Lethbridge, Alta. (Rural Roots Canada) – Nortera is closing its frozen food facility in Lethbridge, Alberta, this June, impacting about 70 employees as part of a broader effort to consolidate operations and stay competitive.

According to a release, the move comes amid growing pressure from international imports and rising input costs across Canada’s food processing sector.

Bianca Parsons with the Alberta Food Processors Association says while the news is difficult, it reflects long-standing challenges.

“It’s heartbreaking whenever you hear of a closure in our province, especially when you know of a closure of a company that has been around for so long and had such longevity within the province as a whole,” she says.

Parsons explains that processors are facing mounting costs, from tariffs on aluminum cans to rising freight and packaging prices, often without the ability to pass those increases on to retailers, and the strain is being felt across the entire supply chain.

READ MORE: FCC leads $5B investment push in Canadian agriculture and food

“Let’s say if you have a 3-year contract in the last 3 years, whether it be international tariffs, whether it be shipping costs, whether it be gas prices, it’s been a difficult time for these processors.”

Nortera says production will shift to other facilities as it works to maintain its footprint in the North American vegetable market.

“Closing a facility is never an easy decision, especially given the dedication of our Lethbridge team,” said Hugo Boisvert, CEO of Nortera. “Current market pressures have made it essential for us to consolidate our operations. By optimizing our manufacturing footprint, we are securing the future and the competitiveness of Nortera.”