SAINT-ISIDORE (GNB) – The Acadian Wild Blueberry Co. is increasing its cold-storage capacity to more than 45 million kilograms with the construction of an additional facility in the northern part of the province.
The development of the wild blueberry sector has been identified as a key opportunity under the New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan.
“With wild blueberry production tripling over the past decade, and the recent opening of the Acadian Wild Blueberry processing plant in Saint-Isidore, the sector is expected to grow even larger,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Our government is committed to working with all producers to develop this sector.”
Acadian Wild Blueberry Co. officially opened its state-of-the-art processing plant in July with cold storage for more than 20 million kilograms. It has two freezing tunnels that can process more than 680,000 kilograms of blueberries per day during the harvest season.
The company is constructing an additional 8,826-square metre cold-storage building. The $16-million expansion will add nearly 25 million kilograms of cold-storage capacity.
“New Brunswick is poised to be a world leader in wild blueberry production,” said Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Rick Doucet. “To accomplish this, we need a strong framework in place that allows smaller, local producers to fully participate. Our government will continue to work in partnership with the blueberry sector and all producers to optimize growth and accelerate the development of new markets, offering producers more options.”
Opportunities NB will contribute $12 million in the form of a repayable loan. During the construction phase, 35 new jobs will be created.
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province.
13-10-16