Jacek Chocolate Couture receives government funds

February 21, 2020 – The governments of Canada and Alberta are helping Jacek Chocolate Couture expand production and reduce environmental impact through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP).

The company is receiving up to $116,238 which will go towards a new flow-wrapper machine that uses compostable film. The machine has already been purchased and installed by the company. The innovation allows the company to bring its operations to a new level while furthering its environmental goals.

Jacek, an award-winning company based in Sherwood Park, Alta., creates artisan and craft chocolate.

“This is a wonderful win-win project that will boost production while reducing the impact on our environment,” federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said in a press release. “Our government is always pleased to support small, environmentally-minded businesses like Jacek Chocolate Couture as they find new ways to succeed and grow.”

Company founder and cocoanista Jacqueline Jacek said she is grateful for the support of the local, provincial and federal governments over the last 10 years.

“This support has allowed us to not only grow our business, but it has helped us improve our systems to ensure food safety, access new markets and most recently advance our environmental stewardship goals.”

Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen said small businesses are critical to Alberta’s economic growth.

“Our government is supporting local businesses by helping them reach the global market and remain competitive. We appreciate the confidence and investment by Jacek to produce world-renowned products here in Alberta.”

The CAP is a five-year, $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments, with the aim of strengthening the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.

Programs and activities are focused on growing trade and expanding markets, innovative and sustainable growth of the sector, and supporting diversity and a dynamic, evolving sector.

In Alberta, CAP has committed a federal-provincial investment of $406 million over five years towards strategic programs and services that are aligned to national objectives and tailored to priorities in Alberta.