Canadian bakery group Crust Craft is planning to build a “larger” facility in the Edmonton Metro Region.
In a statement, local FDI agency Edmonton Global said the new factory will entail an investment of C$51m ($35.65m).
Construction is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of this year, with production anticipated to start in 2026.
The new facility will integrate “advanced” baking technologies and help Crust Craft open “new market opportunities” across North America, the statement said.
Crust Craft CEO Paul Flesher said the company is “growing and expanding” in the province where it was founded 35 years ago.
“We will be able to provide not only employment opportunities and growth for our people but a larger local market for our farming families and vendor partners. Our goal of ‘bringing real bread to life’ is being realised with this expansion by introducing our brand of Panaji Naan breads to even more people,” Flesher added.
Founded in Edmonton in 1989, Crust Craft supplies retail and foodservice clients across Canada.
Its products include pizza crusts, flatbreads and pie crusts, as well as Panaji and Panjimi Naan bread brands.
As part of the expansion plan, the company considered several locations, evaluating factors such as tax rates, incentives, and distribution networks in other areas, the local FDI agency said.
Ultimately, Crust Craft selected the Edmonton region to build the plant, supported by a C$2m investment from the Government of Alberta’s Investment and Growth Fund (IGF).
The new facility is expected to create 55 new jobs, the statement added. Just Food has contacted Crust Craft to ask if the jobs will be staff roles at the company.
Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi said: “Crust Craft was founded locally, grew here and chose to stay here because Edmonton has the perfect recipe for success, and we all know Crust Craft can recognise a perfect recipe when they see one.
“This expansion will create good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and continue to be proof that our region is a place where business can thrive.”
