Lactalis Canada Secures Tax Credit for Dairy Facility Expansion in Alberta
Lactalis Canada Inc. has received conditional approval for an Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit (APITC) of up to $1.7 million. This credit is intended to aid in the modernization and expansion of its dairy processing facilities located in Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta. The investment aims to strengthen Alberta’s dairy supply chain by increasing processing capacity and enhancing safety processes through advanced automation technologies.
The projects supported by this tax credit will not only boost local dairy farmers by improving milk utilization but also aim to reduce environmental impacts and secure long-term manufacturing jobs in the region. These efforts align with Alberta’s strategy to position itself as a leader in value-added dairy production.
According to the Alberta government, the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit was introduced on February 7, 2023, as part of Budget 2023. It offers a 12% non-refundable, non-transferable tax credit to businesses that invest $10 million or more in building or expanding value-added agri-processing facilities in Alberta. The tax credit is available for food manufacturers and bio processors that add value to commodities such as grains or meat, or that convert agricultural byproducts into new consumer or industrial goods. Up to $175 million in tax credits can be allocated to each project.
To date, 22 applications have been submitted under this program, representing approximately $1.85 billion in new investment in Alberta's agri-processing sector. Of these, 17 projects have been approved, accounting for about $1.71 billion in new investments.
Lactalis Canada, with over 140 years of brand heritage, operates more than 30 sites across the country and is headquartered in Laval, France. Its Calgary facility focuses on producing fresh and flavored milk products, while the Lethbridge facility produces yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour cream. The company’s brands include well-known names such as Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Cheestrings Ficello, IÖGO, and Beatrice.
