FedDev Ontario Supports Scale Up of Cambridge Agri-Food Manufacturer

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

Nearly $1.2 million for National Pasta to boost production capacity, add new health-conscious food products and increase in exports

September 4, 2019  —  Cambridge, Ontario                            

Today, Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, announced a FedDev Ontario investment of nearly
$1.2 million in National Pasta Corp. (National Pasta) to accelerate its growth plans to strengthen its position in the Canadian market and compete for new opportunities in foreign markets. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario.

National Pasta’s growth plan include the addition of a new product line for health-conscious consumers to be made and packaged in-house. This new product line will consist of foods that are made from non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO), and are organic, vegan, peanut-free, high-protein, high-fibre, and gluten-free, to meet rising demand from markets across Canada, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

FedDev Ontario’s investment will allow National Pasta to triple its production capacity through the adoption of advanced manufacturing and packaging equipment. The new technologies will cut down production time, improve food quality, reduce waste by five percent, and significantly increase the shelf life of fresh pasta. Additionally, the company will source most ingredients locally, strengthening southern Ontario’s supply chain and supporting local farmers and businesses. National Pasta also expects to create five full-time skilled jobs in Cambridge as a result of this investment.

This project aligns with the Government’s Economic Strategy Table on Agri-Food, as it supports innovation that is helping to uphold Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe, sustainable, high-quality agri-food products.

Quotes

“FedDev Ontario’s investment will help National Pasta to scale up and seize global growth opportunities, while also benefitting the local supply chain in southern Ontario and adding skilled, quality jobs in Cambridge.”
- Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s ongoing commitment to Ontario’s agri-food sector, helping to promote clean growth outcomes for our environment, and supporting local farmers and businesses that are key to strong economic growth. It is investments like this one, in National Pasta Corp., that build on our competitive advantages and create good jobs for Canadians, while also providing healthy, quality food options to consumers at home and abroad.”
- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Today's news is very exciting for National Pasta Corp. Thanks to FedDev Ontario’s generous contribution, our organization will be able to purchase new high volume and efficient equipment, which will allow us to compete internationally. Projects like this one will help to position this company as an international leader in the production of healthy foods. This investment shows the Government of Canada’s commitment to the growing demand for healthy eating food choices in Canada and support for the Kitchener–Waterloo Region.”
- Mauro Pennacchioli, President, National Pasta Corp.

Quick facts

  • Established in 1995, National Pasta manufactures authentic dried, fresh, and frozen Italian products, including pastas, sauces, prepared meals and appetizers, using 100 percent Canadian ingredients.

  • FedDev Ontario’s repayable contribution of $1,170,083 for National Pasta Corp. will leverage an additional $6.1 million in investment for this project.

  • National Pasta is committed to a diverse workforce, currently made up of 70 percent women.

  • The company is committed to continuous innovation demonstrated by a collaboration with the Craig Richardson Institute of Food Processing Technology (IFPT) at Conestoga College to develop its products and adopt advanced technology in food manufacturing.

  • This year marks 10 years of FedDev Ontario delivering funding and business services to support innovation and growth in southern Ontario.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca

Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca

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