New pulse processing facility for Sask.

October 17, 2011, Regina – Alliance Grain Traders are investing to build a new $50 million multi-function facility that will include product packaging, pulse processing, pasta production and a distribution centre.

“This initiative is a positive step for pulses in Saskatchewan and will have many benefits to our industry,” says Dr. Kofi Agblor, director of research with the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers (SPG).

“This new facility will result in more capacity for our pulses in the overall food processing industry, and provide more opportunity for value added production. It will also be instrumental in developing more pulse-based foods that can be sold and consumed in Canada,” explains Agblor.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall were all in attendance at the announcement to show the provincial and federal governments' recognition of the importance of the agriculture industry to Canada’s economy and job market, and its support of open market initiatives by Saskatchewan farmers.

For Alliance Grain Traders, this new facility represents growth in current market share and the creation of new market demand.

“This announcement confirms our focus on the production of high quality pulse flours and food ingredients for Alliance Grain Traders’ global client base,” says Murad Al-Katib, CEO of Alliance Grain Traders. “We see growing demand from food companies and consumers for food products that are high in protein, high in fibre and vitamin-rich. Pulses are a natural ingredient to satisfy this demand. Pulses are gluten-free, non-GMO and have a nutritional profile that is positive in all aspects. We are excited to take our processing and marketing operations in Canada to the next level to deliver value to our producer base and shareholders.”

Alliance Grain Traders Inc. is a publicly-traded Canadian company and one of the largest pasta and pulse processor exporters in the world, with more than $650 million in sales in more than 100 countries. They currently have 12 pulse processing facilities in Canada.