Conagra Brands has confirmed that the company plans to sell its Dresden, Ontario facility or close it in 2027.

“After a careful review, Conagra has made the decision to close or sell its facility in Dresden, Ontario, and the associated brands and private label business,” says Dan Hare, spokesperson, Conagra. “Conagra is currently in discussions with Highbury Canco about a potential transaction to sell the business. If an agreement to sell the business is not completed, then Conagra will close the facility in mid- to late 2027.”

The region of Chatham-Kent accounts for about 55 per cent of Ontario’s processing tomato production according to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. That translates to about 6,750 to 7,110 acres. The adjoining county of Essex accounts for the remainder of production.  

According to the Ontario Processing Vegetable Growers, the processing tomato sector had a farmgate value of $99,959 million in 2025. There were 633,515 tons contracted compared to 571,560 in 2026. 

Source:  Conagra October 26, 2026 statement