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 Ritz and 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 is building 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.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Williamson
Cabinet Communications
Province of Manitoba
Telephone: 204-945-1494

Brian Williamson
Communications, Winnipeg
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: 204-983-6243

Richard Lavergne
Regional Communications Manitoba
AAFC Manitoba
Telephone: 204-983-4456