Inside SIAL Canada 2026: Driving Food Innovation Through Connection and Collaboration
CFIN had the honour of taking a bite out of SIAL Canada 2026 in Montréal 🍎—connecting with partners, members, and industry leaders shaping the future of food innovation across Canada and beyond. Representing CFIN on site were CEO @Dana McCauley and @Julie Daigle , Regional Innovation Director (Quebec), who engaged with the ecosystem throughout the event. Their presence reflected CFIN’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Canada’s food innovation ecosystem and supporting high-potential foodtech ventures. Attendees could also catch Julie as a Foodtech Focus expert at the SIAL Canada Expert Hub, where she connected directly with innovators and shared insights with the community. Dana also took the stage as part of the Dairy Talks program, contributing to a forward-looking discussion on innovation as a driver of market leadership in the Canadian dairy sector. Her session explored the shift from incremental product development toward a broader innovation mindset—highlighting next-generation ingredients, value-added dairy formats, new go-to-market strategies, and the role of Industry 4.0 technologies like AI, robotics, automation, and digital supply chains in strengthening productivity and global competitiveness. A key highlight of the week was CFIN’s involvement in the 7th edition of the Startup Pitch Competition, held on April 30 on the Food & Bev Connect stage. Julie Daigle participated as the President of the Foodtech jury, joining a panel of industry experts evaluating promising entrepreneurs from the Startup Village. Beyond the competition, the Startup Pitch stage served as a strategic platform connecting entrepreneurs with buyers, investors, and key decision-makers across the agri-food ecosystem. A standout moment for the CFIN community was the recognition of Maia Farms, a CFIN member and funding recipient, which earned the Gold Prize in the foodtec h competition 🍄🏆 CFIN’s presence at SIAL Canada underscored the momentum of Canada’s food innovation sector and the value of convening the ecosystem to accelerate ideas from concept to commercialization. 📖 Explore more from SIAL Canada 2026 R elive the stories, innovations, and key moments captured throughout the show in the official SIAL Canada Daily: SIAL Canada Daily – 2026 Edition (Photos Courtesy of SIAL)
Community Manager-
Five Years of CFIN: A Letter to the Network
Thirty years ago, I worked as a chef in the kitchen of one of Canada’s top restaurants standing should er to shoulder with people who ca red about the sensory experience of food above all else . Our tech stack was al most all analog and , to be honest, we didn’t give our ordering system or the way we did inventory a lot of thought. My career broadened over time , and I ’ ve also held roles where I developed recipes at Canadian Living and wrote about food trends; built innovation strategies and products for national brands, founded a business incubator, and ran a venture creation office at a prestigious Canadian u niversity . Food was always the thread , and technology was always present but in most of the food focused businesses I’ve worked for, it was taken for granted, and creativity and hard work were what drove the businesses forward. While smart people with great ideas are essential to food business success, it’s not enough to be competitive in today’s world. Old ways of running restaurants, innovation labs and food and beverage processi ng businesses can’t compete internationally or absorb the trade shocks that have become commonpla ce in recent history. That’s why I feel l ik e CFIN is the perfect place for me to be today and why we’re adding dozens of new members per week. When CFIN was created in 2021, the mandate was intentionally broad : cata lyze Canadian food innovation with funding , build community, connect an ecosystem that had been operating in silos for decades. The funding programs took shape quickly. Since 2022, we’ve awar ded $23.3 million to 133 projects across six program s. For every $1 CFIN invested, our members committed $7.65 of their own capital toward innovation. This leverage ratio of nearly 8-to-1 has unlocked over $140 m illion in private sector spending on R&D and capital infrastructure. The other work was harder to define . What do "build community" and "connect an ecosystem" mean in practice for a sector span ning startups, processors, researchers, investors, policymakers, and operators spread across this vast country ? Th at question didn't have a tidy answer. As a result , fostering and serving this network was (and remains ) an exercise in innovation itself : something new to be built , and then tested, adjusted, and iterated upon , ad infinitum . I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built so far . A team of Regional Innovation Directors who've supported more than 2,200 organizations, brokering the introductions that became commercial partnerships, strategic investments, leadership hires, and research collaborations. A digital platform , YODL, connecting Canada's food sector across industry silos and bridging interprovincial barriers . The first comprehensive analysis of Canadian foodtech . A network of 8,500 members from every province, every part of the food value chain, every stage of business . On any given week, our community is discussing topics ranging from precision fermentation bioreactor designs and funding stacks to food packaging labeling regulations and export strategies, all in the same space. Members benefit from purpose-built tools and resources — like our Funding Finder that aggregates food and beverage funding opportunities across the country and a growing library of original sector research and analysis — alongside direct access to our Regional Innovation Directors. Canada has strong regional funders, accelerators, trade associations, and tech transfer offices, each doing necessary work in a defined lane. What this sector didn't have was a place where the conversation s , the tools, and the connections all showed up at once — where the range of problems and the range of capabilities were dense enough that the right solutions could emerge . That's what CFIN has built. That foundation is important because the next five years will be even more dynamic, and often more challenging, than the last five . To keep pace and flourish in an increasingly volatile world, Canada's food sector needs to modernize faster and more strategic ally than ever before . Trade disruption is dramaticall y reshaping supply chains . L abour constraints are compounding a productivity gap that was widening long before tariffs became front-page news. Climate pressures are intensifying. Food 4.0 — a tech-enabled food s ector that's more collaborative, productive, resilient, and competitive — is the framework CFIN is building toward, and the case for it gets more urgent by the quarter. I ’m confident that we’re up to the task . Five years ago, Canada's food innovation ecosystem was fragmented, underleveraged, and often invisible to the investors, operators, policymakers, and media who needed to see it. That's no longer true. The capacity to respond to the challenges ahead is here. Not in any single program or policy, but in the breadth of this network — the founders , processors , researchers , and investo rs who are hungry to innovate and build a better Canadian food sector . My own wide-ranging path through the food sector taught me that no single role ever showed me the full picture. It took working across kitchens, labs, newsrooms, boardrooms, and startups to understand how innovation really moves through this industry — and where it get s stuck. CFIN was built on the same insight. A sector this complex, facing challenges this urgent, needs more than funding or advice or connections in isolation. It needs all of them in the same room. That's what we've spent five years building, and I'm betting the next five will prove its value at a scale none of us can yet imagine. Thank you for being part of it. Dana McCauley, CEO, Canadian Food Innovation Network
Community Manager-
How BC is Becoming a National Foodtech Hub
