McCain Foods Limited has completed a strategic investment in TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture. The innovative Canadian agricultural technology enterprise has developed proprietary indoor vertical farming technology to grow nutritious leafy greens of high quality and flavor, in an environmentally sustainable way, 365 days per year.
Since its inception in 2011, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia-headquartered TruLeaf has assembled a team of experts to develop and advance proprietary growing systems that can be located anywhere, from the heart of an urban center to remote communities with harsh climates. They utilize hydroponics for nutrient and water delivery, and LEDs in place of sunlight.
The company currently sells mixed mustard greens, red chard and other produce grown in Nova Scotia to retail and foodservice buyers in Atlantic Canada under the GoodLeaf brand through a fully owned subsidiary, GoodLeaf Community Farms Limited. A second smart farm platform will soon be online in Guelph, Ontario.
McCain Foods, which rang up more than CDN $9 billion in global sales last year and ranks as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of frozen potato products, is actively engaging with entrepreneurs in developing and commercializing agri-food technologies. The strategic investment in TruLeaf is in direct support of its innovation strategy.
Commenting on the partnership, Max Koeune, president and chief executive officer of Toronto-based McCain Foods Limited, said: “McCain has a 60-year track record of advancing agricultural practices to the benefit of crop quality and environmental standards. Over this time, we have worked closely with many research institutions, technology partners and of course, our global network of growers. We remain committed to this approach and as such are always looking to partner with innovative businesses like TruLeaf to continue to set new standards for environmental care and efficient crop production, through advancing agricultural technology.”
Gregg Curwin, TruLeaf founder and ceo, remarked: “We are extremely pleased to be entering this next phase of development and growth with such a strong leading global food company as McCain Foods. We believe this partnership will accelerate our farm build-out, providing high quality, local, fresh produce to more Canadians while also expanding our reach to other countries around the world.”
