Lactalis Canada has reopened its former dairy plant in Sudbury, Ontario, as a plant-based milk facility, marking a significant shift from its traditional dairy operations. The revamped site will now produce the company’s new Enjoy! plant-based milk brand and is expected to support job retention, respond to growing consumer demand for plant-based products, and align with sustainability goals.
Lactalis Canada, a major player in the dairy industry, has recently announced the successful repurposing of its former dairy plant in Sudbury, Ontario. This strategic move transforms the facility into a modern plant-based milk production hub, marking a significant shift from its traditional dairy operations.
Closure and Conversion
For over 60 years, the Sudbury plant was an integral part of Lactalis Canada’s liquid milk processing operations. However, in 2022, the company decided to close the facility due to a sustained decline in fluid milk volumes. This decline had adversely affected the plant’s profitability and operational sustainability. In response to changing market dynamics and evolving consumer preferences, Lactalis Canada opted to repurpose the plant to focus on plant-based beverages.
Reopening as a Plant-Based Facility
On June 28, 2024, Lactalis Canada celebrated the reopening of the Sudbury facility as a cutting-edge plant-based milk production site. The newly renovated 33,150 square-foot facility will now serve as the manufacturing base for Enjoy!, Lactalis Canada’s newly launched plant-based milk brand. This brand features a range of six varieties designed to meet the growing consumer demand for plant-based options:
- Oat
- Oat Vanilla
- Almond
- Almond Vanilla
- Hazelnut
- Hazelnut & Oat
These milk alternatives are characterized by being unsweetened and high in protein, aligning with current trends towards healthier, plant-based diets.
The reopening event was marked by several noteworthy activities, including a tree-planting ceremony and a celebration involving employees and community members. These events highlighted Lactalis Canada’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its role in supporting local communities.
Impact and Benefits
The conversion of the Sudbury facility is expected to bring multiple benefits:
- Job Retention: One of the most significant impacts of the facility’s repurposing is the preservation of jobs. Despite the shift in focus from dairy to plant-based milk production, the Sudbury plant will maintain its previous employment levels, thus protecting local jobs.
- Market Response: The move positions Lactalis Canada to better align with the growing consumer demand for plant-based products. By entering this expanding market, the company is not only responding to current trends but also enhancing its competitive edge.
- Environmental Sustainability: The transition to a plant-based production model reflects Lactalis Canada’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. This shift supports broader global efforts towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Industry Trends
Lactalis Canada’s strategic pivot towards plant-based milk is part of a broader trend within the dairy industry. For instance, Danone, another major dairy producer, has recently converted one of its dairy yoghourt plants in France to produce oat milk. This trend highlights the growing intersection between traditional dairy operations and the plant-based sector.
Mark Taylor, President and CEO of Lactalis Canada, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and consumer needs. He stated that by leveraging its existing capabilities and expertise, Lactalis Canada aims to enrich the lives of Canadians with high-quality plant-based products while also meeting sustainability goals.
The reopening of Lactalis Canada’s Sudbury facility as a plant-based milk production hub represents a significant development in both the dairy and plant-based sectors. This strategic adaptation not only aligns with market trends but also offers benefits such as job preservation, environmental sustainability, and a diversified product offering. By embracing these changes, Lactalis Canada is positioning itself as a leader in both traditional dairy and plant-based innovations, reflecting its commitment to meeting evolving consumer demands and sustainability objectives.
