Province Supports Job Creation in Valley

An Annapolis Valley juice producer is modifying its production line to accommodate for single-serve juice and beverage products, making more work available in the region and securing markets for local fruit growers.

The province is investing up to $500,000 in an innovation loan at the Greatvalley Juice plant in Port Williams. When the plant's production line for single-serve juice and beverage products is in full operation there is the potential to create 14 full-time equivalent positions.

"The additional production means new opportunities for workers and local apple producers," said Economic Development Minister Ernest Fage. "We are pleased that we can help the company branch out into the single-serve marketplace."

"The agriculture sector is so important to the Valley region and this expansion is integral to its continued growth," said Agriculture Minister Chris d'Entremont. "Adding value, by having the products packaged here, will help producers find more secure markets for local juice apples. That's good for everyone."

"The management of Greatvalley Juices is pleased to have entered into an agreement with the province of Nova Scotia," said Sylvain Mayrand vice-president of operations for A. Lassonde Inc.

Jay Johnson, director of operation for Greatvalley Juices, said:
"With the financial assistance provided by the province, we are working to determine which single-serve juices and beverages could be produced in the Port Williams facility that will best fit the needs of the company as a whole."

"Taking this seasonal operation to year-round status will strengthen the apple processing infrastructure in Nova Scotia," said Dela Erith, executive director of the Nova Scotia Fruit Growers' Association.

Greatvalley Juices is a division of A. Lassonde Inc. of Quebec.

The five-year loan is forgivable if payroll and job maintenance targets are met.