MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Maple Leaf Foods has reached an agreement to acquire two poultry plants and associated supply from Cericola Farms. The two facilities are in Bradford, Ontario, and Drummondville, Quebec, and process approximately 70.5 million lbs. of chickens annually.

In addition to the facilities, Maple Leaf has agreed to acquire all the processed chicken volume from Cericola’s primary processing plant in Schomberg, Ontario. Maple Leaf also said it holds an option to acquire the Schomberg plant and supply in three years.

“Cericola is a leader in raised without antibiotics and organic chicken,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf. “This acquisition will build Maple Leaf’s market leadership in these value-added categories and enable us to meet growing consumer demand.”

Mary Cericola, founder of Cericola Farms, added, “Our vision over the past 60 years has been to provide wholesome and natural poultry products to our customers. It is this tradition of excellence that aligns Maple Leaf and Cericola.”

Maple Leaf said it has transitioned most of its flagship Maple Leaf Prime chicken brand to Prime RWA, where the Canadian market is growing at about 25 percent annually.