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
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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.
Every year in Canada, we throw away enough food to feed every person in Finland , Sweden, and Denmark combined. A staggering 21 million tonnes — or $58 billion — of food heads for landfills, all while millions of Canadians struggle to keep up with rising grocery bills . O ur food waste problem is just as troubling from an environmental perspective . According to a report by Second Harvest , t he greenhouse gas emissions of Canada’s avoidable food waste— defined as all food that was at one point edible, including at the time of disposa l—emits the equivalent of 253,223 one-way flights from Toronto to Vancouver. Globally, food waste accounts for between 8-10% of all emissions. The scope of the food waste crisis is head spinning, influencing everything from cost of living to our climate. But we are making progress . As CFIN’s Food tech in Canada: 2025 Ecosystem Report illustrates, Canada is emerging as a global leader in food waste and upcycling innovation. Across the country, dozens of innovative startups are building food waste solutions where it matters most. Expiration Exasperation: When Good Food Goes Bad (For No Good Reason) Born in 1976 as a seemingly helpful guide for consumers, best before dates (BBDs) ha ve instead become a primary culprit behind nearly a quarter of Canada's food waste. Most consumers still take "best before" to be synonymous with "bad after" . Legally speaking, that is true for ret ailers, who cannot sell food past the (often arbitrary) BBD stamped on its package . Mountains of perfectly good food go to waste thanks to this well-intentioned, but deeply flawed system. However, s tartups like Toronto-based Flashfood are helping address BBD -related food waste with solutions that benefit both retailers and consumers . Founded in 2016, the startup created a mobile app that helps consumers find discounted items nearing expiry , purchase them at significant markdowns, and pick up groceries directly from participating stores. In doing so, Flashfood has prevented millions of pounds of food from ending up in landfills . Connecting Donors and Food Rescue Organizations Businesses often find it easier—and cheaper—to compost surplus food or turn it into animal feed rather than donate it. Logistical hurdles , food safety concerns, and legal risks further deter companies from donating perfectly edible food. Calgary startup Knead Technologies tackles these barriers head-on by simplifying the food donation process. Their intuitive digital platform seamlessly connects businesses with food rescue organizations, handling logistics effortlessly, tracking donations in real-time, and efficiently coordinating volunteers. Knead’s platform allows nonprofits to spend more time feeding people and less managing spreadsheets. Metro Food Rescue, for example, now rescues an additional 5,750 pounds of food each month since adopting Knead’s system, significantly reducing food waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and directly supporting communities. New Use Cases for the Outcasts Huge volumes of produce end up discarded in Canada simply because it doesn’t meet stringent visual or size-based grading regulations set by governments and retailers. But upcycling-sa vv y startups like Montreal-based LOOP Mission are finding ways to transform these overlooked outcasts into innovative products. Initially launched with cold-pressed juices from these "imperfect" fruits and vegetables, LOOP has quickly expanded its creative approach into smoothies, wellness shots, probiotic sodas, and more. B y demonstrat ing that produce deemed un saleable by traditional standards still has market value , LOOP has successfully diverted millions of pounds of food from landfill s. Scaling Innovation: The Challenges Hindering Food Waste Solutions When it comes to scaling solutions like these , Canadian innovators face a gauntlet of real-world obstacles. Regulatory frameworks are outdated and fragmented. Private capital is limited, particularly at later stages of growth. And while public funding is widely available, it’s often geared toward early-stage projects, leaving a critical gap when companies need it most. The progress we’re making on tackling food waste through innovative solutions is inspiring, but we need to do more. We must support our innovators with targeted policy reform, greater access to private capital , and collaboration across the value chain to bring new ideas to market. Curious about what’s next? Check out the full Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report to explore how Canadian startups are tackling food waste—and what it’ll take to scale their success.