Editor's Note: This article was o riginally published in the Vancouver Tech Journal on March 13, 2026 The province has a diverse food processing industry, world-class research facilities, and a deep bench of tech talent — everything a foodtech ecosystem needs to thrive. Foodtech builds the software, automation, and applied science for how food gets processed, manufactured, packaged, distributed, and sold. The industry behind it is enormous — food and beverage processing alone is Canada's largest manufacturing sub-sector , bigger than automotive, bigger than aerospace. It's a serious market, and in British Columbia, it's growing fast. But if you work in the province's broader tech ecosystem, you might not even know that. Foodtech hasn't traditionally drawn the same attention as sectors like cleantech or enterprise SaaS despite being a comparable market in scale and complexity — and one where demand for new technology is accelerating fast. What BC brings to the table BC's food processing sector is substantial — over 3,200 companies producing roughly $12.6 billion in value-added products annually. And it's being treated as a strategic priority. The province has funded a network of shared food processing hubs, UBC just opened a Food and Beverage Innovation Centre with pilot-scale production labs that processors and startups previously had to leave BC to access, and SFU's BC Centre for Agritech Innovation is partnering directly with SMEs on cost-shared R&D. At the same time, much of what the food industry needs is already being built in BC for other thriving tech sectors. Process automation, energy management, supply chain software, safety and traceability systems, data-driven quality control — these are cleantech and software problems applied to production floors and distribution networks. The talent, research base, and trade infrastructure to support a serious foodtech cluster are all here. A different kind of tech sector Foodtech doesn't work like enterprise SaaS or consumer tech. Processors and manufacturers adopt slowly and carefully, because failure is expensive in ways that go beyond lost revenue — a food safety issue, a botched line integration, a regulatory problem. Sales cycles run in quarters. The investor community that understands food is small and specialized. And the industry's own networks run through trade associations, existing supply relationships, and sector-specific events that sit well outside the broader tech community's orbit. None of this means foodtech is closed off. It means that if you want in — as a founder, investor, developer, or potential partner — you need a way to access the conversations, the deal flow, and the operating knowledge that don't surface through the usual channels. The Canadian Food Innovation Network The Canadian Food Innovation Network is a national not-for-profit, established in 2021 that functions as the operating infrastructure for Canada's foodtech sector. CFIN runs cost-shared funding programs that help companies de-risk R&D and move technology into commercial settings. Since launch , the organization has awarded over $22 million to 122 Canadian foodtech projects, matched by $25 million in industry co-investment. Those funded companies have generated $90 million in economic impact, created over 355 jobs and co-op placements, and attracted more than $82 million in follow-on investment. The network's 8,000-plus members include food processors, technology companies, ingredient suppliers, retailers, researchers, and investors — connected through YODL, CFIN's member platform, and supported by Regional Innovation Directors embedded across the country, who work directly with members to broker introductions, navigate funding, and connect emerging technology with the processors and buyers who need it. CFIN also produces the sector's most detailed intelligence . The Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report mapped investment flows, identified sector strengths, and gave both companies and investors a clearer picture of where the Canadian foodtech market stands. And then there's Foodtech Frontier , CFIN's annual program identifying the country's highest-potential foodtech companies. The inaugural cohort of 35 winners included eight BC companies. For investors, it works as curated, vetted deal flow in a sector where sourcing is otherwise hard. For the companies, it's structured national visibility. Plug into Canada’s foodtech ecosystem If you work in technology or investment and you've been curious about the food sector, then signing up for a free CFIN membership is the best place to start. Members get access to funding programs, sector intelligence, a national innovation community, and regional team members that know the BC landscape specifically.
Community Manager-
Other Articles
Beyond the Trade War - Building a Stronger Food Future for Canada
The U.S.-Canada trade war has shown us how vulnerable our food economy is and how urgently we need to rethink our approach to growth. For too long, Canada has overlooked the potential of foodtech —the innovations that make our food sector more competitive, efficient, and resilient. Now is the time to change that. We need to invest in foodtech —not just to navigate short term trade uncertainty, but to build a stronger, more productive, and more independent food sector for the long haul . Here’s how we make it happen. 1. Investing in Value-Added Food Innovation at Home Investments in the Canad ian agrifood tech sector are overwhelmingly weighted toward agtech . F oodtech , which encompasses all post - farmgate applications (think processing, supply chain logistics , novel ingredient development, and beyond) receiv es just 56% of total agrifoodtech investments , far behind the global norm of 83%. This is reflected in the fact that much of Canada’s agrifood exports are raw, unprocessed inputs, priced at commodity rates . To boost national food security and economic growth in our agrifood food sector , we need to boost investments in —and the adoption of—Canadian foodtech solutions . How to do i t: Empower existing Canadian food businesses to adopt homegrown tech . Many food manufacturers are hungry for growth but lack the tools to integrate innovation. Canada could provide free automation audits to identify efficiency opportunities and fund tech adoption programs to accelerate awareness and implementation. Leverage trade agreements to scale Canadian foodtech globally . Canada has strong trade agreements that we could be leveraging more strategically to help food innovators. MOUs and existing trade deals should be used to expand market access for Canadian foodtech solutions , not just agricultural exports. 2. Closing Canada’s Growth-Stage Funding Gap Between 2018 and 2024, Canada’s foodtech startups secure d $1.6B in investment . T hat represents a ton of progress , b ut compared to $8.8B in the UK and $86.6B in the US ove r the same period , Canadian foodtech is still small potatoes , especially when it comes to late-series funding rounds . To keep pace with global foodtech leaders, addressing our current gap in mid-to-late-stage funding must be prioritized. How to do i t: Develop specialized foodtech accelerators that understand food science. General tech accelerators don’t always meet the needs of food-focused startups. Canada needs sector-specific growth programs that provide tailored support, from regulatory navigation to supply chain scaling. Create anchor investment incentives to attract late-stage capital . Canada should offer more co-investment incentives for large institutional investors and corporate VCs willing to fund late-stage foodtech startups. By de-risking investments with matching funds and tax credits, we can bring more growth-stage capital into the ecosystem. 