Bonduelle to introduce new system to improve vegetable shelf life

Saint-Denis-sur-Richelieu, Que. – Bonduelle Research Inc. will receive a $2.5-million investment from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada towards the introduction of a new food preservation technology to prolong the shelf-life of vegetables.

The technology features a new freezing process that allows vegetables to retain their colour, texture and taste, while providing a protective coating against disease-causing germs. With the use of this technology more vegetables will be available to Canadians year-round.

Bonduelle North America is the largest vegetable processor in Canada, with three facilities in Ontario and four in Quebec.

The primary vegetable processing sector contributed $140 million to the Canadian economy in 2014.

“Canada’s vegetable industry plays a significant role in our overall economy,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in making the announcement. “By introducing a new technology to enhance vegetable processing, Canada will be able to create economic opportunities for local farmers and increase the demand for homegrown crops.”