CANADA – Coca-Cola Canada has announced an US$85 million investment to build a new production facility in Ontario, Canada while it also launches its new fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk in the region.
According to the company, the new facility will provide new production capabilities starting with fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk, lactose free milk containing nine essential nutrients, with 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than traditional milk.
The new facility, scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2020, will produce fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk in Fat Free, 2% White, 2% Chocolate and Whole (3.25%)
“We couldn’t be more excited to continue the fairlife journey with our forthcoming expansion into Canada,” said Tim Doelman, chief operating officer of fairlife.
“We’re continuing to experience tremendous growths as more and more people are becoming dedicated fans of our rich tasting and nutritious milk, and we’re confident that Canadians are going to love it as well.
The decision to launch fairlife in Canada was an easy one to make, given the high farming and dairy standards already in place.
All of our products start with high quality, great tasting fresh milk, which is what Canadian dairy farms are dedicated to as well.”
Working closely with Dairy Farmers of Ontario, Canada will be the first international market for fairlife products.
“This announcement is a significant step in our journey to be a total beverage company.
We are listening to consumers and evolving our business strategy to respond,” said Shane Grant, president of the Canadian business unit of The Coca-Cola Company.
“We have launched an unprecedented number of new products into the Canadian market over the last 18 months including smaller package formats and new brands, such as Gold Peak, smartwater sparkling, Glaceau fruitwater, vitaminwater active, Peace Tea, and Powerade Zero.
Adding fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk to our portfolio means we can offer Canadians more of what they are looking for – products with less sugar, more functional benefits and more natural ingredients.”
The new facility will create 35 jobs and will drive incremental benefits within the economy, from the development and construction of the facility to the on-going resources and suppliers needed to support daily operations.
The plant will be supplied with milk from local dairy farmers in Ontario and will bring new innovation to the Canadian dairy industry.
“Dairy farmers in Ontario look forward to working with processors, such as Coca-Cola Canada and fairlife, to bring further innovation to our growing Canadian dairy industry, and are excited at the opportunity fairlife presents to expand the dairy category and offer more variety to consumers,” said Graham Lloyd, Dairy Farmers of Ontario general manager and chief executive officer.
“Canadian consumers value high-quality milk and animal care standards available in Ontario and throughout Canada, which is why Canada is an ideal market to launch fairlife.
Canada’s dairy system continues to contribute to the Canadian economy by attracting millions of dollars in processor investments and offering continued and stable growth.”
“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food industry generates over US$100 billion of our gross domestic product, employing more Canadians than any other manufacturing industry in the country,” added the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
“This new plant in Peterborough will help create jobs, encourage innovation and foster new market opportunities in Ontario and across the country-tapping into the growth potential of Canada’s agriculture and food industry.”
“I welcome today’s announcement by Coca-Cola.
This investment represents a significant vote of confidence in a 70-year strong partnership between Coca-Cola, Minute Maid, and our region’s skilled workers,” concluded the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament for Peterborough-Kawartha.
