Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, June 25, 2010 – The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, announced a repayable contribution of $500,000 to Chocmod Canada Inc. The funding will enable the company to build a chocolate truffle factory in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and get closer to its North American market.
Chocmod, a French company, specializes in truffles and confectionery (marshmallows, jellies, meringues), which it exports to 45 countries on five continents. In creating Chocmod Canada Inc and setting up shop in the Montérégie, the company considers it will get closer to its main foreign clientele, which currently buys 37% of the company’s production.
The project will require a $7 million investment and is expected to create 30 permanent jobs in the first year of production, as well as five seasonal jobs in summer. In addition, local enterprises that specialize in such areas as cocoa production, packaging and transportation are expected to benefit from spinoffs estimated at around $4 million. When the Montérégie company begins operations, it will be able to count on a guaranteed order book, 80% of which is intended for foreign markets.
“The establishment of a chocolate and confectionery factory in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu is very good news for this municipality, which has been seriously affected by the economic slowdown. Canada Economic Development is strongly committed to helping SMEs like Chocmod Canada Inc., which contribute to the economic and social development of the regions of Quebec. We are certain that this company will create a ripple effect on the agri-food hub in the Montérégie, a promising niche for the entire region,” stated Minister Lebel.
The funding announced today was granted under the Business and Regional Growth program, which was adopted to help businesses increase their productivity and competitiveness and to become more innovative to facilitate sustainable growth.
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Sources:
Isabelle Beaudin
Communications
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 514-496-6714
E-mail: isabelle.beaudin@dec-ced.gc.ca
Ève Cardinal
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Honourable Denis Lebel
Canada Economic Development
Tel.: 819-997-3319
E-mail: eve.cardinal@dec-ced.gc.ca
