarts, dessert squares, loaves, and cakes remain consumer favorites.
Demetres Manufactory, renowned for its high-quality ice creams and desserts, is scaling up production with the help of a C$900,000 investment. The company’s adoption of new equipment will facilitate the production of its exquisite desserts, ensuring that they continue to delight palates across the region.
O'Doughs, a pioneer in producing gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian baked goods, is receiving C$1.9 million to adopt new cutting-edge processing equipment. This upgrade will increase production capacity while maintaining the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Operating a zero-waste facility, O'Doughs exemplifies the future of eco-conscious food manufacturing.
Ottawa Valley Grain Products is modernizing its grain processing operations with a C$3 million investment. Establishing a new grain mill in Almonte, the company aims to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality grain products to meet growing demand.
Picard Peanuts, a staple in peanut snack production, is expanding its operations in Windham Centre with a C$2.5 million investment. This expansion will cater to the burgeoning demand for Picard’s delectable peanut snacks, solidifying its position as a leader in the snack food industry.
Schep's Bakeries, famous for its stroopwafel cookies and ice cream sandwiches, is set to receive C$3 million to expand its operations. Adopting advanced manufacturing equipment at its new bakery in Tillsonburg, Schep's is poised to complement its current facility in Norwich, ensuring that its iconic treats continue to delight consumers.
Across Canada, food manufacturers are at the forefront of developing innovative ideas to improve efficiency and produce healthy, affordable food for Canadians. The Government of Canada recognizes the pivotal role these companies play in the economy and is dedicated to supporting their path to success. This substantial investment is not only a testament to the government's commitment to economic growth but also a significant step towards creating skilled jobs and ensuring the sustainability of the food manufacturing sector in southern Ontario.
