Ontario aims to grow agri-food exports with Super-Pufft Snacks investment
The province is planning to contribute $1m through the Food and Beverage Growth Fund towards the purchase and installation of a canister crisp line for the Mississauga-based snack company, with Super-Pufft Snacks investing a further $9m in the line.
“The new line will allow Super-Pufft to double its production capacity and capitalize on new export opportunities – with 90% of sales of the new products destined for export markets,” said Ontario’s Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), adding the government’s investment would contribute to the economy, generate more jobs and support the agri-food sector.
“Thirty-four jobs will be created and 304 retained as a result of this project,” said OMAFRA.
Value-added products
Super-Pufft Snacks president and CEO Yousif Al-Ali told BakeryandSnacks that support from the provincial government would enhance the company’s ability to grow its processing and packaging capabilities. He added that, as Ontario’s agri-food export market grew, Super-Pufft Snacks would focus on delivering value-added products, including raw materials, packaging, and finishing goods.
“Ontario is demonstrating to a global audience that it has businesses and leaders that can deliver quality and competitive products not only for local but international distribution and consumption,” he said.
Ontario has 52,000 farms and is home to Canada’s largest food processing sector, which accounts for 3,300 businesses, according to OMAFRA. The provinces’ agri-food sector supports more than 781,000 jobs and contributes $35bn to the province’s GDP.
“The collaborative nature between the government and industry is a key to the agri-food sector’s success,” said the ministry. "When the sector prospers, it supports new opportunities for economic development and creates new jobs, both locally and across the entire province.”
OMAFRA said part of its economic plan is to seek out opportunities to increase exports, while also working to replace imports.
Trade mission
Efforts have included a trade mission to China, which is Ontario’s second largest agri-food export market after the US, and sending a Canadian delegation to Atlanta in June for the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific agreement (TPP).
“Our government recognizes the need to be active trading partners and take advantage of the opportunities trade agreements like TPP create,” said OMAFRA.