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How YODL Is Transforming the Sales Process for Food Distributors: Fueling Business Growth Through Connection
T he ability to quickly establish p ersona l connections is something of a superpower for food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers , where word-of-mouth marketing and professional networks is still so often the name of the game. Belinda Elysee-Collen , Vice President of the Food Canada Division at Dempsey Corporation, knows this as well as anyone. W ith nearly 30 years of industry experience , including five in her current leadership role at a major interna t ional food ingredients distributor , Belinda counts identifying and building new relationships with food manufacturers as a challenging priority for her sales team . But t his process is changing for the better t hanks to YODL, CFIN’s member - exclusive platform that was created to drive innovation and collaboration in the food sector. Belinda and her team a re leveraging YODL’s potential as a client acquisition channel to quickly build partner ships in a way that was scarcely possible just a few years ago . The Missing Link: Connecting Food Distributors and Manufacturers For ingredient distributors and food manufacturers alike, forming strong partnerships is often a complicated journey. Sales cycles can be long, and , in many instances, partnership development remains offline — initiated at industry trade shows or through professional introductions . With few comprehensive resources or directories available for distributors to connect with manufacturers (and vic e-versa), the process of finding value - and process-aligned businesses ready for a mutually beneficial collaboration is time-consuming, often with limited outcomes. “Connecting with new companies that are ready to engage meaningfully has always been a challenge,” explains Belin da . “We needed a way to reach manufacturers who understood the intricacies of working with ingredient distributors and were prepared to partner in a way that made sense for both parties.” This disconnect between industry players is precisely the sort of gap that YODL was built to fill. By providing a dedicated community where food professionals can find each other and share insights, YODL has given companies like Dempsey a new way to discover reliable leads and collaborate on a deeper level. The discussion board facilitate s chance encounters, and countless opportunities for casual introductions to transform into long-term partnerships . YODL as a Business Development Tool When Belinda and other Dempsey team members first joined YODL, the y quickly discovered its potential as more than just a networking tool . I t became a strategic asset — a direct line to a diverse, rapidly growing community of potential industry partners and customers. “ We’ve begun to recognize YODL as a fantastic resource for our sales team,” says Belin da . “Over the past nine months, we’ve acquired at least eight new leads and converted three of those into customers.” With YODL, b rands now have a space to inquire about very specific operational needs , like a co-packer with allergen-free operation s specializing in small order sizes , or a local distributor of niche ingredients. And they will get answers — both from service providers directly and from industry colleagues facing similar challenges who have recommendations of their own. For Dempsey , engaging on YODL by participat ing in discussions and connecting with businesses actively seeking partnerships ha s established a promising pipeline of qualified leads. A Community-Driven Approach to Connection Belinda identifies the community-building and knowledge-sharing elements of YODL within the food sector as equally im portant to the connections that it facilitates . “One of YODL’s biggest advantages is how it bridges the gap between new and growing food manufacturers and ingredient distributors,” Belinda explains. “CFIN helps these companies gain the knowledge and maturity they need to ask the right questions and become good customers. The result is more productive and efficient partnerships.” This “preparedness” factor has been critical to Dempsey’s success on the platform. By engaging with companies that are equipped to collaborate meaningfully, Dempsey is building efficient, enduring partnerships with clients who understand the complexities of ingredient sourcing and distribution . Looking Ahead: The Future with YODL E ngaging on YODL has become a strategic investment in the future for Dempsey . With its growing user base and ever-expanding library of resources to support and educate new food brands , YODL has invigorated Belinda ’s perspective on business development in the food industry. “CFIN has played a key role in connecting us with innovative, fast-growing food manufacturers who are well-prepared to collaborate,” says Belinda. “We’re excited to see how this platform will continue to evolve and help us build even more productive relationships.” As YODL grows, so too does Dempsey’s confidence in its ability to foster high-value partnerships that fuel ongoing success in the competitive and rapidly changing Canadian food sector .
