FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2016
NEW SPRAGUE SOUP LAUNCHED WITH SUPPORT FROM GREENBELT FUND
Sprague Foods Limited launches new Sprague Brand Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup made with local Ontario produce with $79,000 grant from Greenbelt Fund
Belleville – Sprague Foods Limited received a $79,000 grant from the Greenbelt Fund in spring 2016 to invest in a new packaging machine and increase capacity. With the new system in place, Sprague is launching a new Organic Lentil Vegetable soup, made with Ontario ingredients.
Rick Sprague is the fourth generation in the Sprague family to lead the business, specializing in 100% Canadian products. The launch of the new organics line, and the Sprague Brand Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup is in line with Sprague’s commitment to supporting local agriculture and Ontario’s economy.
Sprague applied to the Greenbelt Fund for support to help increase capacity to meet growing demand for nutritious, locally processed soups and beans. The investment has allowed Sprague to ramp up production by 100% and launch 7 new projects. The project will increase local food sales by $1.6 million by 2017, a significant boost to the Prince Edward County economy.
“This is the biggest launch of any new product we’ve had in 91 years,” says Rick Sprague, President at Sprague Foods. “We’ve had our first truckloads leave the facility and the new soup is now on the shelves.”
The increased capacity at Sprague is bringing new growers to market as Sprague emphasizes the local flavour of its products. Sprague sources as many ingredients as possible from Ontario, including from nearby Prince Edward County.
“We’re thrilled to see Sprague reach this milestone,” said Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Greenbelt Fund. “Ontarians looking to support their local farmers and processors now have more options on the shelves to choose from, which is good for Ontario’s economy and rural communities.”
The new Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup is now available in Costco stores across Canada.
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About the Greenbelt Fund:
The Greenbelt Fund changes the way we eat food in Ontario. Our innovative investments get more local food onto the plates of Ontarians. We work with businesses, institutions and NGOs to make Ontario’s farmers the first choice for consumers. The Fund’s work has generated a 13-fold return on our investments, permanently changed the food value chain, and improved local food awareness and education around the province. As a not-for-profit, the Greenbelt Fund is supported by public and private sources.
Contact:
Erica Woods
Communications Manager
Greenbelt Fund
Phone: (416) 960-0001 ext. 306
[email protected]