A Historic Investment for Cordon Bleu in Montreal

The company continues to experience dynamic growth in Canada and now also turns its sights south to tackle the American market

MONTREAL, October 31, 2024 — Having just celebrated its 90th anniversary, Cordon Bleu, a leader in Québec’s food processing industry, today announced an investment of $17 million in its Anjou plant, the largest in the company’s history.

Initiated this year, the investment plan has already seen $5 million deployed at the Cordon Bleu plant in Montreal, with an additional $12 million committed over the next 24 months.

These investments are intended to support the company's continued growth across Canada, and its recent U.S. expansion, through the replacement and addition of key production and packaging equipment, providing Cordon Bleu increased production capacity, flexibility and operational efficiency.

“Today, we’re accelerating our corporate growth plans. These major investments will enhance our productivity, better positioning us to meet the needs of our customers in all markets, not only for our Cordon Bleu, Clark, Paris Pâte´ and Esta brands, but also for our private label offerings,” said Rob McKenzie, President and CEO.

While the company will be injecting its own capital, its investment plan is made possible through the support of a group of financial institutions and government agencies including CIBC, Investissement Québec, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) and the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec.

“CIBC has been invested in Cordon Bleu’s growth for 10 years now. We are proud to witness the company’s successes, but also its agility and resilience in a market of a strong global competitors. We are very excited to participate in the next chapter of their story by supporting this bold and dynamic development plan which will help create value not only within the company, but also across Quebec’s agri-food industry,” added Sami Zarka, Senior Director, CIBC Commercial Banking Group.

“Investissement Québec is proud to stand alongside Ouimet-Cordon Bleu Foods, supporting the growth of an ambitious company, proudly Quebecois for 90 years, and resolutely focused on the future. By prioritizing an accelerated pace of innovation, opening new export markets and increasing its productivity, Cordon Bleu is giving itself every opportunity to realize its full potential in Quebec and internationally,” affirmed Bicha Ngo, President and CEO, Investissement Québec.

“Our government is committed to helping our SMEs become more competitive and innovative. With this financial support, CED is helping Cordon Bleu export more and export further, all while creating good jobs for the region of Montreal. Congratulations to the entire Cordon Bleu team for embarking on this project and showcasing Quebec know-how,” added the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED.

“Food processing is an important sector for our economy. The financial assistance provided to Cordon Bleu will enable it to increase its productivity, modernize its facilities and maintain its competitiveness to remain a leader in the field,” said Andre´ Lamontagne, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Centre-du-Québec region.

“This funding will support Cordon Bleu, which has just celebrated its 90th anniversary, in continuing to grow and aggressively expand its reach in both the Canadian and American markets. I am proud that one of Quebec’s largest food processing companies has been located in the heart of the Anjou–Louis-Riel riding since 1988,” emphasized Karine Boivin Roy, Member of the National Assembly for Anjou–Louis-Riel, Government Assistant to the Minister responsible for Metropolitan Montreal and the Montreal region and Government Assistant to the Minister of Employment.

Over the past two years, Cordon Bleu has opened new markets for its products in the United States, while continuing to expand its presence in Canada. With over 90 years of history, the company has become a cultural icon in Quebec. Today, its products, which hold a place at the heart of Quebec’s rich food culture, are available in thousands of points of sale in Canada and the U.S. and are enjoyed by millions of consumers from coast to coast.

Founded more than nine decades ago, Cordon Bleu continues to innovate and grow while remaining firmly anchored in the east end of Montreal. Its 110 employees work tirelessly to develop new production methods and new products to meet an ever-changing demand.

About Cordon Bleu

For over 90 years, Cordon Bleu and its brands (Clark, Cordo Bleu, Paris Pâte´ and Esta) have been nourishing the happiness of North American consumers with food that is accessible and comforting. The company is also recognized for providing co-manufacturing services to large multinational food companies and for preparing private label products for the country’s largest and most decerning food retailers.

A leader in the commercialization of canned foods – baked beans, sauces, meat spreads, soups and stews – Cordon Bleu is also recognized for its unique corporate culture, centered on authenticity, pride (expressed with humility), well-being and happiness!