MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is welcoming an investment of almost $50 million by First Choice Beverage Inc., a Canadian producer of juice and dairy alternative products. This investment will boost the company’s manufacturing capacity and create 20 new, good-paying jobs in Mississauga, in addition to helping secure 100 existing jobs at the facility.

“Mississauga has a long history of manufacturing excellence, and thanks to the Regional Development Program, our government is fostering the right conditions for manufacturers to expand their operations and create more good-paying jobs,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We are proud to support the growth of local businesses like First Choice Beverage Inc. and thank them for strengthening their presence in Ontario.”

With its investment, the company will acquire new equipment for their state-of-the-art facility in Mississauga, including robotics and automation features, to meet growing consumer demand.

In support of this investment, Ontario is providing First Choice Beverage Inc., a subsidiary of Lee Li Holdings, with $5 million in funding through the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) stream of the Regional Development Program (RDP).

“As health and wellness concerns rise globally, our multimillion-dollar investment in a cutting-edge, high-tech and environmentally sensitive production facility will position Ontario as a global leader in the $200 billion USD non-carbonated beverage market,” said John G. Spiteri, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Lee Li Holdings. “This market includes juices, iced teas, sports drinks, water, dairy, dairy alternatives and much more. Non-carbonated, thirst-quenching and nutritious beverages are staples in most refrigerators, pantries, and shelves across the country, with many familiar brands that Ontarians enjoy every day. This includes dairy produced right here in Ontario, which will also be exported throughout the Midwest and the entire Eastern Seaboard of the USA.”

Ontario is investing $170 million through its RDP to help manufacturers across the province grow while supporting distinct regional priorities. To date, Ontario has supported more than 120 projects through the program, leveraging more than $1.8 billion in new investments and helping to create over 3,300 jobs.

Applications for the next intake round of RDP funding remain open until September 26, 2024.

• Learn more about the Regional Development Program