Maple Leaf Foods is selling its poultry plant in Drummondville, Quebec, and its associated supply, to Giannone Poultry of St. Cuthbert, Quebec.
As part of the sale, Maple Leaf Foods and Giannone have reached a three-year supply agreement that will allow Maple Leaf Foods to maintain its supply of fresh chicken.
Maple Leaf Foods acquired the plant and supply in 2018 with the purchase of select Cericola Farms assets. Maple Leaf Foods will continue to own and operate the Bradford, Ontario poultry plant that was also acquired in connection with the 2018 Cericola purchase.
The sale of the plant in Drummondville is expected to close this summer subject to normal closing conditions and usual regulatory processes.
"Core to Maple Leaf's strategy is sustainable and value-added meat protein products," said Michael McCain, President and CEO. "Over the past few years, our leadership position in this category has grown; however, we are focused on prioritizing capital and optimizing our processing network. The sale of the Drummondville facility is an outcome of our continued network optimization."
This transaction will allow Giannone Poultry, which already owns a major plant in St-Cuthbert (Lanaudière), to increase its production volume by 40%.
“The agreement is in line with our growth objective and will help slightly increasing our production volume. This transaction will also strengthen our marketing capacities to better meet our customers' needs," said Bruno Giannone, vice-president and CEO of Giannone Poultry.
Founded in 1989, Giannone Poultry, also known as Volaille Giannone, is a family business specializing in poultry slaughtering and cutting. It is known for its production methods based on animal welfare, product quality, food safety, and respect for the environment. Giannone Poultry serves both the Quebec and Canadian markets as well as north-eastern United States. The company offers premium-quality products, from fresh and seasoned chicken to vacuum-sealed products.
Giannone presently employs over 250 people.
