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  • Sep 25, 2024
  • 2 min read

Jungbunzlauer, a producer of sustainable ingredients from natural sources, has invested CAD 200 million (approx. 148 million) to build Canada’s first xanthan gum facility in Port Colborne, Ontario.


The project is supported by CAD 4.8 million (approx. $3.54 million) from the Invest Ontario Fund.


The first phase of the facility is expected to be operational by spring 2026, producing biodegradable xanthan gum, a thickening agent used in various industries, including food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. The expansion will boost Jungbunzlauer’s capacity to provide high-quality xanthan gum to customers across North America.


The company noted that the expansion highlights Jungbunzlauer's dedication to strengthening its presence in North America while reinforcing its commitment to carbon neutrality and sustainable practices.


Bruno Tremblay, Jungbunzlauer CEO, said: “This expansion in Port Colborne marks a significant milestone for our North American business. This site not only reinforces our commitment to providing our partners with top-quality, natural biogums but also highlights our dedication to sustainability and to the local community."


He continued: “We've been a proud part of the Port Colborne community for more than 20 years. In that time, we’ve invested CAD 560 million into our local facility to expand capacity and improve sustainability. As we look ahead to the next ten years, we expect to continue to make significant investments in capacity, sustainability and the community."


"On top of our capital investment, the jobs, services and local purchases from our facility add approximately CAD 20 million to Port Colborne’s economy every year.”


Michael Fedchyshyn, interim CEO for Invest Ontario, added: “Jungbunzlauer’s expansion shows very clearly that international companies looking for a strategic foothold in North America will find Ontario is the best place to invest".


Top image: © Jungbunzlauer Suisse


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Leah Smith

Leah Smith

8 May 2026

Ella’s Kitchen launches new children's snack range

Ella’s Kitchen is expanding beyond the baby food aisle with the launch of Ella’s Kitchen Kids, a new product line aimed at children aged 18 months and older.


The launch marks a significant strategic move for the brand as it looks to extend its presence beyond the weaning category and capture growing demand for healthier snack options for toddlers and young children.


Positioned as a “better-for-you” alternative to traditional children’s snacks, the new range combines bold flavours, playful branding and convenient formats with the nutritional standards parents associate with the Ella’s Kitchen brand.


The company said the range was developed in response to changing family eating habits and the lack of minimally processed snack options for older toddlers outside the baby aisle.


Initial products include Ella’s Kitchen Kids Crunchy Stix in Cheese + Onion, Tomato + Basil and Pesto varieties, alongside Ella’s Kitchen Kids Wild Crackers available in Tomato + Oregano, Pea + Basil and Carrot + Rosemary flavours.


Designed for lunchboxes, picnics and snacking occasions, the products are formulated with reduced salt levels and classified as non-HFSS options. According to the company, the Crunchy Stix contain less than 0.04g of salt per pack, while the Crackers contain less than 0.05g per serving.


Emma Wood, Senior Brand Manager at Ella’s Kitchen, said: “Ella’s Kitchen Kids is about recognising that the journey doesn’t stop at baby food. As little ones grow, their tastes, independence and routines all change – but parents still want options they can feel good about.”


The launch also signals Ella’s Kitchen’s wider ambitions within the children’s snacking market, with additional products and categories expected later this year.


Wood added that the company aims to help “raise the standards of the kids’ food category” by balancing taste, convenience and nutrition.

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