Hilton Foods announces plans to build meat processing factory in Canada
UK-based supplier is setting up a 230,000-square-foot facility in Brantford to supply beef, pork, and lamb.
CANADA – UK-based Hilton Food Group is setting up its first North American processing and distribution site in Brantford, Ontario, with plans to produce beef, pork, and lamb for regional distribution.
The new facility, which will also handle seafood, spans 230,000 square feet and is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.
Once operational, the plant will serve distribution centres in Mississauga, Cornwall, and Moncton.
The company’s regional CEO, Matt Lee, described the project as a long-term commitment to Ontario’s food supply system and the Brantford area.
Hilton Food primarily works in private-label manufacturing and had first announced its Canadian expansion in 2023 following a long-term supply agreement with Walmart.
Investment and support
The total investment in the Brantford project amounts to US$140m, with the government of Ontario contributing approximately US$1.1m (C$1.5m) through its Southwestern Ontario Development Fund.
The factory is expected to create around 150 new jobs once it becomes operational.
Although Hilton Food supplies the US with seafood products through its ownership of Dutch processor Foppen, this will be its first manufacturing base on the continent.
The company acquired Foppen, known for producing branded and private-label smoked salmon, in 2021 to strengthen its seafood operations, especially in the United States.
Financial performance
For the 52 weeks ending 29 December 2024, Hilton Food reported revenues of around US$5.41bn (£3.98bn), a slight year-on-year increase of 1.9% on a constant-currency basis.
The UK and Ireland accounted for US$2bn (£1.47bn) of the total revenue.
Operating profit rose to US$134.3m (£98.8m), up from US$117m (£86.1m) recorded the year before.
The company’s net profit also increased, reaching US$56.6m (£41.6m), compared to US$51.8m (£38m) in the previous year.
Despite already having a foothold in the US market through seafood supply, Hilton Food has yet to establish any physical production facilities in the country.
With construction now confirmed in Canada, the company is extending its global manufacturing footprint while strengthening its retail supply partnerships.
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