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Cavendish Farms expands to Western Canada

December 11, 2012, Dieppe, NB – Cavendish Farms officials recently announced the company has bought the assets of Maple Leaf Potatoes – the frozen potato business arm of Maple Leaf Foods Inc. – including a 142,000 sq. ft. processing facility in Lethbridge, Alta.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2012.

“Cavendish Farms is focused on growth opportunities that are a good fit for our existing business,” said Robert Irving, president of Cavendish Farms and co-chief executive officer of J.D. Irving, Limited. “This announcement will result in a more competitive Cavendish with stronger capabilities to service our customers from coast to coast in North America. It enhances our national distribution network in the foodservice and retail sectors in Canada and builds on our strong position in the United States.”

The company expects to retain all employees currently working at the Lethbridge plant in addition to international employees.

“We are pleased to be able to offer continued employment to those employees and look forward to their contributions as members of the Cavendish Farms team,” said Irving. “The Lethbridge plant is a well-maintained facility whose 135 employees produce quality frozen potato products for customers in Canada, in the United States and in key export markets.”

Irving added he looked forward to meeting with potato growers, suppliers and local stakeholders.

Cavendish Farms will continue to produce and market all products formerly offered by Maple Leaf Potatoes in the near term and will seek to retain all existing customer relationships. The Lethbridge plant currently produces a variety of products, including frozen French fries and other specialty potato products.

The Lethbridge plant is located in close proximity to Southern Alberta’s prime agricultural region, renowned for its high yields of quality potatoes ideal for French fry production.