3. Unlocking Private Investment: The Key to Scaling Canada’s Foodtech Sector Currently, 30% of foodtech investments in Canada come from public grants, compared to just 5% in the UK and 8% in the US. While public funding h elps establish a viable foodtech ecosystem and accelerate the commercialization potential of novel technologies , it’s not designed for scale. We need to shift the balance toward private investment that can take companies beyond pilot projects and into commercial reality. How to do i t: Speed up regulatory approvals for new foodtech innovations. A fast-track system f or alternative proteins, biotech-enabled ingredients, and food processing advancements would give investors more confidence in market timelines. Support the development of corporate venture partnerships between legacy food manufacturers and foodtech startups. Canada’s large food manufacturers and processors can play a role in scaling foodtech startups. We should encourage corporate venture capital partnerships, acquisitions, and joint ventures to help high-potential foodtech companies reach commercial scale. Strengthen Canada’s foodtech investment narrative. Investors need a clear case for why foodtech is worth their capital. A national investment attraction strategy focused on food innov ation can build momentum. Why This Matters Now This trade war has exposed Canada’s vulnerabiliti es. Right now, we’re overly reliant on one export market . That’s a losing game in the long run . If we don’t invest in foodtech now, we risk being stuck as a commodity supplier while other foodtech trailblazers capture the high-value market opportunities. The solution isn’t just more investment— it’s smarter investment. That means de-risking private capital, building infrastructure for scale, and fixing the mid- and late- stage funding gap that’s keeping Canadian foodtech companies from reaching their potential. Volatility in Canada-U.S. trade relations has made it clear: investing in foodtech is essential to ensuring the long-term resilience and growth of our food sector . Be sure to r ead the Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report for a deep er dive into the data, trends, and strategies to shaping foodtech investment in Canada: https://cfin-rcia.ca/yodl-content/cfin-reports/foodtech-in-canada-2025-ecosystem-report
Community Manager-
Navigating U.S. Tariffs: Resource Guide for Canadian Food Businesses
Canadian food and beverage businesses are facing significant impacts from U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is here to support you through this challenging period. What's Happening? The U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 25% on a wide range of Canadian goods, significantly impacting food exports. The tariffs went into effect on Tuesday, Mar ch 3 , but many were temporarily removed until April 2. All Canadian food businesses exporting to or importing from the U.S. stand to be negatively affected by this uncertainty, regardless of if the tariffs are ever enacted for an extended period . The situation is evolving rapidly; stay informed through official Government of Canada updates . Federal Government Resources Food businesses can l everage federal programs dedicated to helping businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. These initiatives offer financial aid, strategic advice, and advocacy to reduce the strain on your operations: Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) – Provides export advice, market entry support, and international connections. Their page on Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges is being updated in real time. CanExport Funding : The federal CanExport program offers funding to help Canadian SMEs explore new overseas markets. With CanExport SMEs grants, you can get financial support (for travel, marketing, compliance testing, etc.) to develop business in markets beyond the U.S. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Export Support – Offers a grifood trade services for Canadian exporters, market in telligence , funding to participate in international trade events, and more. Export Development Canada (EDC) – Launching the Trade Impact Program to deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs. It also o ffers credit insurance, financial solutions, and risk management advice for exporters. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Provid ing $500 million in favourably priced loans for businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, along with businesses in their supply chains. Off ers advisory services in financial management and market diversification. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) – Providing $1 billion in new financing to help Canadian agriculture and food businesses address cash flow challenges and adjust to a new operating environment. Provincial Export Organizations & Resources Th ese provincial organizations and government agencies provide comprehensive export services for local businesses and often administer funding p rograms to offset costs for trade shows and market exploration . Trade and Invest BC – Supports B.C. exporters with trade missions, market intelligence, and international networking. Alberta Export Expansion Program (AEEP) – Provides financial support for Alberta SMEs to enter new international markets. Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) – Facilitates export opportunities, market research, and trade missions for Saskatchewan businesses. Manitoba Agriculture Market Development – Offers business development support, including market research, trade events, and export funding. Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF) – A partnership of 21 agencies and organizations that helps Ontario businesse s develop and diversify their exports to become more globally competitive . Group Export Agri-Food Québec- Canada – Canada’s largest association of agri-food exporters , facilitates access to Canadian and international markets for Quebec businesses. Invest Nova Scotia – Provides export readiness training, market intelligence, and facilitates trade missions. Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) – Offers mentoring, market research, and financial assistance for exporters. Innovation PEI – Global Trade Services – Supports Prince Edward Island food businesses with export development, market analysis, and international trade missions. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) – C reates opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative, and productive. They offer various programs and services to support businesses in reaching international markets . Trade Compliance & Customs Support Canada Tariff Finder – Quickly identify tariff rates and trade agreements applicable to your products. CFIA Exporting Food Guide – Step-by-step regulatory guidance for Canadian food exporters. Canadian Society of Customs Brokers (CSCB) – Find licensed brokers to manage customs paperwork, tariff classifications, and compliance. Business Networks & Industry Associations Navigating trade turbulence is easier with a strong network. In addition to CFIN, connect with industry associations and business groups that are coordinating support and advocacy: Food & Beverage Canada – Advocates nationally for food processors; provides trade updates and industry networking opportunities . Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – Offers lobbying support, strategic advice, and resources to help manufacturers navigate trade challenges. Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) – SME-specific advocacy, resources, and tariff updates. Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) – Provides insights into international trade negotiations and lobbying support. Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Trade resources, advocacy, and programs to support market diversification. Alternative Markets with Free Trade Agreements Canada has free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous countries, offering tariff-free or reduced-tariff access to those markets. Explor e FTAs to access tariff-free or reduced-tariff markets outside the U.S. , such as: CETA (Europe) CPTPP (Asia-Pacific) CUSMA (Mexico , in addition to the U.S. ) These FTAs mean Canadian agri-food products can often enter those markets with low or zero duties — a huge competitive advantage. Explore markets where you can capitalize on this. For instance, under CETA, almost all Canadian food products enter Europe duty-free . Under CPTPP, you have preferred access to Japan, Vietnam, and beyond . The Global Affairs Canada website lists all FTAs and can guide you on the benefits in each. Support Canadian Food Businesses Help s trengthen Canada's food sector by sourcing from innovative Canadian food busin es ses ! You can d iscover new Canadian partners and resources through C FIN resources like: Resource Finder – An interactive tool that lets you search through our curated database of food-centric resources to identify the companies and services you need . YODL Open Forum – Make c onnections and share advice with Canada’s largest community of food business professionals. Foodtech Solutions Library – Learn more about all the companies CFIN has funded and discover new Made in Canada foodtech solutions. Stay resilient, informed, and connected. CFIN is here to help you navigate this challenge.