Community Manager-
Friday Food Innovation Round-Up – March 21, 2025
From a new Ontario Genomic s report on the potential of precision fermentation potential to consumer psychology insights for plant-based brands, this week’s F ood I nnovation Round-Up has plenty for you to chew on . H ighlights from this edition include: 💡 Canada’s $18.8B precision fermentation opportunity 💰 Last call for CFIN Innovation Booster funding 🛠️ Help tackle food waste with Second Harvest 🧠 Why “vegan” labels might be hurting plant-based sales Let’s dive in ! 💡 Food Innovation News Food Innovation in Canada Report – Ontario Genomics A new report from Ontario Genomics highlights Canada’s $18.8B opportunity in precision fermentation and cultivated foods, with the potential to create 125,000 jobs. While global leaders like Singapore and the US push ahead with strong national strategies, the report calls for urgent action to secure Canada’s spot in this growing sector. Food companies work with researchers to further innovation in Canada – University of Manitoba Small and medium-sized food manufacturers in Canada are tapping into the Contribution to Organization ( CtO ) Agreement, a funding program from the University of Manitoba and NRC-IRAP that offers up to $5,000 for research support. This initiative helps SMEs access scientific expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to develop new food products. Recent projects include a sweet lupin bean -based ice cream at Winnipeg’s Bridge Drive Inn, developed with Lupin Platform Inc., and ingredient testing for Prairie Flour Mills Ltd. to improve baking performance. 2024 FoodTech 500 Unveiled: The Leading AgriFoodTech Innovators – iGrow News Forward Fooding released their 2024 FoodTech 500 rank ing the top 500 agrifoodtech startups, with 8 Canadian CFIN members making the list. The new list signals that the industry is entering " Food t ech Wave 3.0" era, where sustainability, biotech, and circular economies are positioned as the key drivers of future growth. 💰 F unding Opportunities CFIN Innovation Booster & Foodtech Next – Appl y Soon ! 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 Discover more F&B funding opportunities through CFIN’s Funding Finder ! 🛠️ Job Openings Here’s a couple of cool food innovation jobs t hat popped up recently : Cleantech Advisor – MaRS Discovery District – Quebec (Remote ) Food Service Account Manager – Second Harvest – Etobicoke, ON (Hybrid) 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 … Navigating U.S. Tariffs: Resource Guide for Canadian Food Businesses Beyond the Trade War - Building a Stronger Food Future for Canada Empowering Women in the Food Industry 🧠 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 power of language: Rethinking food labels to expand our plant-based choices – The Conversation How we describe plant-based foods can impact consumer choices. This piece from The Conversation explores how shifting from terms like vegan or meatless to more appealing, sensory-driven language—think savory or juicy—can boost mainstream interest. With plant-based adoption still lagging, better food labeling could be a low-cost way to make these options more inviting. 📰️ Building the next food system – Solvable Syndicate In this insightful piece, Daniel Skavén Ruben, Founder & Partner of Solvable Syndicate, explores the urgent need to transform our global food system. He delves into how technology and innovation—including advancements in biotech, precision agriculture, and alternative proteins—can drive a more sustainable and resilient food future. 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 - Food Apps
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 food apps, including those for food ordering and delivery, grocery purchases, product reviews, restaurant reservations, nutrition tracking, purchasing deals, meal kit subscription services, food waste reducing, recipes and more. The Overview YODL - The Rise of Food Apps As well as the usual food apps that help people cook dishes, review restaurants, and order groceries, consumers are downloading apps that allow them to purchase discounted products that would otherwise become food waste or recover upcycled items destined for the dump. Businessofapps.com - Food Delivery App Revenue and Usage Statistics (2025) Food delivery has expanded from takeaways to anything and everything, adding billions of dollars in potential revenue capture. YODL - New Pathways to the Pantry – Top Five Takeaways Canadian consumers expect to access food conveniently, efficiently and safely. Thanks to the increase in online ordering, delivery and other cashless transactions they’re finding innovative options to meet their demands. And if one food business isn’t offering those options, they’ll quickly move to one that can. The Canadian Connection Genymoney.ca - 3 Food Waste Apps in Canada (That Save You Money) Canadian food apps that save consumers money while reducing food waste. Savvynewcanadians.com - The Best Food Delivery Apps and Services in Canada for 2025 Data on the most popular food delivery apps in Canada . YODL - 50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Caddle Through its app, Caddle garners consumer data and insights for consumer packaging goods companies to use during decision making. Vividata – The Top Food Delivery Apps in Canada An estimated 4.8 million Canadian adults (or 16%) have a food delivery app downloaded on their mobile device. Social Media @skipthedishes – (Instagram) Skip the Dishes (part of food delivery marketplace Just Eat Takeaway) is one of the world’s most popular food ordering and delivery services. Th e company has also launched its AI-powered Inflation Cookbook as part of its Skip Express Lane service. . @ Flashfood – (LinkedIn) Toronto-based Flashfood connects shoppers with fresh produce, meat and other groceries at up to 50% off. By partnering with retailers across North America, we offer nutritious staples at affordable prices and reduce the amount of food going to landfills. @myfitnesspal – (Facebook) My Fitness Pal is a nutrition and fitness tracking app available globally. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you:
