Government of Canada supports a growing southern Ontario food manufacturing sector

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

News release

FedDev Ontario invests nearly $2.4 million to help three innovative food companies scale up and create 56 skilled jobs

February 21, 2024 – Mississauga, Ontario                                                   

Southern Ontario’s food sector is a key contributor to Canada’s economy. The Government of Canada is committed to creating opportunities for everyone to grow by providing businesses with the resources they need to create good jobs, accelerate their potential and bring new food innovations to market.

Today, the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Iqwinder Gaheer, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Malton, visited Coco Bakery, a Mississauga-based French pastries manufacturer, where they met with employees and announced an investment of nearly $2.4 million towards the growth of three southern Ontario food manufacturing companies: Coco Bakery, Metzger Meats and Al-Shamas Food Products.

Ontario's food and beverage manufacturing sector is vital to the Canadian economy. The sector is the third largest in North America with annual revenues of more than $48 billion and employing over 104,000 people. This investment will help these three companies adopt new equipment, increase their manufacturing capacity and create 56 jobs across southern Ontario.

The Government of Canada supports the diverse, hardworking manufacturers in the food industry so they can grow, scale up and reach their full potential. Today’s announcement is part of the Government of Canada’s plan to work with Canada’s largest grocery chains, food processors and other industry actors—both domestic and international—to stabilize food prices in Canada. The Government of Canada is continuing its work to stabilize grocery prices, build more homes and make life more affordable for Canadians.

Additional details on the projects supported through today’s investment can be found in the backgrounder.

Quotes

“Investing in southern Ontario’s food manufacturers and the businesses that support them is integral to ensuring that high-quality food reaches grocery store shelves and families across the country. Today’s investment of nearly $2.4 million will support three businesses as they showcase the abilities of our local food manufacturers, while also creating good jobs, and contributing to a strong southern Ontario economy.”
– The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Our food manufacturing sector is critical to the well-being of our residents and communities. This announcement will support our local businesses as they grow and strengthen their manufacturing capacities and compete in global markets, while creating valuable jobs.”
– Iqwinder Gaheer, Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Malton

Quick facts

  • Founded in 2012, Mississauga-based Coco Bakery Inc. manufactures sweet goods, including French macarons cake pops, and more, for private companies and major retailers across Canada and the U.S.

  • Coco Bakery Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Toronto-based Bond Bakery Brands Limited (BBBL). BBBL is a shareholder-focused investment platform accelerating the growth of bakery companies, including Portofino Bakery Ltd., Pace Processing and Product Development, and Holy Napoli Pizza Inc.

  • Established in 1990 and incorporated in 2017, Metzger Meat Products Inc. is a Hensall-based, award-winning food processor of smoked and European-style cured meat products.

  • Established in 2014 and located in Mississauga, Al-Shamas Food Products Ltd. manufactures 60 types of halal ethnic frozen foods, including kebabs, samosas and tandoori chicken which are sold under its own and private labels in domestic and U.S. markets. 

  • Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested nearly $64 million in 23 projects that are supporting the food producers sector in southern Ontario, creating over 1,100 jobs and maintaining over 210 jobs.

Associated links

Contacts

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Edward.Hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@feddevontario.gc.ca

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