By Roberta Rampton

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Reuters) - Losses at Maple Leaf Foods Inc (MFI.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) grew in the fourth quarter because of hefty restructuring charges, the strong Canadian dollar and soaring grain prices, the meat processor and baker said on Thursday.

Maple Leaf reported a net loss of C$22.1 million ($21.9 million), or 17 Canadian cents a share, in the quarter, almost double the year-earlier loss of C$11.6 million, or 9 Canadian cents a share.

Sales fell 6 percent to C$1.3 billion as the Toronto-based company got out of some businesses and was hurt by rising costs and the strong Canadian currency in others.

The company is midway through a three-year overhaul to get out of the money-losing fresh pork export trade, focusing instead on further processed meats, meals and baked goods.

"We feel that we are in the lead in this journey. We feel very good about it," Chief Executive Michael McCain told analysts on a conference call.

McCain said the company had strong results from its core operations and the strongest balance sheet in its history.

Maple Leaf shares dropped 2.5 percent or 33 Canadian cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday to C$12.91.

The company said its earnings from continuing operations were up 11 percent in the quarter to C$57.9 million, or 20 cents per share, up from 13 cents per share.