Serving up fresh value-added investment in Alberta

A meal kit and ready-to-eat food company is investing $19.5 million in a new Calgary processing facility, backed by more than $3.6 million in combined federal and provincial funding.

GDE Grocery Delivery E-Services Canada Inc., operating under the Factor Meals brand, received conditional approval for a $2.3-million Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit and a separate $1.3-million grant through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership Emerging Opportunities Program.

The 50,000-square-foot facility, which began construction in July 2025 and was completed this spring, is expected to create 400 permanent and 251 temporary jobs in Calgary.

All meat and produce used in the company's chef-curated, ready-to-eat meals will be sourced from Alberta agricultural suppliers. The meals can be tailored to specific dietary goals including ketogenic, calorie-conscious and high-protein options.

Kevin Marban, general manager and vice-president of Factor Canada, said Calgary's central location will allow the company to shorten delivery routes and improve freshness for customers across Western Canada.

GDE already operates a facility in Nisku, Alberta, producing meal kits, ready-to-eat meals and premium pet food under several brands including HelloFresh, EveryPlate, Chefs Plate and The Pets Table.

HelloFresh Group was founded in 2011 in Berlin, Germany. It operates on a direct-to-consumer model.

As of March 31, 2026, Alberta's Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit program has approved 15 applications supporting $1.66 billion in new investment in the province's agri-processing sector.

Source: Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation