Wonderbrands, part of the FGF Brands group, is ending sliced bread production at its Ontario facility in Canada.
The union representing workers at the plant in the city of Sudbury, said 50 staff are set to lose their jobs due to the decision, mostly part-time employees.
Wonderbrands confirmed via a spokesperson that manufacturing of buns and rolls will continue at the Sudbury factory when the bread line shuts down, slated for the 6 October.
“This decision was not made lightly and is driven by a sustained industry-wide shift in bread consumption and is aimed at ensuring we continue to operate efficiently and invest in areas of growth,” the spokesperson said in a statement provided to Just Food.
“We are deeply grateful to every team member involved in bread production for their dedication and professionalism. This change is not a reflection of their performance but of the realities of a changing marketplace.”
Etobicoke, Ontario-headquartered Wonderbrands, which makes the bakery brands Wonder, D’Italiano and Country Harvest, did not specify the number of workers affected.
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By GlobalDataHowever, the company said: “Our talent and development team is actively engaging with team members and union representatives to discuss reassignment opportunities, voluntary retirement options, and other forms of support.”
The United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) union said via its Local 175 unit that the approximately 50 jobs at risk include all part-time positions and “several” full-time roles.
“This is more than just a loss of jobs. It’s a loss for the entire community,” Kelly Tosato, the president of UFCW Local 175, said in a statement.
“Northern Ontario cannot continue to bear the brunt of corporate decisions that put profits ahead of people.”
FGF Brands in Toronto acquired Wonderbrands under a deal in 2021 for part of the fresh and frozen bakery assets of Weston Foods, owned by the George Weston company.
The FGF Brands affiliated entities paid C$1.2bn ($869.9m today) for the assets.
Bread, buns and muffins are produced under the Wonder brand, while D’Italiano and Country Harvest make rolls, bread and bagels. Wonderbrands also owns the Casa Mendosa and Gadoua lines of tortillas.
All the products are sold to the retail and foodservice channels.
In 2023, Wonderbrands sold a pair of baking facilities to Rise Baking, one in Brampton, Ontario, and another in Kent in the US state of Washington.
UFCW added: “The Union is actively engaged in discussions with Wonderbrands to assist affected members to receive the support they need, including transition programmes, retraining opportunities, and support services.
“While the current collective agreement provides severance provisions and early retirement options, these measures cannot fully offset the impact on workers, their families, and the local economy.”
