Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today an investment of $2.5 million to Bonduelle Research Inc., to introduce a new food preservation technology which prolongs the shelf-life of vegetables making them safer to consume longer after they are harvested.
This innovative state-of-the-art technology will use a new freezing process that allows vegetables to retain their colour, texture and taste, while providing a protective coating against disease-causing germs. This technology will make more vegetables available to consumers year-round, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Canada's fresh produce sector.
Quick facts
- The primary vegetable processing sector contributed $140 million to the Canadian economy in 2014.
- This investment is being made through the Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698 million program.
- Bonduelle North America is Canada’s largest vegetable processor with seven plants in the country, including three in Ontario’s Horseshoe Valley and four in the St. Lawrence River Valley in Quebec.
Source: AAFC