Community Manager-
Friday Food Innovation Round-Up – March 7, 2025
Tariffs are top of mind for the entire F&B industry as Canada-US trade relations were upended on Tuesday. Today’s roundup shares some early looks at what the weeks and months ahead may bring for Canadian food businesses, along side plenty of positive food innovation developments too. H ighlights from this edition include: 💡 Ottawa and provinces promise support for Canadians as trade war begins 💰 New foodtech funding opportunities 🛠️ Work for one of Canada’s leading foodtech companies 🧠 Tariff and trade policy resources for Canadian businesses Let’s dive in ! 💡 Food Innovation News Ottawa and provinces promise support for Canadians as trade war begins – The Logic ($) The Logic examines the potential actions that governments could pursue to soften the trade war blow, from provincial rainy-day funds to counter-tariff revenue distribution. Already, the B DC has committed to allocating nearly $1 billion to support Canadian companies facing economic and trade uncertainty, and Prairies Economic Development Canada awarded $1 million to Edmonton-based cellular food research institute, New Harvest Canada , to enhance food system resilience. Food and Beverage Canada calls for strong govt. action in response to U.S. tariffs – Food in Canada Food and Beverage Canada (FBC) is calling for strong government action to counter U.S. tariffs. Key policy recommendations include reciprocal tariffs on U.S. finished goods, reducing interprovincial trade barriers, expanding automation and production incentives, launching Buy-Canadian campaigns, and introducing financial relief measures for manufacturers. FBC also stresses the need to improve export infrastructure and trade diversification to reduce reliance on the U.S. market. $15.5M Investment Fuels Agritech Innovation and Workforce Training in B.C. – Agritech Digest B.C. is investing $15.5M in agri food tech through the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) to support 19 projects and nine training programs focused on workforce development and helping food producers adopt new technologies , improve climate resilience, and strengthen B.C.’s agrifood sector. CFIN members including Maia Farms and Cascadia Seaweed were among the funding recipients. 💰 F unding Opportunities CFIN Innovation Booster & Foodtech Next – Applications Now Open! The Innovation Booster prov ides Canadian SMEs (under 500 employees and less than $50M in gross revenues) with up to 50% of project costs (ranging from $20,000 to $200,000) to overcome technical hurdles and accelerate commercialization. Applications close on March 25, 2025 FoodTech Next o ffers early-stage Canadian technology firms up to 50% of project costs, up to a maximum of $250,000, to pilot and demonstrate innovations in operational environments, aiming to validate solutions and their return on investment for the food sector. Expression of Interest d eadline is April 7, 2025 Eureka Network Canada – Call for Pro prosals Canadian food and agritech SMEs can apply for funding to co-develop innovative technologies with international partners through the Eureka Network Canada program. This opportunity supports R&D projects with high commercialization potential , helping businesses scale globally. Registration closes April 1, 2025 , with full proposals due by May 30, 2025 . AGRI Tech Venture Forum – Apply to Present Early-stage and high-growth agtech and foodtech companies can apply to showcase their innovations at the AGRI Tech Venture Forum in Toronto, May 7-8, 2025 . Selected companies will pitch to top investors, corporate strategics, and industry leaders , gaining exposure, networking opportunities, and exclusive event benefits. Applications close on March 17, 2025. Discover more F&B funding opportunities through CFIN’s Funding Finder ! 🛠️ Job Openings Here’s a few cool food innovation jobs t hat popped up recently : Business Development and Sal es Manager – Food Cycle Science – Ottawa, ON (Hybrid) Brand Manager, Innovation – Riverside Natural Foods – North York , ON Innovation Economy Specialist – City of Edmonton – Edmonton, AB Have an open position you’re looking to fill ? Be sure to post it on the Food Innovator Career Hub ! 🌟 Highlights from YODL Catch up on some of this week’s top YODL highlights … Productivity Pointers: How to Get More Value Out of Your Staff and Factory in 2025 M apping Canada's Foodtech Clusters Food Automation Successes in Canada 🧠 Brain Food If you’re hungry for some additional food for thought , here 's a few things we've been enjo y ing lately . 📰 ️ The Future of Food Is Now – Bon Appétit This article by Ali Bouzari in Bon Appétit explores how the future of food is already here—just in ways we might not expect. Instead of a flashy, sci-fi overhaul, these innovations are working behind the scenes to make food more sustainable, personalized, and efficient—without losing the flavors and traditions we love. 📖 Helping you navigate the changing political and economic climate between Canada and the U.S – Innovation Factory This page is a fantastic resource for helping businesses navigate Canada-US trade relations and mitigate the impact of new tariffs. It includes a collection of links to everything from government funding programs to businesses with services to assist with tariffs. Do you h ave something worth including in our next Friday Food Innovation Roundup ? R eply to this post to let us know about your news, even ts, or job openings ! Thanks for reading!
Community Manager-
Food Automation Successes in Canada
Last week, we hosted our latest Unpuzzling webinar on Food Automation Successes in Canada . CFIN’s Tyson MacInnis and Julie Daigle were joined by i ndustry leaders from Relocalize , Area 52, and Gastronomous Technologies to discuss how food companies are leveraging automation technology to address workforce shortages, improve efficiency, and scale operations. Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion. Automation Drives Efficiency and Cost Savings A key insight from the discussion was the role of automation in driving efficiency. One compelling case study highlighted during the webinar showcased a food manufacturer that overhauled its operations by automating a processing line. This strategic shift reduced workforce needs from 12 employees to just 3-4, while simultaneously quadrupling production capacity. Even more impressively, the company achieved a full return on investment (ROI) within just 18 months . Workforce Challenges Accelerate the Need for Automation The Canadian food industry is facing a critical labor shortage, making automation an essential solution. Reports indicate that for every 10 retirees, only 7 younger workers are entering the workforce, creating a significant gap. The seafood processing and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industries , in particular, are struggling with labor retention and high turnover rates. Automation allows companies to maintain production levels while reducing reliance on an unpredictable labour market. It also improves employee satisfaction by removing repetitive, labor-intensive tasks and shifting the workforce towards higher-value roles. AI and IoT Will Shape the Future of Food Automation Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are redefining food production in ways we couldn't have imagined just a decade ago. As Wayne McIntyre, CEO of Relocalize , put it, the goal isn't just to automate existing processes , but to rethink food manufacturing altogether. His company is doing just that through its autonomous IoT-connec ted microfacto r ies t hat facil i tate hyper-loca l, decentralized production to elimi nate u nnecessar y trucking and drastically cut carbon emissions . Other innovations featured in the webinar included those from Gastronomous Technologies , a Canadian startup proving that AI can provide efficiency gains and quality gains. Their AI-driven solutions in quick-service restaurants ensure food is prepared with consistent precision every time, addressing a major pain point in an industry known for high turnover and skill variability. Finally, Tim Fogerty shared how Area52 is leveraging IoT and AI for predictive maintenance, creating automation systems that learn and adapt over time to reduc e downtime and optimi ze production processes. With these innovations moving at breakneck speed, the food sector in Canada is on the verge of a fundamental transformation. Businesses that embrace AI and IoT today will be the ones leading that shift. Watch the Recording and Sign Up for Future Webinars For a deeper dive into these insights, you can find the full recording of the webinar on YouTube . Want to keep exploring complex industry topics ? The r e’s still time to register for tomorrow’s session on empowering women in the food industry , featuring a discussion with CFIN CEO Dana McCauley . Don’t miss this one — sign up here !
