Prince Edward Island Business Development
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Food Development 
The Food Industry in Prince Edward Island is comprised of many firms involved in the agri-food, seafood, and
beverage processing sectors. It is the single most important contributor to the provincial economy. By way
of illustration, in 1997 total provincial manufactured output was $877 million; of this amount food processing
accounted for about $625 million, or over 70 percent.
The Prince Edward Island government through its lead business development agency, Prince Edward Island Business Development, has
targeted the food industry for further growth and development.
Natural Attributes Spell Competitive Advantage
Due to an abundance of agricultural and marine resource, Prince Edward Island has a natural competitive
strength in food processing. The Province enjoys an available pool of skilled labour accustomed to the strict
hygienic requirements of secondary and tertiary food processing. Prince Edward Island enjoys a "clean and
green" reputation world-wide. We are recognized as a quality raw material and food producing area.
Attention low cost producers
In a recently completed KPMG study (February, 2004) The Competitive Alternatives - A Comparison of
Business Costs in North America, Europe, and Japan, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island ranked third
among twenty one cities sampled as the lowest cost city for food processing industries.
Keen and Capable Partners
Prince Edward Island offers excellent technical and financial support to the food industry. Whether it's
product or market research and development, export development, training, or capital assistance, we have
a dedicated team of professionals who will exceed your expectations. The industry also benefits from a
strong manufacturers' association, the PEI Food and Beverage Processsors Association.
Product/Process Research and Development
The Provincially owned Food Technology Centre offers product and process development, food chemistry
and microbiology analytical services, nutrition labelling, sensory analysis, and food safety and quality
assurance. The National Research Council supports food related research and development activities.
Market Research and Development
In keeping with the philosophy of helping firms by underwriting higher risk activities, Prince Edward Island Business Development provides
financial incentives to firms undertaking market research and development projects. We work closely with
the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, our federal partner in business development, who also provide
incentives for certain activities.
Training
Organizations like Holland College, PEI Food Technology Centre,
University of Prince Edward Island, and
the Atlantic Veterinary College offer a wide variety of specialized training program to assist the food industry.
These organizations are able to respond quickly to tailor a program according to your individual training
needs.
Capital/Working Capital Financing
Prince Edward Island Business Development works closely with other provincial and federal partners and the banking and investment
communities, to help get your plans off the ground. If your business case is sound, we go out of our way to
turn your plans into reality.
Site Value
Prince Edward Island boasts favourable location costs for your business. Building construction costs and
lease rates are comparatively lower than other industrialized areas of North America and Europe.
The recently completed Souris Food Park is a fully serviced 21 hectare (52 acre) site with state-of-the-art
cold storage and waste treatment facilities. The province also leases space in two industrial parks, one each
in the cities of Charlottetown and Summerside.
For additional information, please contact us.
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