Persian Empire Opens Their Doors at Newly Expanded Peterborough Facility
Bruce Khabbazi, President and CEO of Persian Empire (CDC Inc.), along with the team at Peterborough Economic Development are pleased to announce that Persian Empire opened the doors of their expanded new facility at 636 Queensway Court in Peterborough this afternoon. An opening event was held today with local media and dignitaries including MP Maryam Monsef, MPP Jeff Leal and Mayor Daryl Bennett.
Persian Empire received $113,000 in funding from the Province of Ontario’s Rural Economic Development Fund and $100,000 in 2014 through the Eastern Ontario Development Program administered by Community Futures Peterborough on behalf of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. This funding allowed Khabbazi to purchase new equipment in order to increase production capacity. As the company expands, Persian Empire continues to export their locally-made products to countries around the world.
Persian Empire, which produces both premium spirits and yogurt soda, has been in the region since 2006 and broke ground at their new location last summer. The new 11,000 sq. ft. location includes a distillery for spirits, production floor for yogurt soda and an on-site liquor store. With the expansion, Persian Empire has increased its production capacity for the domestic and export markets. Peterborough Economic Development has worked closely with Persian Empire over the past several years and facilitated funding from both provincial and federal governments and through Community Futures Peterborough.
Persian Empire exports to customers in North America, Europe and Japan from their Peterborough location and is North America’s leading producer of yogurt soda. Spirits are available for sale at the LCBO, their on-site store and by delivery. The on-site liquor store at Persian Empire is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and on weekends by appointment.
Learn more about Persian Empire by visiting www.persianempire1.com
The mission of Peterborough Economic Development is to lead Peterborough’s economic growth by attracting the talent, innovation and investments that create desirable jobs and an irresistible place to live and visit.
Quotes
“Peterborough has been a great place to expand my business. It is very accessible to my major markets in the Greater Toronto Area and has the support available that businesses need to succeed.”
-Bruce Khabbazi, President & CEO, Persian Empire (CDC Inc.)
“We are proud to have supported Persian Empire on their path to success. Peterborough Economic Development connects growing companies with the opportunities, resources and support that make their goals a reality. We are also pleased to work closely with other community organizations and multiple levels of government, in order to best support local businesses.”
Jamey Coughlin, Business Development Lead, Peterborough Economic Development
I strongly encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to consider […] for the Eastern Ontario Development Program. The goal is to advance economic development in our region and the program is accepting applications right now, so that we can have more success stories like Bruce and Sara’s.”
The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions, MP for Peterborough-Kawartha
“I am pleased that our government through the Ontario Rural Economic Development program was able to partner with Persian Empire to help increase their production and purchase new equipment locally. Funding through the Rural Economic Development program promotes innovative and creative rural industries like Persian Empire to translate ideas into products and services for a global market. Congratulations to Bruce and his entire team.”
The Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, MPP for Peterborough
“The Canadian Distribution Channel has been a Community Futures client for several years. When they brought forward an application for their expansion to double their workforce, our volunteer Board of Directors approved a non-repayable contribution in the amount of $100,000. Their Mashky Yogurt Soda is the #1 brand of yogurt soda in North America. In 2013, Canadian Distribution Channel utilized 2,150,000 litres of Ontario milk in the production of their sodas.”
Tonya Kraan, General Manager, Community Futures Peterborough
“The expansion of Persian Empire by owners Sara and Bruce Khabbazi is an investment in their business and an investment in the overall community, creating jobs and greater prosperity. This is yet another example of all levels of government working together through organizations such as Peterborough Economic Development and Community Futures Development Corp. to support business retention and expansion for the benefit of the Peterborough Region.”
Daryl Bennett, Mayor of the City of Peterborough