Community Manager-
Productivity Pointers: How to Get More Value Out of Your Staff and Factory in 2025
Standing out in today’s food manufacturing sector has never been more challenging—or more crucial. With shifting consumer demands, rising costs, and rapid advancements in technology, manufacturers must constantly rethink how they can maximize both their human and physical capit al to adapt and thrive . In this article, we explore the latest trends in digital transformation and process optimization, providing actionable strategies to help food manufacturers extract more value from their staff and facilities. If you’re looking to enhance productivity and future-proof your factory, these insights will set you on the right path. Embrace Smart Manufacturing Technologies I ndustry 4.0 technologies —things like AI, IoT, smart sensors, and robots— are already helping food manufacturers digitalize their operations to make precise, data-backed decisions — streamlin ing everything from mixer calibrations to conveyor belt speeds . In many cases, Industry 4.0—or “ s mart manufacturing ”— technologies can also take care of repetitive tasks like quality checks, packaging, and inventory counts, liberating teams to dedicate more of their time to complex, high-value tasks . Implementing smart manufacturing technologies is a substantial investment , but one whose importance should not be discounted. Fortunately, smart factories are not an all-or-nothing proposal. For instance, companies like Plan Automation can help you create a phased integration strategy to align automation and digitalization projects with your priorities and capi tal availability. T alk to your tech vendors and consider visiting fully integrated smart factories t o begin identifying some areas in your own operation where these technologies could provide an immediate boost to productivity metrics. Make Your Data Work for You Gone are the days of relying solely on gut feelings or haphazard dashboards to make critical operational decisions . As your facility becomes increasingly digitized, data will become the most powerful ingredient in creating a winning productivity -boosting recipe — no easy task for any manufacturer . But t hanks to recent AI-powered advances in the capabilities of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, improving productivity by putting your data to work is now easier than ever. Manufacturers have long used ERP systems for data management and to aid in tasks ranging from predictive maintenance and supply chain optimization. 2024 represented a massive leap forward in the capabilities of leading platforms through the introduction of AI agents and further integration with Industry 4.0 technologies. These systems can increasingly make complex, context-dependent decisions to drive manufacturing processes related to inventory restocking, demand forecasting , logistics optimization , and beyond . Take some time to explore the latest advances in ERP and learn how you can leverage these new capabilities to get more out of your data. Invest in Your Most Valuable Asset Even the smartest machines and digital systems need people who know how to work with them. That means your workforce will remain your most valuable asset . But for that asset to appreciate, you need to make upskilling and opportunities for advancement top priorities . Upskilling opportunities should be deployed in tandem with the introduction o f new technologies and processes . Virtual and augmented reality training technologies, microlearning platforms, and f lexible scheduling with dedicated training days are among the strategies you can e xplore to overcome common b arriers to workforce training like production time constraints and scheduling conflicts. Prioritize Process es Before Outcome s Getting the most out of your factory demands a constant reassessment of how and why you do things . Value-stream mapping and regularly scheduled process review sessions, like Kaizen Events , can help you accomplish this . Examine the minute details of every step—from ingredient weighing to packaging—and ask, “Does this truly add value or is it just a relic of outdated processes?” Even small tweaks, like reordering station workflows or standardizing shift set-up procedures, can potentially cut production times dramatically. To make significant—and sustainabl e— productivity gains, consider engaging outside consultants who specialize in production process optimization. Their fresh perspective and expertise can help identify blind spots and provide innovative strategies that might not be apparent internally. This can also serve as the first step in building an organizational culture that views improvement as an ongoing, continuous process , not just a series of “one-and-done" short-term project s . Maximizing Productivity: The Road Ahead for Food Manufacturers Productivity gains are a function of continuously pursuing innovation. For food manufacturers, that means prior i tizing smart technology adoption , process i mprovements , and workforce development strategies in equal measure . When every facet of food production is viewed as an opportunity to refine and optimize , incremental changes can compound into significant productivity improvements . Th e strategies explored here will help you drive operational efficiency today , while charting a course towards sustain ed future growth in a rapidly evolving industry .
Community Manager-
Mapping Canada's Foodtech Clusters
The landscape of Canada's foodtech ecosystem is as varied and diverse as that of the country itself. Different regions, with different agricultural strengths, natural resources, research institutions, and business communities, are producing different foodtech clusters—or hub s. When mapping Canada's foodtech ecosystem in our n ew F oodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report , we identified some noteworthy emerging clusters of foodtech activity . Let's take a closer look at what each region of Canada is doing particularly well , along with some of the innovators, researchers, and organizations making that happen. Vancouver , BC - The Sustainable Food Innovation Hub With a strong tech ecosystem, diverse local agriculture production, flourishing food culture, and world-class research institutions, i t s hould be no surprise that Vancouver has become a hotspot for sustainable food innovation. Companies like The Better Butchers, TMRW Foods, and No Meat Factory are scaling up production of cell-cultivated and plant-based meat products. Others are taking some of the city's most iconic foods in exciting new directions: Konscious Foods is developing one of the first frozen plant-based sushi lines, while Maia Farms is harnessing the wonders of another Pacific Northwest favourite —mushrooms—to develop high-protein, highly sustainable mycelial-based meat alternative s . Vancouver innovators find support from a robust venture capital ecosystem, provincial resources like the BC Food Hub Network, and R&D facilities like the new Food and Beverage Innovation Centre at the University of British Columbia — one of the best food science universities in the country. Saskatchewan - The Plant Protein Powerhouse The vast majority of Canadian-grown pulses—protein-packed crops like lentils, peas, and chickpeas—come from Saskatchewan. The province's mighty agricultural engine has quietly propelled its plant protein industry to world leading heights . T he provincial capital of Regina is home to Protein Industries Canada (PIC), o ne of Canada's five Global Innovation Clusters. PIC funds industry-led projects to accelerate innovation in plant proteins and co-products, fostering collaboration among businesses, researchers, and government. In Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre provides support for innovators seeking to develop and commercialize new plant-based ingredients and products. Both cities also host the headquarters of many global plant-based protein processing and product development companies, including AGT Foods, Bioriginal, and Above Foods. Initiatives like the Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive provides very competitive provincial corporate income tax for food processors and product developers bringing new innovations to market, ensuring the province will continue its evolution into a true plant protein powerhouse. Greater Golden Horseshoe: The Digital Foodtech Corridor Stretching from Toronto through Kitchener-Waterloo and down to Niagara, the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH) is Canada’s most densely populated and economically diverse region. It is a natural hub for food innovation—particularly in automation and digitalization . C ompanies like Gastronomous Technologies and Real Life Robotics are building autonomous food preparation systems and delivery robots , while s oftware startups Jitto , Flashfood , and Local Line are building novel solutions t o optimiz e perishable goods logistics , reduc e food waste, localize supply chains, and much more. Foodtech companies in the GGH benefit from abundant access to world class research institutes and incubators , like t he MaRS Discovery District, a globally recognized innovation hub, and the University of Guelph — Canada's "food university" . The Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance (GHFFA) is also committed to enhanc ing the sustainability , economic growth , and innovation capacity of the region's agri-food industry . Montreal & Quebec - The Functional Food Frontier Montreal and Quebec City have become Canada’s hub for functional food innovation, where nutrition and food science intersect to enhance health benefits in everyday products. Companies in this corridor like Phytimpact , Lallemand, Tait Laboratories, and Symrise-Diana Food are harnessing local agricultural strengths