Positioning Annapolis Valley Food Processing Companies for Greater Export Success
News Release
Clean technology will help Apple Valley Foods and Nova Agri Inc. meet consumer demand and reduce environmental footprint
The Honourable Scott Brison (centre) toured the Apple Valley Foods Inc. facility November 14, where he was accompanied by John Pettet, Chief Financial Officer (left) and Jeff Sarsfield, President (right).
November 15, 2017 – Annapolis Valley, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Located in the agricultural heartland of Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley, Apple Valley Foods Inc. and Nova Agri Inc. will accelerate exports to high demand markets in the United States by improving production capacity and operational efficiency, thanks in part to investments from the Government of Canada. New state-of-the-art equipment will enable these Nova Scotia-based employers to diversify their product lines and significantly increase production, creating new business opportunities.
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, was onsite yesterday touring the facilities at Apple Valley Foods where he announced, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), repayable investments of $840,000, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, for these two important food sector companies.
Apple Valley Foods is receiving $500,000 to purchase equipment that will expand the size of the oven in its manufacturing plant. This will allow the company to diversify its product lines to include half pies, increase efficiency, and meet the growing demand for its products.
Nova Agri Inc. is receiving $340,000 to purchase and install state-of-the-art computerized weighing and filling technology that will increase the accuracy of its product weights, reduce maintenance and down time costs as well as electrical usage, while doubling capacity.
These investments build on the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to spur value-added opportunities for resource-based industries such as the fisheries, forestry and agriculture, and support innovation in emerging sectors, which will help to expand and diversify our economy.
Quotes
“In order to grow a strong and sustainable economy in Atlantic Canada, we must focus on encouraging small and medium-sized businesses to innovate and remain competitive on a global scale. Today’s investment will allow two established businesses in the agricultural sector to modernize and expand manufacturing to meet increasing demand from exporters.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“As demand for their products continues to grow, it’s essential for Apple Valley Foods and Nova Agri Inc. to modernize with new equipment to increase their production capacity. The Government of Canada’s investment in these major employers will help them grow their export markets and expand their businesses.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“We are very pleased to continue our investment in Nova Scotia and further expand our production capabilities to better serve our consumers. We look forward to further growing the business with Atlantic Canada inputs to serve the North American marketplace. We very much appreciate the support of ACOA in making these investments happen.”
- John Pettet, Chief Financial Officer, Apple Valley Foods Incorporated
"These investments from ACOA will enable Nova Agri to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The flexibility and capacity they add to our offering are essential in the markets we supply. This investment will ensure we continue to ship our Country Magic products across Canada, the United States and abroad."
- Earl Kidston, CEO, Nova Agri Inc.
Quick Facts
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Apple Valley Foods has over 20 years of experience in producing high-quality frozen fruit pies and other baked products for the American and Canadian food markets, and employs 275 people full-time in the Kings County region
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Nova Agri Inc. stores, packs, processes and markets fruits and vegetables grown in the Annapolis Valley including potatoes, onions, high bush blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, tomatoes, and lettuce.
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Since 1996, Nova Agri Inc. has increased its blueberry processing from 600,000 pounds to more than 1.7 million pounds.
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Apple Valley Foods and Nova Agri Inc. are major purchasers of fresh fruit from local farms.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
John Pettet
Chief Financial Officer
Apple Valley Foods Inc.
Phone: 902-679-4701
Email: john@applevalleyfoods.com
Peter Chapman
Director of Marketing
Nova Agri Inc.
Phone: 902-489-2900
Email: pchampman@gbsbusiness.ca