19 June 2010
Richibucto-Village, New Brunswick
RICHIBUCTO VILLAGE (NB) – JUNE 19, 2010 – Atlantic Mist Cranberries celebrated the grand opening of its expanded facility today which highlighted the company's new packaging and freezing capabilities.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, and Premier Shawn Graham joined company representatives and members of the community as they toured the new facility and observed the packaging equipment and freezer abilities that will help the company to expand their processing facility. "Our government is pleased to partner with the Province of New Brunswick and Atlantic Mist Cranberries on the expansion of this cranberry processing facility. It will also enable our communities to capitalize on local advantages," said Minister Ashfield. The project has allowed Atlantic Mist Cranberries Inc. to add freezing and packaging facilities to its recently constructed cranberry cleaning, sorting and grading facility in Richibucto Village. The company has purchased state-of-the art technology to allow it to diversify its operations into frozen Grade A cranberries, which will increase its line of marketable products. "Today's celebration marks another milestone for Atlantic Mist Cranberries as this expansion project will add value to the cranberry industry," said Premier Graham. "The Province of New Brunswick is proud to be a partner, investing in such an important project for Kent County and New Brunswick."
"This new facility, owned by farmers, will enable our cranberry growers to package premium Grade "A" fruit for export, primarily to Europe, thus adding value to their crop," said Ken Streatch, President of Sunberry Cranberry Producers and Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Mist Cranberries.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA's Business Development Program (BDP) is providing a $500,000 repayable loan while the Province of New Brunswick is assisting the company with an investment of $363,400.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of ACOA and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway and Premier Shawn Graham joined representatives from Atlantic Mist Cranberries as they celebrated the expansion of the company's facility in Richibucto Village.
This grand opening highlighted the company's new packaging and freezing capabilities, which will increase its line of marketable products. The Government of Canada, through ACOA's Business Development Program is providing a $500,000 repayable loan while the Province of New Brunswick, is assisting the company with a contribution of $363,400.
Ann Kenney
Senior Communications Officer
ACOA NB
506-452-3687
