Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP) continues to expand its Canadian presence with the opening of a fresh cut operation in Oshawa, Ontario. 

Designed to complement a 108,000-square foot distribution center that opened in January, the new operation was recently inspected and certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and officially started production this week.

"Canada is an important market for us and our investment in this facility in Toronto is a testament to our commitment to the country, our retail partners, and Canadian consumers," Del Monte's North America vice president of marketing Dennis Christou said in a release.

"While we have been able to offer whole fruits such as pineapples, bananas, melons, and avocados for many years, we are excited to expand our line in Canada to also offer fresh cut fruits and vegetables.

"This is a very successful category for us in the U.S. and we are looking forward to helping it grow further in this market."

The release said the facility would offer a full line of ready-to-eat, fresh cut fruits and vegetables, and would also be able to produce and market the company's new line of Del Café ready-to-eat fresh salads and snacks with protein. The operation also has automation and equipment, as well as a test kitchen for developing new products.

The fresh cut addition builds on the center's "significant" refrigerated cooler space and 15 pressurized banana rooms, with capacity to grow over the next 15 years.

The new facility will service the Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa metropolitan areas.

www.freshfruitportal.com