Maple Leaf Foods

The company known today as Maple Leaf Foods was formally established in 1991, but its story traces back much further. It began with the merger of two major Canadian food companies: Canada Packers, a dominant meat packer founded in 1927, and Maple Leaf Mills, a major player in flour-based products with roots stretching back to 1836. This strategic union created one of Canada's largest food processors. A pivotal moment in the company's journey occurred in 1995 when McCain Capital, led by Wallace McCain, and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board acquired a controlling interest. This change in ownership set the stage for a new strategic direction. Over the years, the company expanded its portfolio through acquisitions, including Schneider Foods in 2003, and later ventured into the plant-based protein market by acquiring Lightlife Foods in 2017 and Field Roast in 2018. In a significant strategic shift in 2014, Maple Leaf Foods divested its bakery division, including Canada Bread, to sharpen its focus exclusively on the protein sector. This decision solidified its identity as a leading consumer packaged meats company. More recently, in 2024, the company announced plans to separate into two independent public companies, spinning off its pork business to allow each entity to pursue more focused growth strategies.