Gay Lea Foods Invests $200 Million in Toronto Dairy Expansion

Gay Lea Foods Co-operative Limited is investing more than $200 million to expand its Clayson Road dairy manufacturing facility in Toronto. The project aims to resolve national cottage cheese shortages caused by a surge in demand linked to viral social media protein-maxxing trends. Scheduled for completion by 2028, the expansion will introduce advanced processing technology to increase the production of high-protein dairy products and create up to 75 new skilled manufacturing jobs.

This investment marks the first major milestone of the co-operative's $450-million Network for Growth strategy, which seeks to modernize its Canadian manufacturing network. The farmer-owned co-operative, comprising approximately 1,200 members across Ontario and Manitoba, intends to use the upgraded facility to better meet evolving consumer preferences for affordable, nutritious health and wellness options.

President and CEO Suzanna Dalrymple stated that the investment reflects the company's confidence in the future of Canadian dairy. Board Chair Andrew Henderson described the expansion as a natural extension of the co-operative's legacy of investing in a stronger future for Canadian dairy farmers.