Northeastern Ontario's agri-food industry is getting a leg up from the Ontario Government to help grow and diversify products and services.
A news release stated three Sudbury-area businesses will be receiving funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC). One of them is Crosscut Distillary, Ltd., in the city's west end, where the announcement was made on Friday, April 13.
Glenn Thibeault, MPP for Sudbury, made the announcement on behalf of Michael Gravelle, chair of the NOHFC.
The vodka maker will receive $200,000 to invest in the business. It has already renovated the facility, purchased fermentation tanks and a copper potstill.
“We at Crosscut Distillary are grateful to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for its support in purchasing the equipment required to transform Ontario agricultural products into fine spirits,” said Shane Prodan, owner of Crosscut Distillary, in the release. “We raise our glass to NOHFC and its support of all entrepreneurs of the North.”
The distillery will produce vodka, gin and whisky from locally grown ingredients, including barley, birch and quinoa.
Other investments were also announced at the event.
Be Greater Organics, an organic and health store that sells vegan and hypo-allergenic products, is receiving $61,909.
Brand-new aquaculture business Good4UShrimp is receiving $200,000 to help produce locally grown shrimp for local stores and restaurants.
