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Food Processing

Food processors know that Chatham-Kent's proximity to fertile, productive farmland, transportation routes, available sites and experienced labour force are an ideal combination to develop business here. 

In total, 25% of Ontario's food manufacturers are in rural Ontario thanks to lower land costs, lower worker turnover, and close access to agricultural inputs.

A study of food industry trends in Southwestern Ontario identified specific opportunities in Chatham-Kent for vegetable processing, food-use soybean production and processing, and value-added farm marketing.

Did you know that Chatham-Kent is #1...

  • in tomato production in all of Canada
  • in seed corn production in all of Canada
  • in pumpkin production in all of Canada
  • producer of carrots in all of Canada
  • producer of cucumbers in all of Canada
  • in black tobacco production in all of Canada
  • in Brussels sprouts production in all of Canada
  • in sugar beet production in all of Ontario
  • in green pea production in all of Ontario
  • in quail production in all of Ontario

And #2 in...

  • field pepper production in all of Ontario
  • banana pepper production in all of Ontario

Food Products Reach their Market Fast

With the NAFTA Superhighway running through our core, trucks are able to access food processors located anywhere in Chatham-Kent within 30 minutes. For less time-sensitive bulk shipments, there are high-volume railways branched into the community.


Training within the Community

The world-respected University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus is located in Chatham-Kent. Food researchers are trained there to ensure our land, water and climate are used to maximum advantage.