ADL to capitalize on increase in demand for butter
March 25, 2019 – O'Leary, PEI – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Ensuring that Atlantic Canadian companies in the food industry are well equipped to take advantage of opportunities helps to secure jobs for the middle class and those looking to join it. For over six decades, Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL) has been the Island's largest processor of dairy products. To keep up with rising demand over the past decade, ADL is updating equipment at its O'Leary facility to increase butter production and capitalize on the opportunity to further boost its sales.
The O'Leary plant has been operating since the cooperative came to be in 1953. By purchasing innovative equipment and modernizing the facility, ADL will be able to produce more of its quality butter and get it on store shelves faster.
The Government of Canada is providing a repayable contribution of $400,000 to ADL for this project. The Province of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, is providing a contribution of $100,000.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Robert Henderson, Prince Edward Island Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, made the announcement today.
Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to support businesses to scale-up, increase productivity and participate in the innovation economy. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.
"We have a rapidly changing economy and businesses need to be in a position to keep up or risk being left behind. To keep pace in the food industry, increased automation and innovative technologies are at the core of business growth. ADL continues to be a leader in the dairy industry; its forward thinking and understanding of the market will position it well for continued success. I am pleased that the Government of Canada is supporting ADL, a company that cares about Island communities from tip to tip and contributes greatly to the PEI economy."
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
"Innovation, technology, and sustainability are fundamental to the successes of our dairy industry on Prince Edward Island. ADL has been a leader in the sector for many years and by implementing new and innovative equipment and technologies, access to new markets will be improved for the continued success and development of quality dairy products.
Honourable Robert Henderson, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries
"Today's announcement is an investment into the sustainability, efficiency and future of the O'Leary butter plant. This investment will allow ADL to diversify products, seek new markets and respond to consumer demands well into the future. We welcome the partnership between the federal and provincial government and by working together we will ensure ADL is able to respond to market realities and continue supporting the PEI dairy industry"
Chad Mann, Chief Executive Officer, Amalgamated Dairies Ltd.
Quick facts
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The Government of Canada invested $400,000 in this project through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program.
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The Government of Prince Edward Island will contribute $100,000 to this project.
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ADL was established in 1953 with the consolidation of seven dairy co-operatives in order to pool resources to buy essential equipment to meet quality standards. Today, the company is owned by 165 proud dairy farmers and governed by a 16-member board. ADL employs over 250 Islanders
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The Business Scale-up and Productivity stream of REGI supports businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate their growth, help them scale up and enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets, and continues to build on the objectives of the government's Innovation and Skills Plan.
