17 June 2009
Saint Leonard, New Brunswick
Federal representatives joined company officials, members of the community and former Triple Crown jockey winner Ron Turcotte, to celebrate the grand opening of a new packing plant at Saint John River Valley Potato Inc.
“Our government is proud to partner with Saint John River Valley Potato Inc. as they celebrate their grand opening,” said Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “We are pleased to see this local company creating a value-added product with New Brunswick-grown potatoes and are happy to support them as they continue to expand and reach new markets
During the ceremonies, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced a repayable loan of $500,000 under its Business Development Program. This support will help Saint John River Valley Potato Inc. add value to local resources, enhance markets for local producers and ultimately create long-term economic opportunities for the company and the region through targeted international exports.
The new Saint John River Valley Potato Inc. operation will be specializing in exporting fresh bagged potatoes in different sizes according to market demands. The company has secured a major contract with Bushman’s, an established United States broker. The primary market for Saint John River Valley Potato will be the United States.
“The new facility will create value-added products and open up new markets for local potato producers. This operation will help carve out an enviable position for New Brunswick growers in the North American potato industry. Saint John River Valley Potato Inc. thanks ACOA for its support, Bushman for their trust in the quality of our products and our many partners,” said André Daigle, President of Saint John River Valley Potato Inc.
The new plant is expected to create work for 15 full-time employees over three years. Export sales are anticipated to be over $3 million per year.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Federal representatives joined company officials, members of the community and local celebrity and former Triple Crown jockey winner Ron Turcotte, to celebrate the grand opening of a new packing plant at Saint John River Valley Potato Inc. The facility specializes in exporting fresh bagged potatoes in different sizes according to market demands. It is anticipated that Saint John River Valley Potato will help local producers obtain better market prices due to increase in demand. The new plant will create work for 15 full-time employees. Export sales are anticipated to be over $3 million per year.
ACOA announced a repayable loan of a little under $500,000 through the agency’s Business Development Program to help the company establish its new facility.
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INFORMATION:
Ted Parisé
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-6473 / 506-452-3917
Hinderikus (Rick) Rademaker
Vice-President
Saint John River Valley Potato Inc.
506-452-6000
