Normandin, Quebec, May 25, 2007 The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Labour and Minister of Canada Economic Development, today announced that the Normandin-based blueberry processing firm Nutrableu Inc. will receive $450,000 in funding, $99,000 of it non-repayable, to introduce an innovative processing technology to its packaging operations that will enable the company to market its fresh wild blueberries to major North American grocery stores.
"In equipping itself with such innovative packaging technology, Nutrableu will be gaining a leg up on the competition and positioning itself to make the most of the growing demand for fresh blueberries. Canada's new government is proud to take active part in a project that capitalizes on a plentiful and renewable natural resource in Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean and that is sure to have a significant impact on the development of Normandin by bringing about the creation of three to six ¨full-time jobs and the consolidation of 100 seasonal jobs ranging in length from one to five months," stated Minister Blackburn.
This project, which centres on the introduction of specialized equipment to improve the packaging process, will enable Nutrableu to extend the shelf-life of its fresh wild blueberries and increase its productivity. This will allow the firm to improve the quality of the fresh blueberries that can be brought to market, increase its profit margins and set its sights on new, more lucrative markets, particularly in the United States.
"This funding from Canada Economic Development will give us the opportunity to complete the installation of our exclusive technology and, in so doing, to position our firm as the only supplier of fresh wild blueberries to the world's major wholesale distributors. We are extremely proud to be pioneers in this new market niche. With the support of the Government of Canada and our other business and regional partners, our team now has all of the necessary tools to fulfil its ambitions and to help further the economic development of its region," explained Nutrableu President Pierre-Luc Simard.
"The initiative announced today will not only serve to help Nutrableu fill a new market niche and become a leader in its sector, it will also allow the company to look ahead with confidence to the other opportunities that are sure to arise as a result of its dynamism," Minister Blackburn concluded.
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Sources:
Nadia Marceau
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 418-668-4602 or 1-800-463-9808
E-mail: nadia.marceau@dec-ced.gc.ca
Roxane Marchand
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-953-5646
Cell.: 613-816-5094
E-mail: roxane.marchand@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
