A Newfoundland and Labrador business making plant-based, no-sugar-added oat bars has been finding success in markets across Canada. Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced support totalling $58,000 for food manufacturing firm The Oat Company to assist with its export development strategy.
The Oat Company has been manufacturing and selling oat-based energy bars and snacks since 2019 and has differentiated itself by selling products using only 100 per cent natural ingredients without any added sugar. Since 2022, the company has been steadily gaining traction in the local market by developing local sales channels at Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ cafeterias and local grocery stores. It has also found success outside the province, to the point where more than 60 per cent of its revenue comes from sales outside Newfoundland and Labrador.
This funding will support the company as it works to build its brand in stores and online, while also building relationships with distributors and retailers.
Through the Business Growth Program, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology supports increased market development and expansion, international trade activity, and accelerated growth via support for: market research, readiness, planning and development; product and service demonstrations; and participation in trade conferences and missions. The department also works with Global Affairs Canada, and with the other Atlantic Provinces and the Federal Government under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy, to plan and participate in trade missions in foreign markets.
Quotes
“The Oat Company is offering a unique product in this large and fast-growing market. The demand for healthy snacks, specifically organic, vegan and gluten-free snacks, is growing. We are pleased to support the company with its ongoing effort to expand to new markets across Canada.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“Our vision is to be a North American natural foods brand, exporting our healthy snacks right from here. We are working towards that goal customer by customer, store by store, across Canada. This support and partnership can really help us be better and move faster. The timing could not be better in the current environment, so we’re excited to get started.”
Patrick Griffin
Founder, The Oat Company
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Business Growth Program
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