May 25, 2012

EXPANDED FOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ENHANCES SERVICES FOR ENTREPRENEURS CREATING NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCTS

The newly expanded Food Development Centre (FDC) in Portage la Prairie now has additional specialized equipment, can accommodate more clients and is able to provide a broader range of advisory services to established and newly emerging food companies, Premier Greg Selinger and Candice Hoeppner,Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Portage–Lisgar, on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritzand Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Lynne Yelich, announced at the grand opening today.
“Through this expansion, FDC clients will have access to more food and business specialists, and up-to-date technology that can assist with the development of new food and beverage products with improved health qualities,” said Premier Selinger. “The centre’s success with clients on the local, national and international level has raised awareness of the excellence found in Manitoba‑made food products and our skills in developing and commercializing food, and incubating food businesses.”
The $7.74-million expansion added almost 18,000 square feet to the FDC facility. The space now includes additional processing suites that allow the FDC to assist small to medium-sized enterprises, helping them implement new technologies and promoting the dynamic growth of Manitoba’s value-added, agri-food processing abilities.
Offering assistance in product research and development, and consultation in business structuring and marketing, the specialists with Manitoba Agriculture Food and Rural Initiatives who work at the Food Development Centre help entrepreneurs keep their products in tune with ever-changing consumer demands.
“Today’s celebration is an example of the success of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Our Government’s top priority remains creating jobs and economic prosperity here in Manitoba and across the country,” said Parliamentary Secretary Hoeppner. “We are proud to support projects like the Food Development Centre that result in a stronger Canadian economy through increased commercialization opportunities for processors resulting in long-term benefits for our farmers.” 

The FDC is an important link within the food industry infrastructure that supports Manitoba producers, entrepreneurs and rural economic development through job creation. Through this expansion process, the FDC isbuilding on its long-term strategy to strengthen the global image of Manitoba food products.
The centre is committed to the diversification and development of Manitoba’s agri-food industry, working with new, small and large food processors, adding value to Manitoba-grown ingredients to move products from the idea stage to the consumer market.

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

Premier Greg Selinger (second from right) joins Craig Evans (right), Chief Executive Officer, Granny’s Poultry; Scott Chollak, Vice President Retail, Safeway; and Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Ron Kostyshyn (left) at the official launch of the Buy Manitoba campaign at the Safeway store on Henderson Highway.READ MORE

April 26, 2012

 

'BUY MANITOBA' PROGRAM PROMOTES LOCALLY PROCESSED, FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS

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New Labels Help Consumers Identify More Locally Grown Foods: Premier

Manitobans looking to serve up and enjoy more locally produced, processed and fresh foods will have an easier time finding them on store shelves at Canada Safeway stores as the retail food chain implements new signs and shelf markers, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at the unveiling of the new Buy Manitoba campaign, administered by the Manitoba Food Processors Association (MFPA).
“When we purchase locally produced food we are providing more support to farm families, food processors, rural communities and Manitoba’s economic future, plus we get to understand exactly where our food is coming from,” said Selinger.  “We are pleased to work with our partners to make it easier for families to add more Manitoba products to their dinner tables.”
“With this program, Manitobans will find highly visible signage throughout our stores that specifically celebrates the incredible local selection available at Safeway.  Manitoba companies, both smaller vendors and nationally known, should benefit in greater sales and production needs as a result of this initiative,” said Scott Chollak, vice-president of retail operations, Canada Safeway.  “Safeway’s locally produced Lucerne branded ice cream, milk and bread products will also be showcased through the Buy Manitoba program.”
The program is designed to promote the purchase and consumption of food products grown or processed in Manitoba.  Safeway stores will feature new Buy Manitoba shelf markers and signs in each store provincewide.  It is anticipated this program will expand to other grocery stores in the future, the premier said.
He noted the province continues to support greater access to local food initiatives such as farmer’s markets, and applauds the work of community-based organizations in raising public awareness of local food issues and engaging Manitobans.
“We are grateful to the province for their ongoing support and investment in the Manitoba food industry.  This new program will allow consumers to discover food products that are processed and produced in their community, and in turn will help many of the small food processors grow and become more competitive in the market place,” said Dave Shambrock, executive director, MFPA.  “We are also very happy to be working closely with Canada Safeway.  Their support of the program will help consumers easily identify and choose local products at the retail level.”
A Manitoba food is defined as any food made entirely from ingredients sourced from Manitoba or composed of more than 85 per cent of main ingredients from Manitoba.  All the processing and packaging activities must be done in the province.  A Manitoba processed product is any food product processed and packaged entirely in Manitoba.  When the main ingredients are available in Manitoba in sufficient quantities, they must be used to be considered a Manitoba food product.

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