CANADA – Canadian operations of Mexican multinational food company Grupo Bimbo are set to transition to 100% green energy following the signing of two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) with Renewable Energy Systems (RES).
The two fifteen-year agreements were made through Grupo Bimbo’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Bimbo Canada, and will see the development of two wind and solar projects in southern Alberta, totalling 170 MW of installed capacity.
Peter Clibbon, RES senior VP of development, said: “RES is proud that its Alberta wind and solar projects are helping Bimbo Canada meet its sustainability initiatives. It’s a win-win situation with our projects delivering competitive wind and solar electricity to Bimbo Canada, and while providing our host communities with long-term tax and landowner income.”
Under the terms of the agreements, Bimbo Canada will procure approximately 50 MW of renewable electricity to offset electricity consumption for its 16 bakeries, 14 distribution centres and 191 depots.
The announcement marks another milestone on the company’s journey towards using 100% renewable electricity by 2025.
Grupo Bimbo says that the Canadian VPPAs, together with other sustainability initiatives around the world, will help it offset 90% of its global electricity consumption.
“Bimbo Canada is committed to nourishing a better world through productive sustainability practices,” said Joe McCarthy, president of Bimbo Canada.
“These agreements are the next big step in reducing our environmental footprint and becoming leaders in responsible stewardship of the environment.”
Bimbo Canada produces and distributes fresh packaged breads and snacks under brands such as Stonemill, Villaggio and Vachon.
Earlier this year, the company signed the Canada Plastics Pact (CPP) and earned its first Energy Star certification for its Hamilton, Ontario bakery.
Its US sister division, Bimbo Bakeries USA was also given the 2021 Energy Star of the Year award by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy for achieving a 5% improvement in energy intensity and a 2% reduction in absolute energy in 2020 over the year prior.
Meanwhile, Grupo Bimbo has announced that it is investing in EatSane, an Israeli food-tech startup developing low-carb products without artificial sweeteners.
Liked this article? Subscribe to Food Business Africa News, our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s food and agro industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE