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Empowering Women in the Food Industry
Last week , CFIN hosted an engaging discussion in commemoration of International Women’s Day . Featuring Dana McCauley, CEO of the Canadian Food Innovation Network, and Jo-Ann McArthur, President of Nourish Marketing, the session explored the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the food sector , touching on barriers they’ve faced, lessons learned, and the broader impact of gender inequality in leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate culture. Here are some of the key takeaways from the discussion. Women Entrepreneurs in the Food Industry Face Unique Barriers For many women, entrepreneurship is about overcoming systemic obstacles as much as it is about building a business. Dana and Jo-Ann discussed how female founders still receive disproportionately less funding than their male counterparts, making it harder to scale food businesses . Many investors still favor male-led companies, making it harder for female founders to scale their businesses. Initiatives like the Government of Canada’s Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES) are becoming more commonplace, but a significant funding gap remains . Retailers were also identified as key players in supporting women-owned food brands. Shelf placement, promotional campaigns, and visibility efforts can make a substantial difference in helping women-led businesses succeed in the competitive food sector. Women’s Leadership in the Food Industry: More Progress Needed The discussion highlighted that while there has been progress in women’s leadership, systemic biases persist. There remains a significant gender gap in executive positions, and many leadership roles continue to be dominated by men. Indeed, as Jo-Ann shared, S&P 500 companies had more CEOs named John than women CEOs until 2023 —which puts the gender imbalance in stark perspective. Women in the industry often find themselves having to prove their capabilities repeatedly, while men are more likely to be promoted based on their potential. Both Dana and Jo-Ann emphasized that women should own their expertise and step into leadership roles with confidence, even in spaces where they are underrepresented. They also reflected on how historical gender inequalities—such as restrictions on women’s financial independence—have had a lasting impact on the workplace today. Navigating the Gender Pay Gap and Salary Negotiations One of the most actionable takeaways from the discussion was how women approach salary negotiations . Studies show that women tend to ask for raises and promotions less frequently than men , and when they do, they often request lower amounts. Women are also more likely to be evaluated based on what they have already accomplished , whereas men are often considered for advancement based on what they might achieve in the future . Dana and Jo-Ann emphasized the importance of knowing market salary benchmarks, preparing for negotiations in advance, and confidently articulating one’s value. They also discussed strategies for advocating for fair pay, including negotiating from a position of strength and not undervaluing one’s contributions. Watch the Recording and Learn More For a deeper dive into these insights, you can find the full recording of the webinar on YouTube . Want to continue the discussion? Head to CFIN’s Food Innovator Career Hub (FICH) , where Dana has written more about her biggest lessons from a career in food and the power of mentorship for women pursuing food sector careers . Jo-Ann also expanded on this discussion in a Nourish Food Marketing blog post . Be sure to also keep an eye on our events page for details on upcoming webinar s, as we continue to unpuzzl e the food industry’s biggest challenges and opportunitie s.
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#AskLavina - Roundup
In addition to being CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director for BC and Yukon, Lavina Gully is a food scientist and product developer with almost two decades of experience helping food and beverage companies innovate. In this series, Lavina answers questions from CFIN members on everything from product development, R&D, manufacturing best practices, and co-packing – just to name a few! Here are the past editions of the series, where Lavina shares her expertise on key topics in food innovation and product development: November 2023 : Sourcing New Supply Partners, the Basics of Applying for Funding, and Labelling Approvals from the CFIA December 2023 : Working with an Out-of-Province Co-Packer, and the Benefits of Food Incubators January 2024 : 3D Food Printing, Xanthan Gum, and Working with a Brand Strategist February 2024 : Career Paths in the Food Industry March 2024 : Advances in Texture Assessment, and Non-Compete Clauses in Employment Offers April 2024 : Entering the Foodservice Market, and Participating in Tradeshows May 2024 : Food & Beverage Trends, and the Difference Between a Spoilage Organism and a Pathogen June 2024: Career and Professional Development July 2024: How Innovation Centres can Help Food Businesses Grow
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Member Spotlights - Roundup
This article series explores key industry trends, member achievements, and real-world YODL use cases, providing food sector professionals with valuable insights into emerging innovations, market challenges, and growth opportunities. Meet the CFIN Innovators Revolutionizing Waste and Upcycling Intellectual Property Essentials for Food Innovators Meet 5 Incredible Ingredient Suppliers from Across the Country 5 Canadian Food Companies Embracing Foodtech -Fueled Innovation Food Automation Successes in Canada
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Women in Food Series - Roundup
