Pita-bagel in stores now!

Handi Foods Ltd releases new product using Ontario wheat

GUELPH, ON (July 26, 2010) – Handi Foods Ltd has released the new pita-bagel made with Ontario wheat!

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) supported the development of this new product through the Wheat Innovation Support Fund. Discussions began in 2008 and the maximum grant amount of $25,000 was provided to assist with testing and development costs.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition and are happy to see consumers enjoying more Ontario wheat products,” says Barry Senft, CEO of GFO.

The pita-bagel, sold under the Gourmet Pita brand name, is currently available in Longo’s, Sobeys Atlantic, and Metro/Food Basics Ontario and Quebec grocery stores.

“Our goal was to develop a bagel with a lighter texture than conventional bagels,” says Jerry Chizick, Vice President of Handi Foods Ltd. “The pita-bagel has a moist and light core with a crispy crust and is made with a blended flour (50% Ontario, 50% West).”

Part of GFO’s mandate is to develop new, and expand existing, markets for Ontario grains. The organization continues to work with industry partners to support various market development projects.

For more information about GFO’s current Market Development programs visit www.gfo.ca/AnnouncementPages/MarketDev_Announcements.

Grain Farmers of Ontario

Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 corn, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $2.5 billion in farm gate receipts, result in over $9 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 40,000 jobs in the province.

Contact:

Barry Senft, CEO – 1-800-265-0550; bsenft@gfo.ca