FedDev Ontario invests $18.4M to help grow eight food processing companies

Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector generates more than $48 billion in annual revenues and provides jobs for more than 100,000 Ontarians. Investing in the expansion of businesses in this sector strengthens Canada’s economy. Therefore, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is investing $18.4 million to support eight food manufacturers across southern Ontario.

By expanding production capabilities and adopting new cutting-edge equipment, Ottawa Valley Grain Products, Andriani, Aspire Bakeries, Baxter’s Bakery, Demetres Manufactory, O’Doughs, Picard Peanuts and Schep’s Bakeries are meeting growing demand for quality food products, creating skilled jobs and laying the foundation for future success.

“Investing in the growth of food manufacturers not only supports strong local economies but also strengthens our agricultural sector and made-in-Canada food options for Canadians. Our government is pleased to support them as they scale up and increase productivity,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

Andriani receives a repayable grant of $4.2 million. It is establishing a manufacturing facility in London, Ont., to produce gluten-free and GMO-free pasta. This repayable investment is part of a $33.6-million project.

Aspire Bakeries manufactures frozen, baked, and ready-to-bake consumer products for foodservice customers, including quick-serve restaurant chains, and retail in-store bakeries. The repayable investment of $2 million supports an integrated project to advance clean technologies and enhance production at its facilities in Brantford and Ancaster.

Baxter’s Bakery is transforming its Cobourg baked goods manufacturing facility, which specializes in producing butter tarts, dessert squares, loaves and cakes, with the adoption of technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics and data-driven analytics, which will enhance efficiency and productivity as well as increase revenue. The repayable investment of $900,000 is part of a $3.5-million project.

Demetres Manufactory is adopting new equipment as it scales up production of its high-quality ice creams and desserts. The repayable investment of $900,000 will support the $2.2-million project.

O’Doughs, which produces baked goods in a certified gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian facility, is adopting new processing equipment to increase production capacity in its zero-waste facility. The repayable investment of $1.9 million is part of a $6.4-million project.

With a history dating back to 1929, and incorporated in 1999, Ottawa Valley Grain Products is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated grain mill in Carp, a rural farming community in eastern Ontario. It is modernizing and growing its grain processing operation with the adoption of new manufacturing equipment as it establishes a new grain mill in Almonte. The repayable investment of $3 million is part of a $11.3-million project.

Picard Peanuts is expanding its peanut snacks production in Windham Centre to serve growing demand. The repayable investment of $2.5 million is part of a $8.4-million project.

Schep’s Bakeries, which makes stroopwafel cookies and ice cream sandwiches, is expanding its operations and adopting advanced manufacturing equipment at its new bakery in Tillsonburg to complement its current facility in Norwich. The repayable investment of $3 million is part of a $40-million project.