Nova Scotia Business Inc. is giving Quebec dairy giant Agropur a $1,843,776 rebate to create an “innovative production line, novel to the national ice cream market in Canada.”
The presumably bold and world-class ice cream will be produced at the former Scotsburn plant in Truro.
Agropur purchased the Nova Scotian company two years ago to expand into the ice cream market. The multi-billion-dollar company subsequently laid off 346 people in Atlantic Canada.
Scotsburn was itself a previous recipient of government funding. The province gave the company a $5.5-million loan toward its expansion back in 2013, repayable over 15 years. NSBI also gifted Scotsburn with a $480,000 forgivable loan for job creation and another $2 million for a “novelty ice cream machine.”
As announced Tuesday, tree fruit cooperative Scotian Gold will also receive a $477,333 rebate from NSBI to expand its storage technology, equipment and software “in order to increase fruit quality and extend the marketing season.”
The Coldbrook company stores and packs over 50
Nova Scotia's Innovation Rebate Program offers a 25
Both Agropur and Scotian Gold are eligible for the maximum amount provided they complete their innovative new projects within three years.
Just don't fuck with Moon Mist, guys.