MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — December 4, 2025 — Ontario-based Lee Li Holdings is preparing for a major expansion of its food and beverage manufacturing operations, announcing an anticipated $533 million investment that would create 275 new jobs and strengthen the province’s agri-processing supply chain. Supported by Invest Ontario, the milestone project underscores growing global demand for health-forward, non-carbonated beverages and reinforces Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced manufacturing.
The investment—driven by Lee Li subsidiaries First Choice Beverage Inc., Global Beverage and Logistics Centre Inc., and Imperial Chilled Juice Inc.—will expand the company’s turnkey co-manufacturing and warehousing capabilities, allowing multinational brands and local retailers to bring high-quality beverages to market faster and more efficiently.
“As consumers choose health-forward beverages and wellness concerns increase globally, our investment ensures this great province remains a manufacturing and technology leader in the US$200 billion non-carbonated beverage market,” said John G. Spiteri, Executive VP & CAO, First Choice Beverage Inc.
“Our new, advanced, environmentally sensitive production facility will help catapult Ontario into a leading global position in the fast-growing market for low-sugar soft drinks and ready-to-drink beverages.”
High-Tech Manufacturing Expansion to Meet Rising Consumer Demand
The project includes the expansion of an existing plant and the construction of a new facility—together adding more than 100,000 square feet of manufacturing capacity in Mississauga. These facilities will feature:
- AI-enabled production systems
- Automated warehousing technology
- Energy-efficient and low-waste manufacturing practices
- Processes that reduce energy use, wastewater, and plastic waste by over 30%
The new facility will specialize in plastic bottle manufacturing for beverages including iced tea, coffee, sparkling water, and flavored water. It will also introduce a white-label line for private-brand retailers, using locally sourced ingredients. The expanded plant will continue producing juices and dairy-alternative beverages in gable-top cartons.
Provincial Leaders Applaud Job Creation and Stronger Supply Chains
Ontario officials hailed the project as a major win for workers, farmers, processors, and the provincial economy.
“Ontario has the best workers in the world, and this expansion will create 275 good-paying jobs and strengthen our advanced manufacturing leadership,” said Premier Doug Ford.
“By lowering taxes and cutting red tape, we’re helping build the strongest and most competitive economy in the G7.”
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Vic Fedeli emphasized the project’s role in building domestic capacity:
“Lee Li’s expansion will ensure more Ontario-made products are bottled and packed right here at home. This investment strengthens our supply chains, creates good-paying jobs, and delivers significant benefits across the agri-food sector.”
Because Lee Li sources ingredients such as fresh-pressed apple and grape juice directly from Ontario farms, the expansion will generate ripple effects across the province’s agricultural ecosystem—from growers to processors and logistics providers.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones added:
“Ontario is one of North America’s largest food and beverage manufacturing jurisdictions. This investment drives innovation, creates jobs, and reinforces Ontario’s reputation as a top destination for global food and beverage manufacturing.”
A Homegrown Success Story Reinforcing Ontario’s Global Competitiveness
Founded in Ontario in 1984 as a premium meat distributor, Lee Li has grown into a diversified enterprise spanning:
- Food and beverage manufacturing
- Cold storage and logistics
- Healthcare
- Real estate
- Mining
The anticipated expansion would be supported by a loan of up to $90 million from the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to a definitive agreement.
“This is a remarkable win for Ontario,” said Khawar Nasim, CEO of Invest Ontario.
“Lee Li’s four decades of growth reflect the strength of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, and this next chapter will bring new opportunities to the Mississauga community while advancing advanced manufacturing across the province.”
As Invest Ontario deepens its focus on agri-processing, attracting large-scale, technology-driven projects like this expansion remains a key strategy for enhancing supply-chain resilience and driving long-term economic competitiveness.
