MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — Maple Leaf Foods Inc. officially unveiled the name of its future new pork company on Oct. 10, which will be known as Canada Packers Inc.
“We are thrilled to launch Canada Packers as the new name for our future independent pork company,” said Dennis Organ, president of Maple Leaf Foods’ Pork Complex and incoming chief executive officer of Canada Packers. “This choice reflects our deep respect for the history and legacy of this iconic brand, while affording us the opportunity to bring it forward and blend it with our ambitious vision for the future as a world-leading pork producer.”
Canada Packers will build on Maple Leaf’s legacy as a leader in the pork industry for nearly a century, Maple Leaf said. The new company will move forward with a focus on sustainability and global outreach.
“Canada Packers is a distinctive, memorable and authentic name for the new pork company,” said Curtis Frank, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. “While grounded in solid roots that have been an important part of Maple Leaf Foods' history, Canada Packers also provides a platform for the forward-thinking vision that Dennis and his team have embraced as they chart their next steps as an independent company. We are excited for what the future holds for Canada Packers as we advance plans to complete the separation of the businesses in 2025.”
The new brand identity incorporates iconic elements of the Maple Leaf Foods logo and the Canadian flag, drawing on a new color palette of natural green and blue tones to reflect the company’s focus on sustainability.
“Leveraging the historic past was key, but not at the expense of the future and progress this brand represents,” Organ said. “The new branding honors these roots while propelling Canada Packers towards a dynamic and innovative future. We expect the new Canada Packers logo and branding to be a beacon for leadership in the fresh food space globally for another hundred years.”
Maple Leaf Foods said it will continue to operate as a leader in the consumer packaged goods sector, while Canada Packers will be able leverage its rich heritage and expertise in the pork business to pave a path as a global leader in sustainably produced meat.
Upon completion of the separation, Maple Leaf Foods will still retain 19.9% ownership of Canada Packers. The two companies will enter into an evergreen pork supply agreement, benefiting each party. Canada Packers will supply Maple Leaf Foods with high-quality, sustainably produced pork, while the new pork business will profit from Maple Leaf’s secure anchor in the North American market.
The proposed idea of a pork business spin-off from Maple Leaf Foods was first announced in July. Canada Packers is expected to be an independent, publicly traded company in 2025.