News
For Immediate Release
Cobourg
07/18/2011
Expansion of Food Supplier: McGuinty Government Strengthens Agri-Food Industry, Creates 50 New Jobs
NEWS
The province is helping Bakkavor Foods Canada ― a global food supplier ― expand its distribution in Ontario, and create 50 new jobs in Cobourg.
With the support of the province, Bakkavor Foods Canada is creating a complete fresh food manufacturing centre to meet the needs of major Canadian food retailers. The company has recently introduced its product line to a number of stores in Ontario and will continue to expand into 2012.
Along with the new manufacturing centre, the company will also invest in:
- new, more efficient equipment;
- skills training for staff; and,
- enhanced product development to meet the demands of the Canadian market and ensure competitiveness.
Partnering with business and supporting the agri-food industry are key components of the McGuinty government’s plan to create and support new and existing jobs for Ontario families, and strengthen local economies.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s investment in this project will support local Eastern Ontario farmers for years to come, as well as our families in Cobourg. Forward-thinking companies like Bakkavor are key partners in the development of Ontario’s provincial and regional economies.”
— Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland-Quinte West
“This is great news for the province and Eastern Ontario. I have mentioned the importance of productivity through innovation for market growth and competitiveness, and Bakkavor has distinguished itself in this area, while creating jobs and tremendous benefits for the economy.”
― Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade
“The McGuinty government’s support for this project is expanding the market for Bakkavor Foods and contributing to the success of Eastern Ontario’s agri-food industry. By helping our quality food processors grow their business, we are strengthening our province’s economy and creating jobs for Ontario families.”
― Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
“We are grateful to the provincial government for its support of our expansion in Ontario, and for the opportunity to use fresh local produce, encourage community development, and have close access to our target markets in Ontario.”
— John Dutton, President, Bakkavor Foods Canada Inc.
QUICK FACTS
- The Bakkavor Foods Group supplies high-quality, freshly prepared foods to meet consumer demand around the world.
- Ontario’s investment in Bakkavor Foods is provided under the Eastern Ontario Development Fund (phase two) and the Rural Economic Development (RED) program (phase one, completed).
- In 2009, Ontario’s food processing industry generated more than $33 billion in revenues in Ontario.
- In June, Ontario had an increase of more than 40,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate declined to 7.7 percent.
- In 2010, Ontario was named a top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in North America, second only to California. The province attracted a total of 127 Foreign Direct Investment projects which created more than 11,200 jobs.
- As a result of the tax changes in Ontario, taxes on business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more competitive and encouraging new business investments.
LEARN MORE
- Read Ontario’s Progress Report 2011.
- Learn more about the Ontario government’s agriculture and food news and resources.
- Get more information on Ontario’s comprehensive economic and trade news, including its toolkit for businesses.
- Visit the Invest in Ontario website.
For more information:
Lauren Tedesco
Minister's Office, MEDT
416-325-6909
Dominique Paquet
Communications Branch, MEDT
416-325-8775
Melissa Zanette
Minister’s Office, OMAFRA
416 326-3071
Communications Branch, OMAFRA
519 826-3145
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