Modernization Positions Scotian Gold to Become More Fruitful
News release
Government of Canada funding of nearly $900,000 supports co-operative in expanding its facility to extend market reach
September 10, 2018 – Coldbrook, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Modernization and increased productivity are key to supporting a strong and competitive food industry capable of expanding into new markets, creating good jobs and helping deliver Atlantic Canada’s food to tables nation-wide and around the world. The Government of Canada is helping Scotian Gold Co-operative Limited expand its controlled atmosphere room to increase storage capacity, improve quality, and extend the storage and retail seasons for Honeycrisp apples.
The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Digital Government, and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants, today announced a contribution of $898,750 to Scotian Gold. The repayable investment was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The funding is provided through ACOA’s Business Development Program, which supports small and medium-sized companies enhancing their competitiveness and developing new export markets.
The additional controlled atmosphere space will allow Scotian Gold to store premium Honeycrisp apples for nearly three months longer and keep produce fresher, providing the company with a competitive advantage in domestic and export markets. As a result of this project, hours of work available for production staff during the packing season is expected to increase by 20 days. The technologically advanced controlled atmosphere facility will also help reduce the amount of apples lost to disease, decrease apple scald, which turns the skin of the fruit black, and increase efficiency through a state-of-the-art cooling system.
Today’s investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth in the region through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. The strategy supports strategic investments that help businesses use technology to boost their competiveness, and recognize their export potential through expansion into global markets.
Quotes
“The jobs of the future depend on Canadians’ ability to continue to adapt and innovate to maintain a competitive edge in a fast-paced, global economy. This investment in expansion and modernization illustrates that forward-thinking entrepreneurs are willing to take the necessary steps to grow their businesses and increase the region’s presence in valuable domestic and international markets.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“This investment will help Scotian Gold bring fresh, high-quality apples to consumers, while expanding markets and strengthening the economy. The company’s brand is known throughout Canada and around the world as a premium product, and Scotian Gold Co-operative Limited is leading the way in meeting consumers’ demand for high-quality produce.”
- The Honourable Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Digital Government, and Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants
“Our expansion into the latest technology for controlled atmosphere storage rooms is instrumental in enabling Scotian Gold to remain competitive in the Honeycrisp export market. This project is crucial in allowing us to increase sales and extend our marketing season while paving the way to further improved quality, adding value to both Scotian Gold and its growers.”
- David Parrish, President and CEO, Scotian Gold Co-operative Limited
Quick facts
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Scotian Gold Co-operative Limited is the largest apple packer in eastern Canada and represents more than 60% of the fresh fruit crop in Nova Scotia.
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Scotian Gold is a tree fruit co-operative owned by more than 30 apple grower members with an additional 25 farmers that bring their fruit to the company for packing, storing and marketing.
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Scotian Gold’s growers also harvest peaches, pears and plums.
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This project will help maintain 107 full-time jobs.
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The Atlantic Canadian food industry generates $5.6-billion in revenues each year; 85% of combined sales are exported out of the region.
Contacts
Alex Smith
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca
David Parrish
President and CEO
Scotian Gold Co-operative Limited
Phone: 902-679-6780 / 902-680-8512 (cell)
E-mail: david.parrish@scotiangold.com