Canada’s Maple Leaf Foods has increased its exposure to organic chicken and chicken raised without the use of antibiotics (RWA) after buying assets including two poultry farms from local business Cericola Farms.

The deal, for an undisclosed sum, sees Maple Leaf acquire plants in Bradford, Ontario and Drummondville, Quebec, and associated supply.

The two plants process approximately 32m kg of chicken annually.  

Maple Leaf has also entered into an agreement to secure 100% of the processed chicken volume from Cericola’s primary processing plant in Schomberg, Ontario, and it holds an option to acquire the plant and associated supply in three years. 

Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf, said: “Cericola is a leader in raised without antibiotics and organic chicken. This acquisition will build Maple Leaf’s market leadership in these value-added categories and enable us to meet growing consumer demand.” 

Founder of Cericola Farms, Mary Cericola said, “Our vision over the past 60 years has been to provide wholesome and natural poultry products to our customers. It is this tradition of excellence that aligns Maple Leaf and Cericola.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Maple Leaf Foods has already transitioned most of it Maple Leaf Prime chicken brand to Prime RWA, where the Canadian market is growing at approximately 25% annually.