Federal government invests close to $2.4M in food manufacturing sector

MISSISSAUGA — On Feb. 21, Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), along with Iqwinder Gaheer, MP for Mississauga–Malton, visited Coco Bakery, a Mississauga-based French pastries manufacturer, where they met with employees and announced an investment of nearly $2.4 million towards the growth of three southern Ontario food manufacturing companies: Coco Bakery, Metzger Meats and Al-Shamas Food Products.

Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is vital to the Canadian economy. The sector is the third largest in North America with annual revenues of more than $48 billion and employing over 104,000 people. This investment will help these three companies adopt new equipment, increase their manufacturing capacity and create 56 jobs across southern Ontario.

“Investing in southern Ontario’s food manufacturers and the businesses that support them is integral to ensuring that high-quality food reaches grocery store shelves and families across the country. Today’s investment of nearly $2.4 million will support three businesses as they showcase the abilities of our local food manufacturers, while also creating good jobs, and contributing to a strong southern Ontario economy,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

“Our food manufacturing sector is critical to the well-being of our residents and communities. This announcement will support our local businesses as they grow and strengthen their manufacturing capacities and compete in global markets, while creating valuable jobs,” said Iqwinder Gaheer, MP for Mississauga–Malton.