Some financial help from the federal government is about to assist a local food manufacturer which started in the basement of the founder's home 34 years ago.
Helena Jaczek, the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced a $500,000 repayable contribution on Wednesday for Zappia Fine Foods Ltd., operating as Via Oliveto Bakery.
The funding will allow the company to outfit its new Barrie facility at 204 Mapleview Dr. W. with a leading-edge bakery production line, including a tunnel oven and mixer.
“With the Government of Canada’s investment, Via Oliveto Bakery will quadruple its production capacity at its new Barrie facility,” Jaczek said in a news release. “This growth will have a direct economic impact in Barrie, including creating jobs, strengthening the local food sector and enabling the company to better serve its customers.”
With this support, Via Oliveto Bakery will launch new products such as flatbread pretzels, and secure new contracts with large retailers. The contribution will leverage $1.5 million in private investment.
This family-owned and operated company began in 1988 when CEO Pasquale Zappia started baking artisan flatbreads from his home basement for Toronto-area hotels, restaurants and businesses. The company now employs four people and is expected to add two new jobs to its roster.
“We could not accomplish our goals of growth without this support from the Government of Canada. We look forward to increasing our capacity, adding new product lines, and reaching new customers,” said Zappia.
This expansion project will allow the wholesale bakery to pursue market growth opportunities and drive economic growth in the region.
