Sweet Growth Ahead: Ganong Bros. Limited

Modernized operations support export growth, productivity and capacity for Canada's oldest confectionery manufacturer

August 24, 2026 · St. Stephen, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)  

Atlantic Canadian businesses are modernizing to drive productivity and build resilience in a shifting global economy. By helping firms optimize supply chains and adopt the technologies they need to compete in new markets, the Government of Canada is

strengthening Atlantic Canada’s industrial capacity and helping the region lead on the world stage.

Today, the Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions), and Member of Parliament for Saint John – Kennebecasis, announced a federal investment to support Ganong Bros. Limited, (Ganong) in St. Stephen, New Brunswick ($900,000). 

The investment will help Ganong adopt automation and advanced production technologies to modernize its operations, increase productivity and meet growing demand in domestic and international markets. It will also help sustain more than 320 full-time manufacturing jobs and create new opportunities for employee upskilling, advancement and long-term career growth in rural New Brunswick. These improvements will strengthen Ganong's competitiveness and give the company greater flexibility to diversify its products and pursue new growth opportunities. 

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping Canadian businesses improve productivity, adapt to changing global conditions, and pursue new market opportunities.

This announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

Quotes

“When we invest in the productivity of Atlantic Canadian businesses, we are sharpening Canada’s competitive edge. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative provides the tools local companies need to modernize their operations and build the strength required to thrive in a changing global marketplace.”

- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“Ganong’s more than 150-year history is a testament to the pride, expertise and dedication of its employees. This investment will help the company build on that success by strengthening productivity, expanding capacity and pursuing new market opportunities. Through ACOA, the Government of Canada is helping Ganong expand its capacity, pursue new market opportunities, and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

- The Honourable Wayne Long, Secretary of State, (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions), and Member of Parliament for Saint John - Kennebecasis

“With ACOA's support, we've been able to continue to modernize our plant, expand our capacity, and create good jobs for our team and our community building on more than 150 years of confectionery-making right here in New Brunswick. These investments let us keep pace with growing demand while sharpening the productivity, competitiveness and efficiency of our St. Stephen operations."

- Bryana Ganong, President & CEO, Ganong Bros. Limited 

Quick facts

• Ganong Bros., Limited founded in 1873 in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest candy company – and the first in North America to introduce the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. 

• This project builds on previous investments through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) that have helped Ganong achieve:
  • 35% growth over the last year, strengthening the company's operations and positioning it for continued expansion into new markets.
  • A 75% improvement in productivity following investments in new packaging equipment.
  • More than 60% of the company’s growth over the last year attributed to investments in new manufacturing capabilities.

• The funding announced today is provided through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI), a $1.95-billion national initiative delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) as part of the Government of Canada’s broader tariff response plan.

• Launched in September 2025 with an initial investment of $1 billion, the initiative was expanded in 2026 through an additional $950 million to help protect Canadian businesses and workers while strengthening the competitiveness of businesses across the country by helping them boost productivity, cut costs, build more resilient supply chains and reach new markets.

• In Atlantic Canada, ACOA is delivering the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises as they modernize operations, strengthen supply chains, and pursue new market opportunities.

• The Regional Tariff Response Initiative is a time-limited, three-year initiative ending March 31, 2029, or until funds are fully committed.

• In New Brunswick, Regional Tariff Response Initiative investments are helping manufacturers strengthen their competitiveness through automation, increased production capacity, and operational improvements, enabling firms to diversify their markets, pursue new export opportunities, and maintain high-quality jobs in local communities.