ACTIV Foods enters new phase of development
News release
Cowansville, Quebec, March 13, 2020 – Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
Created in 2012, ACTIV Foods Inc. designs, produces and distributes lyophilized (freeze-dried) food dishes and meal components. The only Canadian company to freeze-dry its own ingredients and produce complete meals, ACTIV Foods quickly faced productivity challenges. As part of its growth plan, the business was granted a repayable contribution of $160,000 from CED.
This funding was announced today by Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi Lyne Bessette, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages. The Government of Canada assistance has enabled the business to proceed with leasehold improvements, purchase high-tech processing equipment and establish the necessary processes to meet the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standard in use in the coveted U.S. market.
Freeze-dried dishes: a booming market
Freeze-dried foods have become very popular in the world of outdoor recreation. Today, ACTIV Foods is the only SME in this industry across the country to rub elbows with large U.S. brands.
This project will enable ACTIV Foods to conquer the Canadian market, as it already has business relationships in Quebec with national players who are now waiting for the HACCP certification to be able to distribute its products right across the country. In addition, its new production capacity is expected to enable the business to continue to boom and then develop the U.S. market.
A winning recipe for outdoor lovers
Christine Chénard, a nutritionist and outdoor enthusiast, climbed many summits and came to understand well the realities of life in extreme conditions before setting out to prepare meals for expeditions such as Bernard Voyer’s to the North Pole. In 2013, her business’s Happy Yak brand became the official supplier for Mylène Paquette’s North Atlantic crossing, and the SME was chosen to lead food logistics for the XP Antarctik expedition to Antarctica. More recently, ACTIV Foods has collaborated with the Canadian Space Agency to adapt dishes for the latest Canadian mission and has been approached by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Investing in regional innovation and development is one of the Government of Canada’s commitments to enhance business performance. Supporting agri-food SMEs, especially those led by women, help to diversify the Canadian economy, one of CED’s priorities to maintain our competitiveness and generate wealth.
Quotes
“Projects such as this one by ACTIV Foods showcase our homegrown expertise in specialized agri-food production. We are supporting workers and Canadian SMEs; we are helping businesses to equip themselves adequately to remain competitive and shine on the international stage.”
Lyne Bessette, Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi
“ACTIV Foods has demonstrated its know-how with flying colours, adapting to the reality of a market with a discerning clientele. A key federal partner in regional economic development, CED aims, among other things, to enhance the competitiveness of such innovative businesses, including through the acquisition of equipment that boosts their productivity, thus ensuring their ability to compete.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED
“CED’s support has enabled us to acquire the means to realize our ambitions. We want to build a business that will be recognized across the country and in the U.S. This investment has allowed us to purchase the equipment we need to boost our production capacity and further develop the market outside Quebec.”
Christine Chénard, President, ACTIV Foods Inc.
Quick facts
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Funds have been granted under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. This program targets entrepreneurs leveraging innovation to grow their businesses and enhance their competitiveness, as well as regional economic stakeholders helping to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to innovation and growth for all, across all regions of Quebec.
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The Honourable Mélanie Joly is the minister responsible for the six regional development agencies (RDAs), including CED.
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CED is a key federal partner in Quebec’s regional economic development. With its 12 regional business offices, CED is accompanying Quebec businesses, supporting organizations and regions into tomorrow’s economy.
Contacts
Media Relations
Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
dec.media.ced@canada.ca
Alexander Cohen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
alexander.cohen@canada.ca
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