Canadian dairy cooperative Gay Lea Foods is to set up a dairy ingredients “hub” in the country.

Gay Lea is investing CAD140m (US$104m) over four years to establish an “innovative, nutrition and nutraceutical-grade dairy ingredients hub” in Ontario.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The first phase of the project, which is backed by the Dairy Farmers of Ontario, will start early next year with a CAD60m expansion plan in the village of Teeswater in Bruce County, Ontario.

The first phase includes a CAD3m investment to build a research and development centre of excellence in Hamilton, Ontario. “This working laboratory and innovation incubator will be the nexus between R&D and commercialisation throughout Gay Lea Foods’ operations and also service our partners in the dairy, food and health sectors,” the company said.

Upgrades and expansion at the cooperative’s Toronto-area food manufacturing facilities will also take place as part of the first phase “to increase our capabilities and competitiveness, improving cost efficiencies, while working to reduce our environmental footprint”, Gay Lea said.

Michael Barrett, Gay Lea’s president and CEO, added: “Gay Lea Foods is motivated to shape the Canadian dairy industry of tomorrow while nourishing our farmer-owned cooperative today. Our cooperative is proving that successful and continuous growth as a wholly-owned and operating Canadian dairy and food processor is possible.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Last month, Gay Lea Foods said it had entered into an agreement with Butterball Farms to acquire Stirling Creamery, a manufacturer of “artisanal crafted” natural and flavoured butter

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now