Fruit d’Or establishes R&D activities in Saint-Hyacinthe

Fruit d’Or, the world leader in organic cranberry processing and second largest organic wild blueberry processor, will locate its research and development (R&D) activities in Saint-Hyacinthe. This large Quebec enterprise will be operating its Centre of  Innovation in the technology park of the City of Agri-Food, Veterinary and Agri-Environmental Biotechnology.

Fruit d’Or’s research and development department is currently moving in to its new Maskoutain facilities, which will serve as headquarters for experts in retailing, ingredients, and neutraceutical and cosmetic products. Its diverse activities will include novel product development, production process development and improvement, and participation in various scientific and innovation projects with research and educational establishments. The centre will create six new jobs in Saint-Hyacinthe.

Martin Le Moine, founder and CEO of Fruit d’Or said, “The decision to set up our R&D activities in Saint-Hyacinthe was easy. Our business already works with Cintech agroalimentaire and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Research and Development Centre, which are located here. We’ve learned that nowhere else will you find such a complete innovation and business-support ecosystem in the agrifood sector.”

The new centre for excellence will be housed in the Victor-Théodule-Daubigny building owned by Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole that is dedicated to welcoming innovative businesses in the agrifood sector.

“We are very pleased to welcome a company like Fruit d’Or,” said André Barnabé, the general manager of Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole. “For many years now, Saint-Hyacinthe has focused on innovation as a driver of success and economic growth. The enthusiasm shown by the leaders of Fruit d’Or to bring their activities to our technical park shows that this was the right choice. I am convinced that the arrival of this dynamic corporation will enhance the Technopole and its reputation as a significant hub for agribusiness innovation.”

Fruit d’Or transforms and promotes Quebec-grown berries, including cranberries and wild blueberries. Headquartered in Villeroy, the company was founded in 2000 and employs some 300 people. Its wide range of products is intended for food processing, the neutraceutical market and consumers. Fruit d’Or exports its products to some 50 countries.