MISSISSAUGA — Ontario’s agri-food sector is set for a significant boost as Lee Li Holdings Inc. commits more than $533 million to expand and modernize its manufacturing footprint in Mississauga, marking one of the province’s largest food-and-beverage investments this year. The project is expected to create 275 jobs and deepen Ontario’s role as a North American hub for beverage production and advanced packaging technology.
The provincial government announced the investment Thursday, positioning it as a strategic win amid ongoing trade tensions and supply-chain disruptions. “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.”
Under the plan, Lee Li will enlarge its existing facility by 15,000 square feet and construct a new 85,000-square-foot bottling and packing plant. The new facility will serve as the company’s North American hub for manufacturing plastic bottles for high-demand beverages including teas, coffees, sparkling waters and flavoured waters. The expansion aims to shift more end-to-end production—bottle manufacturing, filling and packaging—into Ontario, reducing reliance on external suppliers and international imports.
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli said the project reinforces the province’s efforts to strengthen domestic capacity across key industries. “Amid unprecedented global economic uncertainty, Ontario remains focused on strengthening domestic supply chains to build a more resilient and self-reliant economy,” Fedeli said. “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.”
To support the investment, the province is providing $90 million through the Invest Ontario Fund. The funding will also help Lee Li introduce a new white-label production line designed for brands using locally sourced ingredients. Officials say the initiative will open additional market opportunities for Ontario-based agri-food suppliers.
The global beverage market—particularly non-carbonated products—continues to evolve as consumers shift toward lower-sugar and health-focused options. John G. Spiteri, Executive VP and CAO of First Choice Beverage Inc., one of Lee Li’s subsidiaries, said the expansion equips the province to capitalize on that shift. “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,” Spiteri said. He added that the new facility’s production technology “will catapult Ontario into a leader in the rising global consumer market for low-sugar soft drinks.”
The announcement comes during a week of heightened investment activity for the province. Lee Li’s project is the fourth major development unveiled, bringing total commitments to $933 million and up to 710 jobs. Since 2018, Ontario has attracted $113 billion in foreign direct investment and added one million new jobs.
Agriculture and food-processing officials emphasized the long-term value of the expansion for Ontario’s competitiveness. “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,” said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “This investment is driving innovation, creating jobs and ensuring Ontario remains a top destination for food and beverage manufacturing.”
Local representatives say the project will anchor new employment opportunities in Mississauga—Malton. “Growing Ontario’s food and beverage sector is essential to strengthening supply chains and driving economic growth across the province,” said Mississauga—Malton MPP Deepak Anand. “Thank you to Lee Li Holdings Inc. for investing in expanded facilities and new manufacturing capacity that will create jobs, strengthen food security and support the well-being of families here in Mississauga—Malton and across our province.”
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish called the investment a major vote of confidence in the city’s industrial corridor. “This is great news for the workers of Mississauga. We welcome this massive investment of more than half a billion dollars by Lee Li Holdings Inc. This visionary upgrade and expansion within one of Mississauga’s key industrial areas will further strengthen our economy at a time when international trade turbulence has been a challenge,” Parrish said.
Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario, said the deal reflects Ontario’s growth trajectory in advanced manufacturing. “This investment will be a remarkable win for Ontario as Lee Li deepens its commitment to the province after four decades of continued growth. 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,” he said.
Founded in 1984, Lee Li has grown from a Toronto-based food distribution and wholesale business into a diversified enterprise employing more than 400 people worldwide. The company’s latest expansion signals its biggest step yet into large-scale beverage manufacturing and packaging in the North American market.
