Why Alberta is becoming a hotbed for food industry expansion

In recent years, a growing number of major food companies have made a move that might surprise their peers in British Columbia. They're expanding operations in Alberta — not for the headlines, but for the logistics, the land, and the long-term growth potential.

From global beverage brands to fast-growing food innovators, these companies are proving that Alberta offers more than affordability. It offers a modern, efficient ecosystem for scaling food manufacturing, distribution, and exports — and it’s a model B.C. agri-food businesses may want to watch closely.

The new (and cold chain) advantage

When NewCold, one of the world’s largest and most advanced cold storage companies, looked to expand its footprint in North America, it chose a town of 9,000 people in southern Alberta.

Coaldale, just east of Lethbridge, is now home to a $222 million investment in a fully automated cold storage facility. At 30,000 square metres and 45 metres high, it will serve as a hub for Canadian agri-food products destined for both domestic and international markets.

“Announcing our automated cold store in one of Canada’s largest and fastest-growing food production areas marks an exciting milestone of NewCold’s expansion in the North American market,” says Jonas Swarttouw, executive vice president, commercial and chairman, North America at NewCold. “We are grateful for the excellent collaboration from our Alberta and Coaldale partners in making this new advanced storage facility a reality.”

The facility will feature cutting-edge energy efficiency and leverages dedicated rail access through Canadian Pacific Kansas City–a result of strong coordination with the Town of Coaldale and Invest Alberta.

A new hub for household brands

Keurig Dr Pepper Canada is also scaling up in Alberta. The company recently broke ground on a 474,000 square foot, state-of-the-art distribution centre in Airdrie, just north of Calgary. Expected to be operational by the second half of 2025, the new facility will support the company’s national supply chain for brands like Canada Dry, Snapple, Keurig, and Van Houtte.

“The decision to establish our operations in this new distribution centre in the Calgary region marks a major milestone in our growth and innovation journey,” explains Carl Saba, vice president of supply chain and operations at Keurig Dr Pepper Canada “This multi-million-dollar investment over the next five years underscores our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service to our customers in Western Canada.”

With proximity to two international airports, an extensive road and rail network, and a skilled, growing workforce, Airdrie offers both the infrastructure the company needs—and the scalability it demands.

Local roots, global growth

Meanwhile, Edmonton-based Siwin Foods is doubling down on Alberta with a $54 million expansion that includes a new production facility, warehouse, and research and development centre. The move is expected to create 110 new jobs and increase the company’s ability to meet growing demand for its globally inspired, locally made products. It also represents a strong vote of confidence in Alberta’s food innovation ecosystem.

“There is no better place in the world than Alberta for entrepreneurs like Siwin Foods to thrive,” says Swin Foods vice president Gord DeJong. “The abundance of high-quality foods grown, raised and produced right here in Alberta allows us to offer local food coast-to-coast across Canada and export to new markets across the globe.”

A blueprint for B.C. businesses

Together, these three companies tell a clear story: Alberta isn’t just attracting attention–it’s attracting serious investment. And while the specific strategies may differ, the underlying reasons are consistent.

Companies are drawn to Alberta’s transportation corridors, streamlined permitting, affordable land, and direct access to U.S. and global markets. They’re also leveraging programs like Alberta’s 12 percent Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit for eligible projects and tapping into a highly educated workforce–with nearly two-thirds of adults holding post-secondary credentials.

For B.C.-based agri-food producers looking to scale–or struggling with logistics, zoning, or facility upgrades–Alberta is emerging as a natural next step.