Over $5.7 million awarded to Kefiplant to maximize its production capacity

From: Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

News release

Drummondville, Quebec – December 11, 2018 – The governments of Quebec and Canada award a total of $5.75 million in financial assistance to Kefiplant for expanding its plant and for purchasing land and new equipment. This $10,625-million project will enable the company to increase its production capacity and will lead to the creation of 26 jobs.

Mr. André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region, made the announcement on behalf of Mr. Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy and Innovation.

Therefore, the Government of Quebec is providing $5 million divided as follows: the Ministry of Economy and Innovation (MEI) is granting a loan of $2.5 million through the ESSOR program, and Investissement Québec is granting a loan of $2.5 million from its own funds. In addition to that is a repayable contribution of $750,000 from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) under its Quebec Economic Development Program.

With this funding, Kefiplant will be able to meet the growing demand for its products and seize new international business opportunities. The company has been able to expand its plant and purchase new equipment that will enable it to leverage the unique, patented technology that it developed for fermenting organic plants.

Founded in 2004 in Drummondville, Kefiplant is a company that manufactures certified organic fermented plants intended for companies. Its activities focus on manufacturing and marketing certified organic aqueous plant extracts created through symbiotic fermentation and intended primarily for the kombucha (fermented tea) market. Drawing on ancestral methods, the experts at Kefiplant have created and patented a plant fermentation process that enables synergy of bio-available nutrients without the use of high temperature or chemical solvents. Kefiplant won the Achievement Award in the 2015 Concours québécois en entrepreneuriat (Quebec’s entrepreneurship competition).

Quotes

“The Centre-du-Québec region stands out because of its vitality and the diversity of its companies. In terms of employment, it’s now considered Quebec’s top manufacturing region. Kefiplant is an innovative, bold SME in the bio-food sector and is experiencing considerable growth due to the great popularity of kombucha. These new facilities will enable it to meet the increasing demand. The project announced today is extremely promising for the company and is certainly excellent news for workers in the region. “

André Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region

“In order to improve the quality and impact of our innovation support programs, it’s crucial for the Government of Canada to support scientific research and entrepreneurship. As Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, I am proud that CED is contributing to the growth of a company like Kefiplant, which has managed to develop a unique technology in its field. “

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED

"This intervention comes under the Manufacturing Initiative by Investissement Québec, which aims to support the growth of the innovative manufacturing sector throughout Quebec by providing the necessary assistance to companies that choose to adopt innovative technologies in their growth and innovation processes. We hope that by supporting manufacturers like Kefiplant, in order to help increase their production capacity and continue expanding, we will inspire others to do likewise. “

Pierre Gabriel Côté, President and CEO of Investissement Québec

Quick facts

  • Kefiplant introduced the first certified organic fermented plant extracts on the Canadian and U.S. markets through manufacturers and distributors in the food industry. Its clients consist mainly of manufacturers of kombucha and food supplements, as well as naturopaths located in Canada, the United States and Australia. Discussions are underway with potential clients in Europe and Asia.

  • The ESSOR program supports investment projects carried out in Quebec, with a view to enhancing competitiveness and productivity, creating jobs and ensuring sustainable development.

  • In order to support the innovative manufacturing sector throughout Quebec, the Government of Quebec, in partnership with Investissement Québec, established the Initiative manufacturière, a mobilizing movement driven by a number of partners for encouraging manufacturing companies to make the shift to Industry 4.0.

  • CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

  • This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action devoted to the development of the regions and local businesses.

  • To find out more about CED and its priorities, see the 2018-2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

Contacts

  • Laurence Voyzelle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister Responsible for the Centre-du-Québec Region
    Phone: 418-380-2525
  • Mathieu St-Amand
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Minister of Economy, and Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Lanaudière Region
    Phone: 418-691-5650

Information

  • Jean-Pierre D'Auteuil
    Media Relations Officer, Communications Branch
    Ministry of Economy and Innovation
    Phone: 418-691-5698 ext. 4868
    Cell.: 418-559-0710
  • Isabelle Fontaine
    Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs
    Investissement Québec
    Phone: 514-876-9359
  • Media Relations
    Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
    Phone: 514-283-7443
    Email: dec.media.ced@canada.ca

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