Nestlé Canada Invests Over $50 Million to Grow and Strengthen Historic Toronto Confectionery Factory

Major investment expands capacity, adds a new production line, and deepens Nestlé’s commitment to Canadian manufacturing

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nestlé Canada has completed an expansion project valued at over $50 million at its historic confectionery factory in downtown Toronto. A proud pillar of Ontario’s manufacturing landscape for more than 100 years – and Nestlé’s only certified peanut-free facility in North America – the factory now has even greater capacity to support continued growth in Canadian manufacturing. 

The investment adds new physical production space, advanced manufacturing equipment, and expanded site utilities. Most notably, a new, flexible moulding line has been installed. Designed to produce KITKAT® and Aero®, this advanced equipment gives the factory greater flexibility to accelerate growth across Nestlé’s flagship confectionery brands. 

“Our 550 factory employees have built an incredible legacy, and this investment gives them even more to build on – new capacity and capability to carry that work forward,” says Chandra Kumar, President & CEO of Nestlé Canada. “Together, that’s what unlocks our next chapter of growth, innovation, and leadership in confectionery.” 

“Nestlé’s Toronto factory has been creating good-paying jobs and contributing to Ontario’s economy for over 100 years,” said the Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “This expansion is an important vote of confidence in our workers and in our plan to make Ontario the best place in the world to invest, build and grow. We’re excited to see Nestlé continue building on their legacy in Toronto and producing the made-in-Ontario products Canadians love.”

“Nestlé’s investment is great news for Toronto and for Canada,” says the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry. “This expansion strengthens our domestic supply chains, supports good jobs, and reinforces Canada’s position as a world-class food manufacturing hub. It is a strong vote of confidence in Canadian workers and Canadian-made products.”

As one of the few urban factories of its kind, the site was also thoughtfully redesigned as part of the project. The updated layout optimizes site logistics and helps reduce traffic disruptions on Sterling Road for the surrounding community. 

The investment also reinforces Nestlé Canada's commitment to responsible sourcing. Confectionery products made at the factory are produced in a Rainforest Alliance-certified factory using cocoa sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan. Cocoa also comes through Nestlé’s Income Accelerator Program, which today reaches approximately 45,000 cocoa-farming families in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana - helping close the living income gap and reduce the risk of child labour in these communities.  

“This factory has a proud legacy in Toronto, and it has always been at the heart of how we bring Canadians the brands they love,” continues Kumar. “This investment carries that momentum forward – as a commitment to Canadian manufacturing, to fostering innovation, and to building the next 100 years of great chocolate, right here in Canada.”

The facility proudly manufactures Canadian favourites including KITKAT®, Aero®, SMARTIES®, and Coffee Crisp®.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Britt Ballentine, Citizen Relations: britt.ballentine@citizenrelations.com

About Nestlé Canada 

Nestlé is the world's largest food and beverage company present in 189 countries. Nestlé is a Swiss multinational company and has been in Canada since 1887, locally manufacturing and/or distributing some of the world's most recognized and trusted brands, including, NESQUIK, HÄAGEN-DAZS, KIT KAT, NESCAFÉ, PERRIER, NESPRESSO, GERBER, and NESTLÉ PURINA. Its 3,500 employees in approximately 12 locations across Canada are committed to Nestlé’s purpose, to unlock the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come. More information and details are available at www.corporate.nestle.ca/en