Ontario and federal governments invest in Bacardi

The federal and provincial governments are investing in a Brampton, Ont. beverage processor, Bacardi Canada Inc., as a way to provide new opportunities for the local economy and grow Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector.

Bacardi Canada Inc. is receiving approximately $350,000 under the Growing Forward 2 initiative to upgrade equipment to create new packaging and labelling for the BACARDI brand, including Superior, Gold, Black and Fuego; as well as to produce packaging that is made from recycled materials and is designed to increase brand recognition.

Through this investment, Bacardi is expecting to be able to strengthen its brand, create new marketing opportunities and increase sales.

Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Jeff Leal at Bacardi Canada Inc.

“Ontario is supporting food and beverage businesses to help continue to grow Ontario’s strong agri-food sector. Having Bacardi Canada’s bottling operation anchored in our province sends a clear signal to domestic and foreign markets that Ontario is a prime location where food and beverage processing companies can invest, expand and be successful,” says Jeff Leal, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The investment in Bacardi Canada builds on support for other Ontario-based companies that have received funding through Growing Forward 2. To date, the federal and provincial government have announced more than $3.8 million towards food and beverage processing projects in Halton and Peel regions.

Growing Forward 2 is a federal-provincial-territorial funding program that encourages innovation, competitiveness, market development and capacity building in Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sector.

“Bacardi Canada is pleased to have the support of both the federal and provincial governments through Growing Forward 2. The Bacardi bottling facility in Brampton annually produces more than seven million litres of rum for the Canadian market. Rum is one of the most competitive spirit segments in Canada. The partnership with Growing Forward 2 and its investment have allowed us to implement important changes in our facility. We expect these changes will help grow our business in Canada,” says Paul Tepperman, vice-president and managing director, Bacardi Canada Inc.

“We are pleased at this tangible recognition by the Ontario Government of the importance of Spirits manufacturing to the province’s economy and the need to ensure our production facilities remain best-in-class, globally competitive and well positioned for future growth,” adds Jan Westcott, president & CEO, Spirits Canada.