Maple Leaf acquires two poultry plants from Cericola Farms

Canadian packaged meats company Maple Leaf Foods has completed its acquisition of two poultry plants from Cericola Farms, for an undisclosed amount.

The plants are located in Bradford, Ontario, and Drummondville, Quebec, and have a combined processing capacity of approximately 32 million kilograms of chicken per year.

Maple Leaf also secured 100% of the processed chicken from Cericola’s primary processing plant located in Schomberg, Ontario, with the option to acquire this asset and associated plant supply in three years.

In July, Maple Leaf signed a definitive agreement to purchase two poultry plants from Cericola Farms.

At the time of signing the agreement, Cericola Farms founder Mary Cericola said: “Our vision over the past 60 years has been to provide wholesome and natural poultry products to our customers. It is this tradition of excellence that aligns Maple Leaf and Cericola.”

The acquisition is expected to provide Maple Leaf with additional supply and processing capabilities, as well as advance its leadership in high-value categories.

Maple Leaf Foods is a consumer protein company which offers products under numerous brands, such as Maple Leaf, Maple Leaf Prime, Maple Leaf Natural Selections, Schneiders, Mina, Lightlife and the Field Roast Grain Meat Co.

Cericola specialises in the air-chilled processing of antibiotic and animal by-product free (AABF) products and organic poultry.