KITCHENER – Ground was broken Friday on a new food processing institute that will go a long way in addressing skilled labour shortages in Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector.

The Institute of Food Processing Technology – to be located at Conestoga College’s Doon Campus – will serve as training grounds for much needed skilled professionals in food and beverage processing. It will be the first of its kind in Canada.

In addition to state-of-the-art processing equipment, food labs, and world-class instructors, the Institute will be home to offices for the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors (AOFP), an industry association representing Ontario food and beverage processors and suppliers.

“Ontario’s food processing sector is the second largest manufacturing sector in the province, but there hasn’t been a direct educational path to access careers in this sector,” says Craig Richardson, AOFP Chair. “This institute is something our members have been working toward for some time, and it will allow our sector to remain competitive and keep jobs in Canada because companies will have access to a pool of skilled labour.”

Ontario’s 3,000 food and beverage companies employ 110,000 people. That number is expected to grow as the industry unfolds its plans to grow the industry’s value from $33 billion to $40 billion.

“We applaud all four levels of government, and our partners at Conestoga College, for allowing this Institute to proceed,” says Richardson.

AOFP is a non-profit organization of food and beverage processing companies and industry organizations. Members have joined together to provide a comprehensive and co-ordinated approach to promoting and representing the Ontario food and beverage processing sector on issues of common interest and concern. For more information visit www.aofp.ca .