In a significant development for the Peterborough community, Coca-Cola Canada has announced a major shift in its operations at the Minute Maid facility, which will see only six employees permanently laid off as the company phases out its frozen juice production. This decision marks a stark contrast to earlier forecasts, which had anticipated much higher job losses.
Job Cuts Lower than Anticipated
In July 2025, Coca-Cola revealed plans to cease frozen juice production at the Peterborough site by early 2026, attributing the move to “shifting consumer preferences.” Initially, the union representing the plant’s workforce, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 175, estimated that up to half of the 80-strong workforce could face redundancy. However, thanks to successful negotiations, the union has managed to limit the number of layoffs to just six, a substantial relief for the local workforce.
Kelly Tosato, president of UFCW Local 175, praised the outcome, stating, “The union worked to ensure that our members were treated fairly and supported throughout the layoff process. We worked with the employer to apply provisions of the collective agreement and negotiated enhanced protections for the remaining employees affected by this layoff.” The union also announced that the affected workers would receive improved severance packages, further easing the transition.
Coca-Cola’s Strategic Shift
Alongside the announcement of job cuts, Coca-Cola also declared it would discontinue all frozen juice concentrate products across both Canadian and American markets. This change has roots dating back to 1946, when these products were first introduced. The company’s statement indicated a necessity to adapt to evolving consumer demands: “We are discontinuing our frozen products and exiting the frozen can category in response to shifting consumer preferences. With the juice category growing strongly, we’re focusing on products that better match what our consumers want.”
Frozen juice products will remain available on store shelves until April, allowing consumers to gradually adjust to the change.
Focus on Community and Future Products
Debora De Angelis, UFCW’s director of political action, emphasised the union’s commitment to supporting employees during this transition. “Our primary goal is to make sure employees are treated fairly during this process and to ensure that there is lessened impact on the community of Peterborough.” Fortunately, production of other Minute Maid products will continue at the Peterborough plant, which saw a significant investment in 2020 with the opening of an $85 million facility dedicated to producing Fairlife ultra-filtered milk.
“The great news here is we get to keep great, union jobs in Peterborough,” De Angelis added. “And we continue to manufacture good Canadian products.”
Why it Matters
The decision by Coca-Cola to limit job losses to just six employees at the Peterborough Minute Maid facility is an encouraging outcome amidst a backdrop of corporate restructuring. This not only protects a significant portion of the workforce but also highlights the union’s effective negotiation efforts. As Coca-Cola shifts its focus towards products that align with contemporary consumer preferences, it is vital to ensure that the local community remains resilient. Preserving jobs in Peterborough while transitioning to new production lines will play a crucial role in maintaining the region’s economic stability and community spirit.
