Invest Ontario is proud to support an anticipated expansion of over $533 million in the beverage manufacturing sector that would create 275 new jobs in Mississauga, Ontario.
This over half-billion-dollar investment by Ontario-based First Choice Beverage Inc., Global Beverage and Logistics Centre Inc. and Imperial Chilled Juice Inc. — subsidiaries of Lee Li Holdings — would deliver turnkey co-manufacturing and warehousing solutions for multinational brands and local retailers, strengthening the province’s beverage manufacturing sector and agri-processing supply chain.
As the market for healthy, non-carbonated beverages continues to grow, the company is capturing the strong opportunity driven by shifting consumer preferences. By growing high-tech manufacturing capacity in Mississauga, the expansion would bring more in-demand beverages made, filled and packaged in Ontario faster to consumers across Canada and North America.
“As consumers choose health-forward beverages and wellness concerns increase globally, our over half-billion-dollar investment in advanced manufacturing will ensure this great province is a global manufacturing and technology leader in the over US$200 billion non-carbonated beverage market, which includes juices, iced teas, sports drinks, water and much more,” said John G. Spiteri, Executive VP & CAO, First Choice Beverage Inc. “This new, cutting-edge, high-tech, environmentally sensitive production facility, with a multimillion-dollar investment in advanced manufacturing technology, will catapult Ontario into a leader in the rising global consumer market for low-sugar soft drinks. We are further accelerating consumer choice and global market growth with our Ready-to-Drink beverages, which can replace solid food.”
The project would expand an existing plant and build a new facility in Mississauga, totalling over 100,000 square feet of new manufacturing capacity with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. This includes integration of AI-enabled production, automated warehousing and sustainable manufacturing practices that would reduce energy use, wastewater and plastic waste by more than 30%.
“Ontario has the best workers in the world, and we’re proud to support this state-of-the-art expansion that will create 275 good-paying jobs in Mississauga and strengthen our province’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By continuing to lower taxes and cut red tape, we’re protecting workers and businesses while building the strongest, most resilient and competitive economy in the G7.”
The new facility would focus on plastic bottle manufacturing for products including tea, coffee, sparkling water and flavoured water. It would also introduce a white-label line that produces and bottles beverages for store-brand customers using locally sourced ingredients. The expanded plant, with the addition of latest-generation equipment, would continue to co-pack juices and dairy-alternative products in gable-top cartons.
“Amid unprecedented global economic uncertainty, Ontario remains focused on strengthening domestic supply chains to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” said the Hon. Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Lee Li’s expansion will ensure that more Ontario-made products are bottled and packed right here at home, creating good-paying jobs for families in Mississauga and significant downstream benefits for companies across the agri-food sector.”
By sourcing raw materials such as fresh-pressed apple and grape juice from within Ontario, this expansion would support the growth of local farms and agri-processors, while generating downstream benefits for distributors and logistics providers in the province.
“Ontario is one of the largest food and beverage manufacturing jurisdictions in North America and this investment demonstrates the confidence global companies have in our agri-food sector. This investment is driving innovation, creating jobs and ensuring Ontario remains a top destination for food and beverage manufacturing,” said the Hon. Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness.
Founded in Ontario in 1984, Lee Li began as a premium meat distributor and wholesale business. It has since grown into a diversified enterprise with a footprint spanning food and beverage manufacturing, cold storage, logistics, healthcare, real estate, and mining.
Subject to reaching a definitive agreement, the investment would be supported with a loan of up to $90 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.
“This investment will be a remarkable win for Ontario as Lee Li deepens its commitment to the province after four decades of continued growth,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario. “We’re excited about the next chapter of a homegrown success story that will bring new opportunities to the community in Mississauga and drive manufacturing innovation in the province.”
As Invest Ontario expands into the agri-processing sector, it is focused on attracting and supporting high-value, technology-driven projects that will build a more resilient supply chain and a stronger, more competitive economy in Ontario.