PepsiCo Foods Canada has signed a distribution agreement with Maple Leaf Foods to distribute Schneiders Pepperettes snack-size premium meat sticks in Canada.

Starting October this year, PepsiCo Foods Canada will sell, distribute and merchandise Schneiders premium meat sticks in grocery, convenience, gas, and foodservice outlets across the country.

Maple Leaf Foods president and COO Curtis Frank said: “We are thrilled about this new partnership with PepsiCo Foods Canada.

“Their extensive Canadian direct-to-store delivery system, strong selling capabilities and complementary brand portfolio will undoubtedly increase Maple Leaf’s ability to reach Canadians with the country’s best-tasting Schneiders premium meat snacks.”

Founded in 1890, the Schneiders brand portfolio includes Schneiders, Schneiders Smokies, Schneiders Juicy Jumbos, Schneiders Red Hots, Schneiders Blue Ribbon, Schneiders Deli Best, and Schneiders Pepperettes.

Under this agreement, PepsiCo Foods Canada will become the exclusive distributor of 30g and 32g packs of Schneiders Pepperettes snack products.

The new partnership between the two companies is expected to further expand Schneiders Pepperettes premium meat snacks footprint in the Canadian market and accelerate the brand’s growth.

PepsiCo Foods Canada president Cara Keating said: “Maple Leaf Foods has an exceptional reputation for quality and the iconic Schneiders brand offers the highest standards of craftsmanship in its premium meat snacks.

“We’re proud to partner with another Canadian company that shares a legacy of quality products, employing Canadians and serving its communities.

“This partnership will enable us to broaden our immediate consumption portfolio and grow the Schneiders brand in Canada through our coast-to-coast sales and distribution network.”

Last month, Maple Leaf Foods completed the acquisition of a 118,000ft² processing plant in Indianapolis, US.