SAINT-QUENTIN (CNB) – Restigouche Brands Inc., a Saint-Quentin based maple syrup processor, is expanding its operations with the help of nearly $600,000 from the federal and provincial governments.

"Investing in economic development projects in Saint-Quentin and in the Restigouche region is important for the economy of northern New Brunswick," said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud. "This investment will allow Restigouche Brands to increase the effectiveness of its newly expanded facility."

Specializing in bottling and distribution of maple syrup, the facility operates under the auspices of Citadelle, Maple Syrup Producers' Cooperative.

"Our investment in Restigouche Brands Inc. will allow this northern New Brunswick company to modernize its facilities and improve its efficiency and production,” said Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie Bernard Valcourt. “This funding will ensure the viability of the Saint-Quentin plant and maintain jobs here. Supporting this type of project fits perfectly with the priorities of our government, which are economic growth and job creation."

The project aims to establish a new manufacturing line for maple syrup in innovative packaging. The government funds will enable the organization to remain competitive while ensuring the sustainability of the Saint-Quentin plant. The upgrade will result in an additional 700,000 pounds of maple products processed each year, increasing the production of value-added products in the province.

"We are proud to make this investment to better serve the members of our cooperative producers in New Brunswick who will see a better trade outlet for their maple syrup," said André Bouffard, director Financial Services and treasurer of Citadelle, Maple Syrup Producers' Cooperative. "This project will use a new packaging process ensuring the highest standards of quality. It will further establish a distinctive new brand: Appalaches Atlantique."

“With the input of government programs, we are confident of the continued success of Restigouche Brands Inc. which has been owned by our two co-operative for some 15 years,” he added. “We sincerely thank both levels of government that allow for these achievements to take place and we wish to highlight the excellent services provided by their professional agents."

The federal government, through ACOA's Business Development Program, is contributing $375,000 to the project while the provincial government is investing $220,000. Restigouche Brands Inc. will invest $155,000.


21-10-11