Atlantic Canada’s food industry contributes significantly to the regional economy, with nearly 20,000 businesses providing good middle-class jobs for Atlantic Canadians. New product development, increasing use of innovative technologies and processes, and exploring new export markets are critical to sustainably grow the region’s food industry. That is why the Government of Canada is supporting a project at Amalgamated Dairies Ltd. (ADL) that will enable the well-established producer of dairy products to create a specialized cheese aging facility and expand its product line.

“In Canada and around the world, markets for diverse, quality food products continue to grow, and in Atlantic Canada we see leading businesses meeting that demand. The Government of Canada recognizes the huge potential of the food industry and is working to ensure its long-term sustainable growth. Collaboration and innovation are vital to advancing a strong food industry in the Atlantic region that is competitive on a global scale.”

• The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible ACOA

“ADL has a deep history in Western PEI. Its products are staples on shelves in Atlantic Canada and well beyond the region. I am proud to see a company like this continue to invest in the community and its workers, while maintaining strong ties to the farmers that supply and share in its ownership, as it expands into new and diverse ventures. The Government of Canada is pleased to support innovative growth at ADL.”

• Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont

“We’re excited about the new product potential of the latest investments here at ADL. For this project, we’ve been working with clients to develop aged cheese products with enhanced and unique flavor profiles. The process has already begun, and we expect these new offerings to be available to customers across Canada by 2020.”

•  Chad Mann, CEO and General Manager, Amalgamated Dairies Ltd.

• Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL), headquartered in Summerside, PEI, produces a broad array of dairy products with annual sales of $175 million per year.
  

• Formed in 1953, the company is owned by 165 dairy farmers and governed by a 16-member board. The company employs 285 people across six distinct divisions.
  

• The company processes close to 102 million litres of PEI milk per year. Of this production, approximately 65 million litres are used at the industrial plants located in Summerside to make specialty cheese, butter and evaporated milk products.
  

• This project will see ADL develop two new cheese varieties made with Canadian milk. These two new types of cheese will be unique to the Canadian market and will require specialized processing equipment, storage equipment and warehouse space, a new milk handling and testing regime and a specialized aging facility.
  

Jana Parker Smith
Communications Manager
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
jana.parker@canada.ca
 
Chad Mann
CEO and General Manager
902-888-5053
Amalgamated Dairies Ltd.