For Immediate Release
September 29, 2020

Today Avena Foods Limited announced a new partnership with the City of Portage la Prairie that will result in capital investments of over $3 million towards increasing production at Avena’s pulse processing facility.

The City of Portage la Prairie will provide infrastructure to support Avena’s investment. Capital projects have already started and will continue over the next three years.

Avena is a specialty miller that markets and sells functional pulse ingredients and ‘purity protocol’ oat ingredients to food, pet food and nutraceutical manufactures throughout the world. Avena is anchored in strong relationships with conventional and organic farmers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, providing a premium market for crops. Avena is committed to sustainable milling practices and exemplary food safety and quality management systems.

Avena Portage la Prairie, formerly Best Cooking Pulses, was established in 1952, and has milled various pulses over the years, including peas, beans, chickpeas and lentils.

A strategic priority for the City of Portage la Prairie is the expansion of water and wastewater services to support current and future needs. The City also recognizes the importance of business retention and expansion in Portage la Prairie.

Mayor Irvine Ferris said: “Avena Foods has been part of our community for many years. We are pleased to see this significant investment, in expanding their production here in Portage la Prairie. We wish to very clearly express our whole-hearted support to this project and continue to identify areas of how we can be innovative and support businesses in Portage la Prairie. This truly is a City of Possibilities.”

Avena CEO Gord Flaten said: “We are pleased to expand Avena’s investment in Portage la Prairie and very much appreciate the support and excellent service provided by the Mayor, Council, and city and provincial staff. We have a long history in Portage la Prairie, and we look forward to continuing to provide local jobs for our current and future employees, as well as more market opportunities for farmers.”

For any question or further information please contact:

Gord Flaten                                                                   Irvine Ferris
Chief Executive Officer                                               Mayor
Avena Foods Limited                                                  City of Portage la Prairie
Office: 306.757.3664                                                   Office: 204.239.8333
Email: gflaten@avenafoods.com                             Email: iferris@city-plap.com

 

2020-09-29 – Avena Foods City of Portage la Prairie Collaborative Partnership