In this roundup of articles from the Women in Food series, Dana McCauley, CEO of the Canadian Food Innovation Network, shares her expertise and experiences to empower women building ambitious careers in the food sector. From practical advice to personal stories, this series highlights the challenges and opportunities women face as they pave the way for innovation and leadership in the food industry. Women in Food Series - My Secret Recipe: What Women Need to Know to Succeed in the Food Business Women in Food Series - The Power of Mentorship: How It Shaped My Career and Why It Matters for Yours
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50 Foodtech Innovation Resources - Roundup
Canada has an extensive range of research centres, food incubators, accelerators and la bs supporting food and beverage innovation through the research they do and/or the services they offer. Each week throughout 2023, we highlighted an organization that’s supporting food innovation in Canada. To help make it easier to find a resource, here’s a list of all 50 of those organizations by region. BC Alacrity Cleantech BC Food Hub Network BC Beverage Technology Access Centre BC Food & Beverage Association Centre of Seafood Innovation at Vancouver Island University Food and Agricultural Institute, University of the Fraser Valley Good to Grow Innovate BC Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC Prairies Ag-West Bio Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI ) Food Processing Development Centre Prairie Research Kitchen Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Technology Access Centre for Aerospace & Manufacturing (TACAM), Red River College Venturepark Labs Ontario Caddle Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Cluster Canadian Centre for Cyber Security Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis Cultivated B Canada Cyber Science Lab Fanshawe College Centre for Research and Innovation Food and Beverage Innovation Centre at Niagara College Food Innovation & Research Studio (FIRSt), George Brown College GreenCentre Canada Meat Science Lab at the University of Guelph Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre Quebec Biopterre INAF Invitro Digestion Platform Kemitek Merinov InBe NomadLab Innofibre Mycélium National Center for Electrochemistry and Environmental Technologies, Shawinigan College Platform Calgary Technology Access Centre in Bio-Innovation at La Cité College TransBIOtech Atlantic Canada Canada’s Smartest Kitchen Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development David Sobey Centre BioFoodTech Emergence NRC Marine Research Station Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation Propel RPC Science & Engineering Verschuren Centre
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Insights from the Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report
Discover key insights from the Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report through a series of in-depth articles. From expert analysis on industry trends to investment challenges, emerging startups, and the evolving bio- foodtech landscape, these articles explore the opportunities shaping the future of Canadian food innovation. What Experts are Saying About the State of Canadian Foodtech 5 Takeaways from the Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report Visualizing the Economics of Canada's Food S ector Meet the Rising Stars in Canadian Foodtech Why Canadian Foodtech Startups Are Attracting More Government Grants Than VC Funding The B2B Opportunity for Canadian Plant-Based Food Innovators From Lab to Market: Canada’s Bio-Foodtech Ecosystem Mapping Canada's Foodtech Clusters Beyond the Trade War: Beyond the Trade War: Building a Stronger Food Future for Canada
Community Manager-
In 30 - Roundup
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’ve curated a roundup of articles that explore key food innovation topics, linking you to essential content and resources. Dive in and become a master on the se topic s in 30 minutes (or less!). Ransomware Addressing Labour Challenges Cobots Robotics in the Food and Beverage Industry Post-Secondary Food and Beverage Programs Across Canada Post-Secondary Food Research Machine Learning Regulating Cellular Food Ghost Kitchens Food Apps Food as Medicine Carbon Neutral Foods BC's Food Ecosystem Praires' Food Ecosystem Ontario's Food Ecosystem Quebec's Food Ecosystem Atlantic Food Ecosystem Commercializing Cellular Food Food Scarcity and Insecurity The Plant-Based Food Market Food and Beverage Associations Across Canada Newsletters YODL Packaging Innovations P recision Fermentation
Community Manager-
50 Food and Beverage Programs – Roundup
Canada is home to a diverse and dynamic food and beverage industry, supported by educational programs that train the next generation of chefs, brewers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This roundup highlights 50 standout programs across the country, from top culinary schools and hospitality management courses to cutting-edge research initiatives and sustainability-focused training. Whether you're an aspiring professional, educator, or industry enthusiast, these programs provide valuable insights into the evolving world of food and drink in Canada. BC & Yukon Vancouver Community College UBC BCIT LaSalle College (Vancouver) UBC: Food, Nutrition, and Health Okanagan College Vancouver Island University University of Fraser Valley Northern Lights College North Island College Yukon University Selkirk College Thompson Rivers University Kwantlen Polytechnic University Prairies Saskatchewan Polytechnic University of Alberta University of Saskatchewan University of Manitoba SAIT NAIT Manitoba Institute of Trades & Technology International College of Manitoba Ontario Niagara College Humber College Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa George Brown College Fanshawe College Brock University University of Guelph Toronto Metropolitan University Loyalist College Georgian College Conestoga College Durham College Centennial College Canadore College Algonquin College Trent University St. Lawrence College St. Clair College Sault College Lambton College Confederation College Quebec McGill University LaSalle College Bishop's University Atlantic Canada University of PEI Memorial University Cape Breton University