and biotech expertise to create value-added functional ingredients ranging from probiotic beverages to antioxidant-rich berry powders. This region’s functional food leadership is driven by world-class research institutions. Université Laval’s Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) is at the forefront of food science research, developing bioactive ingredients that support gut health, immunity, and overall well-being. Nova Scotia : The Blue Food Zone Renowned as a leader in marine-based innovation, Nova Scotia is making waves in “blue” food tech . Companies like Mara Renewables and Smallfood are producing Omega-3 oils and proteins from algae and marine microbes, while Copol International Ltd. Is creating compostable food packaging from seafood byproducts that previously went to waste . The region is supported by top food research institutions like Dalhousie University and organizations like Perennia t he Verschuren Centre play key role s in incubating biotech solutions for sustainable seafood and marine ingredient processing. Strong f ederal and provincial funding initiatives in marine biotechnology further bolster Nova Scotia’s role as a leader in the blue food economy. Beyond the Hubs: Canada’s Expanding Foodtech Landscape While these regional hubs are shaping the future of Canadian foodtech , they are only part of the picture. Across the country, innovators are advancing everything from cellular agriculture to alternative seafood, packaging innovation, and upcycling . To get a full view of the evolving foodtech landscape—including emerging strengths, new opportunities, and the challenges ahead—download CFIN’s latest report and explore how Canada is positioning itself as a global leader in food innovation. Find the report here: https://cfin-rcia.ca/yodl-content/cfin-reports/foodtech-in-canada-2025-ecosystem-report
Community Manager-
In 30: Food as Medicine
Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes to learn the ins and outs of new technologies and trends that are transforming the food and beverage industry. In this ser ies, we’ll dig into a food innovation topic and link you to content and resources so you can become a subject matter expert in 30 minutes (or less!). This week, we’re looking at food as medicine. Beyond its essential role in providing macronutrients, food can be a powerful tool in the prevention and treatment of human diseases and common health ailments. The concept of food as medicine is growing in popularity with consumers, leading innovators to develop software, ingredients, and products that aim to improve health and wellness. The Overview Cleveland Clinic - How Nutrigenomics May Impact the Way You Eat The basics on what nutrigenomics is and how it works. Dal News – Ask an Expert: What is Functional Food and Why Should Canadians Care? Food is considered functional if it has benefits for human health beyond nutrition, for example it improves health or reduces the risk of disease. CFIN – The Future of Food as Medicine in Canada We asked CFIN’s Dana McCauley, CEO, Alex Barlow, Vice President of Programs, and Lavina Gully, Regional Innovation Director for BC and Yukon, for their views on the future of food as medicine. Read what they had to say. Forbes - This Diet Is Changing The Way We Think About Nutrition Artificial Intelligence and machine learning could offer consumers better control over t heir nutritional health. The Canadian Connection In 2023, CFIN ran a food as medicin e - themed Innovation Booster funding roun d. Read more about the eight funded p r o j e c t s here . Other Canadian companies in the space include: Nutrigenomix – Nutrigenomix Inc. is based in Toronto, ON but is available in more than 40 countries . It provides DNA-based, customized nutrition recommendations for health and wellness, athletic performance and fertility, and includes plant-based nutrition. Medcan – Toronto’s Medcan is an integrated health and wellness company that uses up to 15 diagnostic tests covering cardiovascular health, cognition, hearing, vision, nutrition and fitness, to create a customized action plan to improve a customer’s lifestyle through food , exercise and supplements. Social Media Food as Medicine Global – (LinkedIn) Food as Medicine Global is a n international network dedicated to bridging the divide between food and healthcare. Fresh Prep Foods – (Instagram) Fresh Prep is a Canadian meal delivery company that is developing an AI-powered virtual nutrition advisor to provide personalized nutritional guidance alongside the convenience of meal kit deliveries. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you : YouTube – Personalized Nutrition: Eating Well for Yourself and the Planet
Community Manager-
From Lab to Market: Canada’s Bio-Foodtech Ecosystem
Biotech is quietly rewriting the future of food. Not in some vague, distant way, but in ways that are already changing the food we eat—and how that food is produce d . “Bio- foodtech ” is leveraging the laboratory to make food healthier and more sustainable : Think n atural preservatives made from mushrooms instead of synthetic chemicals . Omega-3 sourced from algae instead of overfished oceans . Plant-derived proteins that function like egg whites—neither chicken nor egg need come first. This stuff is no longer the realm of sc ience fiction . And with an impressive pool of bi o- foodtech innovators , Canada has a real opportunity at being a global leader in a rapidly growing space . But science alone won’t get us there. The real challenge lies in s caling our breakthrough bio- foodtech research into market-ready, investment-worthy, and commercially viable solutions. So, where is Canada ahead of the bio- foodtech game, and where are we falling behind? Where Canada is Winning World-Class Bio- Foodtech Innovat ors Canada’s food science expertise has been strong for years, helping to build a pipeline of biotech-driven solutions that the food industry is now adopting. For example, Mara Renewables has made algae a commercially viable source of DHA-rich omega-3, giving manufacturers a stable, sustainable functional food ingredient that doesn’t rely on overstressed fisheries. Elsewhere, Chinova Bioworks is using mushroom fib re to replace synthetic preservatives, meeting demand for clean-label solutions without compromising shelf life. These are just two of the many Canadian innovators whose bio- foodtech breakthroughs are already solv ing real industry problems. Strong Government Backing Through recent initiative s like the $2.2 billion B iomanufacturing and L ife S ciences S trategy , the Government of Canada is making strategic investments in bio- foodtech and playing a crucial role in helping startups transition from R&D to commercialization. This matters, because taking a bio- foodtech product from the lab to full-scale production isn’t like launching a new software app. It requires much more physical infrastructure and time to achieve profitability , making government support an essential ingredient for long-term success . Where Canada Needs to Step Up Regulatory Timelines Are Slowing Us Down While government funding for early-stage foodtech innovation is strong, b iotech ingredients often face an 18- 24 month approval process in Canada—longer than in many competing markets. A more efficient regulatory pathway could accelerate commercialization withou t diminishing Canada’s exceptional global standing as a leader in food safety . If we want to lead in bio- foodtech , we need a regulatory system that keeps pace with innovation , not one that lags behind it. Scaling Infrastructure is Lacking Canada has terrific bio- foodtech research capabilities , but when it comes to scaling, we’re missing a crucial piece of the puzzle: mid-scale biomanufacturing capacity . Startups often struggle to transition from lab-scale production to full-scale commercialization. Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, there aren’t enough pilot facilities or bioreactors here to support that critical middle stage of growth. Without it, promising innovations risk stalling before they ever reach the market . Private Investment is Falling Behind Public funding can only take companies so far. In Canada, private investment in food biotec h lags behind the U.S. and UK , making it harder for startups to secure the capital needed to scale beyond early-stage R&D. This funding gap poses a serious competitive risk. If we don’t build a stronger venture ecosystem around bio- food t ech , we’ll lose promising companies to markets with more investment-ready capital . What’s Next? Canada has the science, talent, and momentum to lead in bio- foodtech . But turning innovation into economic growth means addressing the gaps between research and commercialization. What will it take? Stronger industry partnerships to bridge the commercialization gap Industry and government investment in bioprocessing infrastructure to support scaling Regulatory agility that balances food safety with speed-to-market Without these changes, promising companies will struggle to scale, and Canada risks losing its competitive edge to faster-moving markets. 👉 Want to understand the full picture? Download CFIN’s Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report to explore the biggest opportunities and challenges shaping Canada’s bio- foodtech future : https://cfin-rcia.ca/yodl-content/cfin-reports/foodtech-in-canada-2025-ecosystem-report
Community Manager-
5 Canadian Food Companies Embracing Foodtech-Fueled Innovation
