Toronto, Ontario, March 20, 2012 — A Toronto bakery forecasts the creation of over 30 new jobs and increased international sales with the support of the Government of Canada. Member of Parliament Bernard Trottier (Etobicoke-Lakeshore), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, announced today an investment of $600,000 for Del's Pastry to install new equipment and increase production capacity.
"Our government's top priority remains the economy, and Canada's food processing sector is an important contributor to keeping our economy strong," said MP Trottier. "This investment will help Del's Pastry compete more effectively in export markets and create new high-quality jobs that will strengthen our regional economy."
The investment was used by Del's Pastry to increase its capacity to meet the growing demand for its products in the U.S. and Mexico. The project involved the installation of new equipment that will allow Del's Pastry to produce new products like coffee cakes, coiled danish, puff pastry, and sweet buns, in addition to improving the plant's operational efficiency and productivity.
By next year, the higher production capacity will result in a 60 per cent increase in the amount of Canadian produce it uses, including blueberries, cherries, apples, butter, cream cheese, hard and soft flour, carrots, and eggs.
"Del's Pastry is excited to have installed state-of-the-art new equipment that delivers a consistent, high-quality product. The resulting operational efficiency and improved productivity will also ensure that we will continue to be extremely competitive within the baking industry," said Del's Pastry's vice-president of operations, Tom Mattes.
This contribution is being delivered by the Agricultural Flexibility Fund (AgriFlexibility), through the AgriProcessing Initiative, a five-year, up to $50-million initiative designed to enhance the competitiveness of the agri-processing sector in Canada. It provides support to existing companies for projects that involve the adoption of innovative and new-to-company manufacturing technologies and processes that are essential to sustaining and improving the sector's position in today's global marketplace. For more information on this program, visit agriculture.canada.ca/api.
Through Canada's Economic Action Plan (EAP), the Government of Canada is helping farmers find new markets, adapt to current economic challenges, and make their businesses more efficient and environmentally sustainable. The next phase of the EAP will remain focused on strengthening the economy, while working toward returning to balanced budgets and securing Canada's economic future. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa (Ontario)
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
