Thanks to investments from the Government of Canada, the Province of PEI and Cavendish Farms, Holland College is diversifying The Culinary Institute of Canada by building a Food Product Development Lab (FPDL), which will combine culinary arts with the science of food to create marketable food products.

Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and to the Minister of International Trade, made the announcement today along with the Honourable Richard Brown, PEI Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Robert Irving, President, Cavendish Farms Corp., and Dr. Brian McMillan, President, Holland College, earlier today.

“With ever-changing trends and increasing consumer demands from the food industry, this facility is a superb growth opportunity for Holland College and The Culinary Institute of Canada,” said Mr. Keddy. “Our government’s investment in this project is in keeping with Budget 2008 which encourages research and development that will drive innovation, strengthen our economy and increase our country’s competitiveness.”

Food processing is one of Canada’s largest industries, with Canadian consumers purchasing more than $60 billion annually in processed food. Due to increased consumer demands, the healthy foods and natural health products industries currently have annual revenues of over $150 billion globally. The new FPDL will facilitate collaborative work between chefs, scientists and industry to cater to these changing tastes and capitalize on this booming market.

Both ACOA and the Province of PEI will contribute $1.2 million each in the development of the lab. Cavendish Farms will invest $1 million and Holland College will contribute $600,000 on the project.

"Innovation is the key to success in today’s global marketplace," said Minister Brown. "The Government of Prince Edward Island believes in partnering with educational institutions such as Holland College to enhance research and development opportunities. The new Food Product Development Lab at The Culinary Institute will also serve to increase competitiveness in our food processing industry."

The 12,000-square foot facility will be built as an extension of the existing Tourism and Culinary Centre in downtown Charlottetown and will house four key areas, such as Canada’s Smartest Kitchen, and dedicated space for Cavendish Farms, industry partnerships, and culinary and scientific research projects. Construction of the facility will begin within the next few weeks and should be completed this fall.

"Cavendish Farm's $1 million commitment to this new Food Product Development Lab is an investment in the future of the Island's agri-foods sector," said Mr. Irving. "The research and design of new food products, new processes and improving the taste, nutrition and safety of food is essential to satisfying our customers and ensuring the ongoing competitiveness of our operations."

”Canada’s Smartest Kitchen will build on the college’s relationship with industry, and create new opportunities for partnering with the private sector and other funding agencies to build the economy of Atlantic Canada,” said Dr. McMillan. “Holland College is pleased to be able to partner with ACOA, the Province of PEI and Cavendish Farms on this forward-thinking initiative. The FPDL is an exemplary example of how partnering with government and the private sector can enable us to provide and environment that fosters research, innovation and commercialization.”