Technology is always changing the food on our plates—and how that food is made, sourced, and delivered. Canada's most forward-thinking companies are harnessing t he breakthroughs from foodtech innovators to rethink everything from dairy — and dairy alternative — pro duct development to sustainable packaging and carbon neutral manufacturing . Let's explo re som e of those trailblazers setting new standards for the F&B industry , and the innovation priorities currently shaping their work. Agropur As Canada’s largest dairy cooperative , Agropur continues to redefine what’s possible in dairy processing through constant innovation . T hey develop advanced ingredients and optimiz e production techniques to improve nutrition, efficiency, and sustainability of the dairy sector in Canada and across the globe . Innovation Priorities: Advancing dairy ingredient formulations for improved functionality, texture, and nutritional benefits N ovel enzyme technolog ies and bioprocessing techniques to enhance dairy processing efficiency S ustainable packaging and energy-efficient production methods to reduce environmental impact Learn more about Agropur . Daiya Foods Daiya Foods creates dairy-free alternatives that deliver on both taste and functionality and are one of Canada’s biggest plant-based success stories. In many ways t heir plant-based cheeses have become the industry standard , thanks to their ability to replicate the melt, stretch, and creaminess of traditional dairy. By investing in ingredient technology and advanced food processing techniques, Daiya continues to advance the quality, nutrition, and accessibility of plant-based dairy alternatives. Innovation Priorities: N ext-generation fermentation and microbial protein solutions for plant-based dairy Enhancing ingredient formulations to optimize texture, meltability, and nutritional value H igh-efficiency food processing technologies to scale production sustainably Learn more about Daiya Foods . Earth’s Own Foods Earth’s Own is a purpose-driven brand that advocates for plant-based diets as a solution to climate change and food system s ustainability . Best known for their plant-based milks, they’ve also expanded into a broader range of dairy -free alternatives, including creamers, butter, and cream cheese. By sourcing 100% Canadian-grown oats and prioritizing responsible production and packaging practices, Earth’s Own has become a Canadian leader in sustainab le food innovation . Innovation Priorities: Optimizing plant-based milk extraction techniques and ingredient formulations to enhance quality, texture, and taste C arbon-neutral and zero-waste manufacturing processes Strengthening food system sustainability by supporting and funding plant-based entrepreneurs and regenerative agriculture practices Learn more about Earth’s Own . McCain Foods McCain Foods’ claim to fame is being the world’s largest producer of French fries (responsible for one of every four fries in the world !), but the New Brunswick company is so much more than that . Across its globe-spanning operations , McCain Foods is revolutionizing food manufacturing : its embrace of new food tech is reflected in the company’s support for regeneratively farmed products and a tech-led approach to advancing zero-waste and resource-efficient operations . Innovation Priorities: AI-driven quality control and process optimization in food manufacturing H igh-speed robotics and automation to enhance precision and energy efficiency Efficient freezing and storage technologies to reduce energy consumption Learn more about McCain Foods . Riverside Natural Foods Riverside Natural Foods is the company behind healthy snack brands like Made Good and Good to Go. They focus on developing nutrient-rich, allergen-free products using high-quality ingredients, with sustainability always front-of-mind. As a certified B Corp, 1% For the Planet Member, and Future-Fit Business, making planet and people-friendly foods is the foundation to all of Riverside’s innovation priorities — from electrifying manufacturing ovens to robust support for sustainable packaging advancements . Innovation Priorities: O ven electrification to significantly reduce manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions N ext-generation sustainable packaging solutions, including recyclable, bio-based, and compostable materials Targeting emissions reductions through sustainable ingredient sourcing and supply chain optimization Learn more about Riverside Natural Foods . Advancing the Future of Food Innovation T he se companies are finding success by constantly adapting and fully embracing food innovation to improve their products and processes. For startups and entrepreneurs building new solutions in food tech , you can explore CFIN’s Resource Finder to connect with more food industry leaders who are eager to collaborate and drive innovation forward. Be sure to also optimize your YODL profile —this helps potential partners searching for specific foodtech solutions find you via the Resource Finde r.
Community Manager-
Friday Food Innovation Roundup – February 21, 2025
B right ideas , bold collaborations , and big opportunities—this week’s round-up has it all. Let’s take a look at what’s been cooking in Canadian food innovation. H ighlights from this edition include: 💡 The Canadian flavour engineers revolutionizing plant-based meat 💰 New foodtech funding applications open next week 🛠️ A n amazing opportunity to join the CFIN team 🧠 How can Canada take the lead in feeding the world? Let’s dive in ! 💡 Food Innovation News What to look for in Canada's foodtech ecosystem in 2025 – BNN Bloomberg CFIN’s CEO, Dana McCauley , made an appearance on BNN Bloomberg’s “The Close” to share insights from the inaugural Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report and her thoughts on what to expect from the year ahead in Canadian foodtech . Mee t the flavo ur engineers working to make plant-based food taste more like meat – The Globe and Mail Across Canada, innovative startups and research institutes like Genuine Taste , The Better Butchers , and the Verschuren Centre are collaborating to help plant-based foods find mainstream success. This profile offers a fascinating look at the role food science plays in making sustainable diets more attainable—and desirable. Sask. Food Centre teams up with Singapore-based Nurasa to expand market opportunities – Food in Canada The Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (Food Centre) has announced a partnership with Nurasa , a Singaporean company specializing in sustainable nutrition development . The Food Centre and Nurasa will work together to offer c ollaborative seminars, webinars, and workshops , with the goal of “ empower ing agri-food companies to navigate complex innovation challenges and launch new products in the global food and beverage marketplace. ” 📅 Upcoming Events & Opportunities There are four CFIN-hosted events on the docket over the next two week s : Next week, j oin Alex Barlow, CFIN VP of Programs , for two Info Sessions, one for the Innovation Booster on Feb 24 and another for Foodtech Next on Feb 25 , to learn about our latest funding call s and have your application questions answered. Applications for both programs open next week. On Thursday, Feb 27, CFIN Regional Innovation Director for Atlantic Canada, Tyson MacInnis , will be moderating an Unpuzzling webinar featuring leaders from food automation startups like Gastronomous Technologies , Area5 2 , and Relocalize . Tune in to learn how retail, foodservice, and manufacturing operators are successfully leveraging food automation tech to grow their businesses. Register here . On Thursday, March 6, join CFIN’s CEO, Dana McCauley, and Found ing Partner and President of Nourish Food Marketing , Jo-Ann McArthur, for a special Unpuzzling webinar commemorating International Women’s Day. As leading executives and innovators in Canada’s food sector, Dana and Jo-Ann will be dishing out hard-earned insights for women blazing their own trails in the food sector. Register here . If you have any questions you’d like Dana or Jo-Ann to answer in the webinar , send them to us at i nfo@cfin-rcia.ca ! Discover all the F&B industry opportunities and events on the horizon over on CFIN’s Events Page ! 🛠️ Job Openings Here’s a few cool food innovation jobs t hat popped up recently : VP Online Experience – Canadian Food Innovation Nework – Remote Index Biosystems is hiring for several key positions, including Head of Machine Learning and Data , Head of Success , and Software Engineer (Full Stack) . Have an open position you’re looking to fill ? Be sure to post it on the Food Innovator Career Hub ! 🌟 Highlights from YODL Catch up on some of this week’s top YODL highlights … Why Canadian Foodtech Startups Are Attracting More Government Grants Than VC Funding Meet 5 Incredible Ingredient Suppliers from Across the Country Cooking for Change – Supporting Zero-Waste Solutions 🧠 Brain Food If you’re hungry for some additional food for thought , here 's a few things we've been enjo y ing lately . 🎙 ️ AgriFood and Food Security: Can Canada Feed the World? – Disruptors x CDL In this episode of the Disruptors x CDL podcast, Evan Fraser (Director, Arrell Food Institute ) and Alison Sunstrum (CEO, CNSRV-X Inc. ) explore the innovations reshaping the global food system , and Canada’s place within it . With Canada slipping in global agri-food rankings, what must we do to stay competitive? And how can we bridge the gap between innovation and adoption? 📖 Born to Create – by Anne Jacoby Born to Create offers a fresh perspective on using creative skills to drive breakthrough ideas and build resilient teams. Anne Jacoby blends her creative roots with over twenty years of business expertise to show how an artistic mindset can transform leadership and spark innovation. The book is filled with engaging stories and practical exercises to help leaders build a culture of connection, inclusion, and innovation in any industry. Do you h ave something worth including in our next Friday Food Innovation Roundup ? R eply to this post to let us know about your news, even ts, or job openings ! Thanks for reading!
