Nova Scotia Business Grabbing Bigger Slice of the Pie

A Nova Scotia business is getting ready to grab a much bigger slice of the pie business, with a serving of support from the province.

The Apple Valley Foods Inc. plant in Kentville is undergoing a $10-million modernization. A new oven, packaging equipment, freezers and other advanced machinery will be added to the facility.

"Apple Valley Foods has identified an opportunity to grow, and the company is investing significantly to take its business to the next level," said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. "When a company in Nova Scotia takes this kind of initiative, the province is ready to be a partner to help turn innovative ideas into success stories."

The province is contributing $1-million towards the project, which will see a significant expansion in production capacity.

The expansion will also allow the company to buy more apples and blueberries from local farmers in the Annapolis Valley.

"This investment will enable the company to continue our growth within the North American market," said Jeff Sarsfield, president of Apple Valley Foods Inc. "New equipment gives us the opportunity to be innovative with the varieties we offer, and we're excited about the potential to develop unique products using Nova Scotia's signature apples and berries."

The company will also receive a $2-million repayable investment from the federal government.

Apple Valley Foods Inc. is Canada's second largest manufacturer of pies, exporting their high-quality products throughout North America.

This investment comes from the Capital Investment Incentive Program, which encourages businesses to become more innovative and productive by reimbursing up to 20 per cent of the cost of advanced equipment to a maximum of $1-million. For more information, visit www.novascotia.ca/econ .