Lactalis Canada Opens New R&D Centre in Ontario
News related to:Lactalis Canada · 1 min read
INGLESIDE, Ontario, Oct. 21, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro, and Lactantia, has officially opened a new Research & Development (R&D) Centre in Ingleside, Ontario. This move underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing Canada’s dairy, food manufacturing, and agrifood sectors.
The new R&D centre, located adjacent to Lactalis Canada’s cheese processing plant in Ingleside, features advanced pilot-scale capabilities and specialized testing and evaluation spaces. These facilities are designed to support product and process development, positioning the company to innovate and refine its offerings.
Since 2018, Lactalis Canada has made significant strides, completing four strategic acquisitions and investing more than $900 million in manufacturing, distribution, and transformation initiatives across the country. The opening of the R&D centre is another testament to the company’s dedication to dairy and food manufacturing in Canada.
The facility was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tour on October 20, 2026. Executives from Lactalis Canada, along with government and industry representatives, celebrated the occasion. Sandra Senez, Vice President of Research & Development for Lactalis North America, highlighted the centre’s potential to become a global expertise hub for cheddar cheese, emphasizing its broader impact on the company’s network.
With over 140 years of brand heritage, Lactalis Canada is a leader in the Canadian dairy industry. The company operates from more than 30 sites, including 19 manufacturing facilities, across the country. Employing over 4,500 people, Lactalis Canada is committed to enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians through sustainable and responsible growth, high-quality products, and contributions to communities. The company has also been recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2025 and 2026, and it was named on Forbes’ 2025 Best Employers in Canada list.
The new R&D centre is expected to play a crucial role in driving innovation and product development, further solidifying Lactalis Canada’s position as a key player in the Canadian dairy and food manufacturing landscape.