CANADA – Campari Canada has announced an investment of US$5 million for the renovation and redevelopment of their Grimsby, Ontario distillery for Forty Creek Canadian Whisky.

The investment is another milestone in the European company’s strategy to make Canada a priority market for investment and innovation.

According to the company, it has invested well over US$200million in Canada as part of a global strategy to prioritize the Canadian market, since 2014.

This had included an initial investment of US$184-million for the purchase of Forty Creek Distillery Ltd., along with the on-going priority to invest heavily in staff training.

“We recognize the Canadian domestic market represents a huge opportunity for growth,” said Massimo Mottura, president, Campari Canada.

“The retooled and improved Grimsby facility will allow Campari Canada to serve the market more efficiently and ensure we keep jobs here in Canada.”

“Our government is working to make sure Ontario is able to compete and succeed in today’s rapidly changing global market.

One of the ways we are doing this is by increasing access and export capacity for our businesses,” said the Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade.

Through the province’s leadership in modern international trade agreements like the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic Free Trade Agreement (CETA), we are ensuring our domestic businesses can meet the demand of consumers in some of the world’s largest markets like Europe.”

“We’re thrilled that Campari is investing and expanding in Ontario,” said Hon. Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth.

“This is a tremendous vote of confidence in our people, in our economy and in the work we have been doing together to make Ontario one of the best places in the world to invest and do business.”

In 2015, Gruppo Campari invested in US$1.3 million to establish a Canadian head office in Toronto.

Since setting up Canadian operations, the company has added 70 new Canadian jobs, with new positions including 13 marketing positions, 17 in finance, eight in production, 25 in sales, two in human resources and five senior executives.

“Ontario is a diverse place to do business and our citizens come from all over world,” said Hon. Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

“This diversity gives us a competitive advantage and makes Ontario an attractive place to find talent.”