Kingston chosen for Frulact’s Canadian home

Sept. 22, 2015 – Kingston, Ont., has been selected as the home for a new North American plant and research and development facility by Portuguese food processor Frulact Group. This announcement marks Frulact’s first presence in Canada.

Frulact Canada has acquired 15 acres of development land in the Cataraqui Estates Business Park in the city’s west end. The approximately 75,000-sq.-ft. fruit preparation and processing plant is slated to break ground later this year and open in fall 2016. The company also has an option for an additional 15 acre parcel adjacent to the purchased lot for potential future expansion.

About 50 employees will be hired when the facility opens with more jobs to be added.

“The capacity to attract foreign investment shown by the City of Kingston and Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) played a crucial role in our decision to go to Ontario, allowing us to accelerate our growth and recognition as a global company,” said Joao Miranda, CEO of Frulact.

“Food and beverage processing plays a key role in helping grow Ontario’s economy,” continued Jeff Leal, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs. “This new operation will help Ontario’s agri-food industry continue to grow and contribute to the premier’s Agri-Food Growth Challenge of creating 120,000 new jobs by 2020. We welcome Frulact Canada to the Kingston community and look forward to their role in Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector.”

Established in 1987, Frulact offers custom-made fruit preparations for dairy, ice cream, pastry, and beverage industries.