The value-added fresh poultry business is an important part of our product portfolio, with chicken the fastest growing segment in the meat protein market. We have built leading national brands in Prime Raised Without Antibiotics (RWA), Maple Leaf and Mina, and established strong producer relationships. With the increasing demand in this category, expanding our poultry network is an integral part of supporting future growth and meeting our customer’s needs.
In 2018, Maple Leaf Foods acquired two poultry plants from Cericola Farms (now Certm Inc). The original agreement included an option to acquire the primary processing plant and associated supply in Schomberg, Ontario in 2021.
We are announcing today that we have completed the purchase of the plant in Schomberg, Ontario effective June 25, 2021.
Acquiring this facility and the associated supply further secures capabilities and capacity for Maple Leaf, and to our value-added fresh poultry business and supporting our ability to continue to meet growing demand in the premium value-added segment of the market.
Please help us welcome the Schomberg plant team to the Maple Leaf family and extend any mutual terms between our organizations under the affiliate’s clauses in our contracts.