Maple Leaf Foods completed the acquisition of a poultry processing plant located near Schomberg, Ontario, along with the plant’s associated poultry supply.
According to a press release from the company, the purchase was completed in accordance with an agreement reached when it earlier acquired two Cericola Farms poultry plants and the associated supply in 2018.
In 2018, Maple Leaf Foods closed on the acquisition of Cericola’s plants in Bradford, Ontario, and Drummondville, Quebec.
In the 2018 deal, Maple Leaf Foods secured 100% of the processed chicken volume from Cericola’s primary processing plant near Schomberg, with an option to acquire that plant and its associated supply in three years.
According to Maple Leaf Foods’ press release, the most recent acquisition aligns with the company’s overall strategy to continue to build its meat protein business.
Cericola Farms, in a message on its website, stated: “Cericola Farms entrusts Tony and Mary Cericola’s legacy to an organization full of family values aligned with our own philosophies. The availability of chicken raised with carefully developed feed, processed and delivered fresh to local markets was Tony Cericola’s vision, with the help of his family and community, Tony and Mary fulfilled this vision for over 60 years. …”
“Cericola Farms has always operated as a family-owned business throughout the years. These products in compliment to the natural products delivered by the Maple Leaf Foods brand will ensure this vision remains fulfilled for years to come.”
Maple Leaf Foods’ acquisition of the Cericola Farms facilities is just part of the company’s recent trend of growth through acquisitions.
In March, the company finalized the purchase of a tempeh production facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2018, Maple Leaf closed on the acquisition of VIAU Foods, a Canadian market leader in premium Italian cooked, dry-cured and charcuterie meats. Earlier that year, the company invested in Entomo Farms, North America’s largest farm that raises insects for human consumption. The previous year, the company announced it was entering, and later, expanding in the plant-based protein sector, with the acquisitions of Lightlife Foods and Field Roast Grain Meat Co.
Maple Leaf Foods is also constructing a new value-added fresh poultry plant in London, Ontario.
