NEWFOUNDLAND CHOCOLATE COMPANY EXPANDS WITH INVESTMENT FROM FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
ST. JOHN'S (NL) – DECEMBER 2, 2010 – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced an investment of $91,000 to assist Newfoundland Chocolate Company Inc. expand its gourmet chocolate operation.
"Small and medium-sized businesses are central to economic development in Atlantic Canada," said Minister Ashfield. "Our government's investment in Newfoundland Chocolate Company Inc. is helping the company to expand its operations, increase its competitiveness, and offer a high- quality, local product to more consumers throughout the region while expanding client base around the world."
Newfoundland Chocolate Company Inc. was created approximately three years ago by local entrepreneurs Brent Smith and Christina Dove. Since that time, the company has seen continued success and growth and is now expanding into a larger commercial manufacturing operation. ACOA funding will support the purchase of additional equipment required for the expansion, as well as interior improvements to the Newfoundland Chocolate Company's new manufacturing facility located at 166 Duckworth Street in St. John's.
"We're very excited about the possibilities for the future of the Newfoundland Chocolate Company," said Brent Smith, owner. "With ACOA's assistance, we've been able to improve the manufacturing area and acquire new equipment, which will help increase production and improve efficiency overall."
Newfoundland Chocolate Company produces hand-made, artisan chocolates and chocolate bars inspired by the culture and heritage of Newfoundland and Labrador. Local ingredients, such as various wild berries, are often used, and individual chocolate series' reflect well-known locations around the province, with names such as the Bonavista series, the Battery series and the Trinity series.
The Newfoundland Chocolate Company opened its new manufacturing facility in October 2010.
The funding is being provided through ACOA's Business Development Program in the form of a repayable contribution.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield today announced an investment of $91,000 in the Newfoundland Chocolate Company Inc. to expand its gourmet chocolate operation. The funding will help the company acquire additional manufacturing equipment and interior improvements to the company's new manufacturing facility on Duckworth Street in St. John's.
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Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA Newfoundland and Labrador
709-772-2935
Brent Smith
Owner
Newfoundland Chocolate Company Inc.
709-579-0099
