Brampton ranks #1 in North America for the third year straight for food processing

Brampton’s Food Processing Sector remains the best in the business according to a new Metro Ranking Report from Business Facilities.

The business site-selection magazine ranks locations across North America every year to show executives the best places to operate by their sector.

Cities are ranked in a variety of sectors including Manufacturing, data centres, health care, and food processing among others. Usually the lists are dominated by American cities, but a few Canadian ones make the cut.

Brampton reached the highest ranking in Canada in the number one spot in the food processing category in the 18th such ranking. They’ve placed first for the last three years.

The city was noted for a 2021 pilot program that expanded the workforce pipeline. They were also cited based on employment, expansions and programs for the industry.

“This ranking is a testament to the excellent work our Food and Beverage Processing businesses are doing, and also to our Economic Development team who support them. With its industry-leading technology, top-quality products and rich agricultural tradition, Brampton is indeed an industry leader in the food and beverage sector,” Mayor Patrick Brown said.

One of the largest agri-food sectors in North America operates out of Brampton. The city describes this sector as “a thriving food and beverage sector supported by industry-leading technology, top-quality products, and a rich agricultural tradition.”

“Brampton’s food and beverage sector is a one-stop shop complete with food testing, processing and packaging facilities as well as transportation, packaging design, equipment and refrigeration storage, all within the city.”

Annually the food and beverage industry pours $1.3 billion into the Canadian GDP, employs 8,500 people and supports 300 businesses.

Headquarters for Loblaws, Maple Lodge and Italpasta call Brampton home as do Coca-Cola Bottling and Give and Go Prepared Foods facilities.

“All of these companies have strategically positioned themselves within Brampton to take advantage of the city’s talent, infrastructure and market access,” Brampton said.

Two major companies have announced expansions into the city as well. Toppits Food Ltd is expanding its food production facilities bringing 60 new jobs and doubling their capacity.

Maple Leaf Food also expanded last year with $80 million for a new line and equipment adding 140 hourly jobs and 54 salaried jobs.

Brampton’s sector beat out Fayetteville, Arkansas; Dallas County, Texas; Los Angeles, California and Magic Valley, Indiana in the top five.