Government of Canada supports productivity and competitiveness improvements for Mountainoak Cheese Ltd.

Feb 23, 2021

Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s dairy processors sustain good jobs across the country, and the safe, high-quality products they supply are respected and enjoyed by Canadians.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced today an investment totalling $164,000 for two projects under the Dairy Processing Investment Fund to enhance the competitiveness and efficiency of Mountainoak Cheese Ltd.

Under the first project, $128,734 will support the purchase and installation of a hose station, walk-in cooler, automatic lift, cheese packaging machine, and an upgraded water system. It is expected the new equipment will reduce production cost, improve water use and waste water management, and increase annual cheese production and annual usage of milk.

The second project, valued at $35,700, will support the purchase and installation of a cheese cutting machine. The machine is expected to improve competitiveness and efficiency, as it meets customer requirements for consistent product weight and size, as well as reduce product waste and production cost.

The Dairy Processing Investment Fund, valued at $100 million, is designed to help dairy processors modernize their operations, improving productivity and competitiveness.

Source : Government of Canada

Video: CEOs of the Industry, A Conversation with Daniel Rivest, President & CEO, Olymel

Swine Web’s CEOs of the Industry series welcomes Daniel Rivest, President & CEO of Olymel, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, the future of Canadian pork, and the opportunities ahead for one of North America’s largest pork and poultry processors.

Rivest discusses his journey to the CEO role, his leadership philosophy, and his early priorities at Olymel. The conversation explores the company’s strategic direction, its relationships with producers, and how Olymel is positioning itself for long-term growth and competitiveness.

The discussion also tackles some of the biggest issues facing Canadian pork production today, including labor availability, global competition, animal health, trade and export markets, automation, and the growing potential of artificial intelligence throughout the food production system.

Topics include:

• Daniel Rivest’s path to becoming President & CEO of Olymel

• Olymel’s current position and strategic direction

• The outlook for Canadian pork production

• Building stronger relationships with producers

• Global trade and key export markets

• Automation, innovation and artificial intelligence

• Leadership lessons and opportunities for the next generation

The conversation concludes with a Fast Five, giving viewers a more personal look at Rivest’s leadership approach and his vision for Olymel’s future.