TORONTO — Coca-Cola Canada is investing C$85 million ($65 million) to build a production facility in Peterborough, Ont., that is geared toward dairy innovation. The plant, which is scheduled to be operating in the first quarter of 2020, will produce fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk in fat free, 2% white, 2% chocolate and whole white varieties in 1.5-liter PET bottles, as well as 2% white and 2% chocolate in 240-mL PET bottles, Coca-Cola said.

The production facility marks the company’s first foray into the international market for its fairlife brand of products.

 “We couldn’t be more excited to continue the fairlife journey with our forthcoming expansion into Canada,” said Tim Doelman, chief operating officer of fairlife. “We’re continuing to experience tremendous growth as more and more people are becoming dedicated fans of our rich tasting and nutritious milk, and we’re confident that Canadians are going to love it as well. The decision to launch fairlife in Canada was an easy one to make, given the high farming and dairy standards already in place.”

Shane Grant, president of the Canadian business unit of The Coca-Cola Co., said the decision to build the dairy production facility is a significant step in its journey to become a total beverage company.

“We are listening to consumers and evolving our business strategy to respond,” Mr. Grant said. “We have launched an unprecedented number of new products into the Canadian market over the last 18 months, including smaller package formats and new brands, such as Gold Peak, smartwater sparkling, Glaceau fruitwater, vitaminwater active, Peace Tea, and Powerade Zero. Adding fairlife Ultrafiltered Milk to our portfolio means we can offer Canadians more of what they are looking for — products with less sugar, more functional benefits and more natural ingredients.”

Coca-Cola Canada said the plant will be supplied with milk from local dairy farmers in Ontario.