Food processing beats auto industry in Ontario, report says

Jobs in Ontario's auto sector are dipping far below those in the food processing industry, according to a recent report.

Direct employment in the automotive sector in 2010 was 31,500, while food processing hit 127,000.

The Alliance of Ontario Food Processors also reported the farming created an additional 90,000 jobs.

Windsor's auto sector, though, is slightly stronger than the local food and beverage sector, according to Wendy Stark from the Windsor Essex Economic Development Corporation.

Stark said Windsor employs about 13,000 automotive workers and about 8,000 food processing and farming professionals.

"They are probably the top two sectors in our economy," said Stark. "Both [are] very influential components to the economy."

Stark doesn't shoot down the possibility of food processing surpassing the automotive sector in the future.

"I think in the short term, the automotive industry will still be the major industry here, but in the long-term, you never know," said Stark.

Daryl Hudec is vice-president of Daryl's Hi-N-R-G Bars. He has witnessed his Windsor-based business boom in recent years.

Ten years ago the company was creating 400 energy bars a week. Now, it's pumping out 25,000 per week.

"A lot of people are being more conscious about what they're eating," said Hudec. "Windsor doesn't seem as health-conscious as other cities in Canada, but we're starting to get on that trend."

The company started out making bars for diabetics. Now, it's producing protein bars and still seeking to expand.

"Every month, it seems like we get busier, and I think the reason is because everyone is looking for a natural product," said Hudec.

Hudec said gluten-free bars are next on the list to help those with celiac disease.

"You have to grow with the people. When people want a new product, you have to be there to be able to supply the product or else you won't make it in this business," said Hudec.

Daryl's Hi-N-R-G Bars recently expanded into the U.S., and employs 14 people.

Hudec still considers the company a small business, but hopes to exceed $1 million in profits next year.

In 2010, the auto sector had $43.6 billion in revenue in Ontario, while food processing, agriculture products and farming grossed nearly $50 billion.