Community Manager-
In 30: Robots and Delivery
Sometimes, all it takes is 30 minutes to learn the ins and outs of new food technologies and trends that are transforming the food and beverage industry. In this series, we’ll dig into a food innovation topic and link you to content and resources so you can become a master on the topic in 30 minutes (or less!). This week, we’re looking at the use of autonomous and remote-controlled robots for “last mile/kilometer” food delivery service. The Overview Business Insider - Self-driving delivery startup Nuro is partnering with Domino's to deliver pizzas in Houston— see how it works Nuro is a self-driving delivery service using electric autonomous vehicles. The Verge - Amazon stops field tests of its delivery robot Scout - The Verge Amazon launched its Scout robot delivery service in 2019, but scaled back the program in late 2022 in favour of trials for Amazon Prime Air’s drone delivery service . Forbes - The Future Of Delivery Robots Robot delivery is becoming more familiar in cities around the world, offering an efficient, environmentally-friendly alternative to vehicle delivery. The Canadian Connection Toronto Star – Toronto Zoo rolls out robotic food delivery for animals – CFIN-funded startup Real Life Robotics has partnered with the Toronto Zoo to employ their fully autonomous electric ro bot , named Bubs , to deliver animal feed across the zoo’s sprawling campus. Pink Bot – Food businesses and consumers are using Geoffrey, small remotely-controlled robot couriers, from Toronto, ON-based Pink Bot to make deliveries of less than 20 lbs. to customers within a specific delivery area. DM Magazine – The Last-Mile Challenge in Canada Customer demand for delivery has become a competitive edge for food companies and grocers. Digital, non-traditional delivery methods such as robots and drones could be a game-changer . Social Media @starshiprobots – (Instagram) Founded in 2014, Starship has completed more than four million autonomous deliveries around the world. @kiwicampus – (Facebook) Col o mbia-based Kiwi Campus is a food delivery service for school campuses which delivers meals to students via Kiwibots . @ServeRobotics – ( X ) San Francisco, CA-based Serve Robotics offers robot delivery with Uber Eats and other companies, and was testing its delivery service with Pizza Hut Canada in Vancouver, BC in September 2022. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: YouTube - Pink Bot (formerly Tiny Mile ) Delivery Robot, Geoffrey, Makes Friends in Charlotte
Community Manager-
The B2B Opportunity for Canadian Plant-Based Food Innovators
One of every four Canadian foodtech companies focuse s on plant-based food innovation —nearly double the global average . The country is becoming a global leader in this high-growth potential market, and B2B innovators are leading the way. Here is how they are capitalizing on Canada’s unique strengths to make that happen. How Canada Became a Plant-Based Co-Manufacturing Hub The plant-based protein category has seen its share of challenges, from shifting consumer preferences to high production costs . While t he struggle s of leading global consumer brands like Impossible Foods in achieving profitability and expanding consumer acceptance have been well documented , Canada’s strength in B2B ingredient manufacturing represents a quiet success story that is now turning heads globally. Major investments—like Roquette’s $600M pea protein facility in Manitoba, the largest of its kind in the world—are positioning Canada as a co-manufacturing hub for plant-based ingredients. Elsewhere, com panies like Merit Functional Foods are refining use cases for canola proteins i n plant-based meat and dairy products and c ross-industry c ollaborations , such as the $16M initiative led by Daiya Foods , are developing cheese alternatives using Canadian-grown pulses . All these examples demonstrat e how Canada’s unique position as a global agricultural leader in high-protein crop production lays an essential foundation for future growth in this sector. Overcoming Barriers to Growth Despite Canada’s natural agricultural advantages and B2B infrastructure , commercializing and scaling plant-based products doe s remain a challenge. High production costs, regulatory hurdles, and gaps in commercialization support are making it difficult for Canada’s plant-based innovators to expand. To accelerate growth in this key market opportunity , Canadian food sector must: ✅ Leverage Canada’s agricultural strengths – Canada is a global leader in plant protein crops like lentils, peas, and canola . Investments like Roquette’s $600M pea protein facility in Manitoba prove there’s demand for high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients. The opportunity? Scaling production and turning Canada into a dominant player in global plant-based co-manufacturing. ✅ Double down on partnerships – Strategic collaborations can de-risk innovation and accelerate product development . Daiya Foods' partnership with Ingredion and Lovingly Made Flour Mills is a prime example of the role collaboration can play in developing high quality, next-gen plant-based ingredients . More of these kinds of value-chain partnerships will help strengthen Canada’s role as a food innovation leader. ✅ Expand commercialization pathways – Canada is developing countless groundbreaking plant-based innovations, but many struggle to move from R&D to market. More pilot facilities, co-manufacturing hubs, and regulatory support can help startups bridge this gap. Canada’s B2B Plant-Based Future The Canadian foodtech ecosystem is primed for B2B growth. Companies that focus on solving formulation challenges, enhancing functionality, and supplying CPG brands with high-performing plant-based ingredient options will play a leading role in the coming wave of plant-based innovation. 👉 Want to dive deeper? Access the Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report for a full breakdown of the trends shaping Canada’s food innovation landscape : https://cfin-rcia.ca/yodl-content/cfin-reports/foodtech-in-canada-2025-ecosystem-report
