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Where Crunch Meets Clean Label: Sunflower Kernels for the Next Generation of Better-for-You Snacks
Canada’s healthy snacks market is experiencing strong growth. According to Grand View Research, the market generated $3,713.6 million (USD) in 2025 and is projected to reach $7,282.5 million (USD) by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2026 to 2033.¹ The research also identifies Canada as the fastest-growing regional market in North America, highlighting significant opportunities for food manufacturers looking to innovate in the category. For food scientists and product developers, this growth presents a complex formulation challenge. Consumers increasingly seek snacks that deliver nutritional value, convenience and recognizable ingredients, without sacraficing the taste,texture and overall eating experience they expect. Success depends on balancing these priorities to create better-for-you products that satisfy both nutritional goals and consumer expectations. Why Texture Matters in Snack Innovation Texture is a powerful influence on how consumers experience food, shaping everything from first impressions to repeat purchases. Puratos’s Taste Tomorrow research found that nearly half of consumers prioritize texture over ingredients when purchasing food, while 68% of millennials say texture directly influences their choices.² Ingredion research further indicates that 70% of global consumers would switch to a different product or brand if they were dissatisfied with its texture.³ For snack food manufacturers, these findings underscore the importance of getting texture right from the outset. Crunch, crispness and contrast can help distinguish a product in a competitive market, while combinations of complementary textures can create a more engaging and premium eating experience. Innova Market Insights’ Global Texture Trends 2026 report highlights the appeal of combining textures such as creamy, crunchy, and soft. Its research also revealed that one in four consumers globally is interested in trying snacks in formats that are new to them.⁴ Together, these insights point to opportunities for food manufacturers to explore fresh ingredient combinations and textural experiences that make better-for-you snacks stand out. Where Sunflower Kernels Fit In U.S.-grown sunflower kernels give food manufacturers a practical way to build that contrast. Their mild flavour and satisfying crunch add dimension to both sweet and savoury product innovations without overpowering other ingredients. They also bring plant-based protein, fibre and healthy fats, along with vitamin E, zinc, folate, iron and magnesium, so the texture upgrade comes with a nutritional one. Available raw, roasted and ready-to-eat, sunflower kernels can be used across a wide range of applications, including: • Better-for-you snack bars • Granola and trail mixes • Crackers and savoury snacks • Bakery products and breakfast cereals • Plant-based snacks and bites Clean Label and Allergen-Friendly by Design Consumers worldwide are increasingly prioritizing clean-label products made with recognizable ingredients and greater transparency. Innova Market Insights reports that more than two in three consumers globally say they are at least somewhat influenced by clean ingredient decks, and that nearly one in three new products now carries some type of clean label claim.⁵ Innova also notes that non-GMO claims are most established in North America.⁵ Sunflower kernels are naturally non-GMO and sustainably grown, which supports the transparency and recognizable-ingredient positioning shoppers respond to. They are also an allergen-friendly alternative to tree nuts, delivering the crunch consumers expect from nuts and seeds. Unlike tree nuts, sunflower kernels are not considered a priority allergen in Canada, making them a versatile option for manufacturers developing new products or reformulating existing ones. Turning Texture Trends into Product Opportunities As Canada's healthy snacks market continues to expand, food manufacturers have an opportunity to differentiate their products through thoughtful ingredient choices and more engaging eating experiences. Texture is an important part of that equation, influencing consumer appeal while creating opportunities to innovate across familiar snack formats. U.S.-grown sunflower kernels bring together satisfying crunch, plant-based nutrition and application versatility, making them a valuable ingredient to consider for the next generation of healthy snacks. From bars and granola to crackers and savoury mixes, they can help product developers create food innovations that balance texture, taste and nutritional value. Explore how U.S.-grown sunflower kernels can add texture, nutrition and versatility to your next snack innovation. Connect with a supplier today > {link to lead to the NSA Kernel suppliers page} References: 1. Grand View Research, Canada Healthy Snacks Market Size & Outlook, 2026–2033. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/healthy-snacks-market/canada 2. Puratos, “Why texture is important in food,” February 19, 2025. https://www.puratos.com/blog/why-texture-is-important-in-food 3. Ingredion research, as reported in “New approaches to texture innovation,” Food Business News, May 7, 2026. https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/30275-new-approaches-to-texture-innovation
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)
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
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.
Other Articles
IN 30: Newsletters
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . 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 and foodtech -related enewsletters you should know about. BCFT Tech Talk Newsletter – A monthly enewsletter covering i nnovations, trends, and breakthroughs shaping the future of food. Canadian Grocer daily Express Newsletter – The enewsletter of Canadian Grocer magazine covers the Canadian grocery retail market. Edible Planet Ventures – The enewsletter from Edible Planet Ventures features articles on g roundbreaking innovations , multimillion-dollar startup funding, strategic partnerships, and new product launches . The Evolution – Canadian Business ’ en ewsletter offers articles on Canadian innovation. Food and Beverage Atlantic – A bi-monthly newsletter featuring innovations and news from the Atlantic region. Food and Beverage Canada – The enewsletter of Food and Beverage Canada offers information on trends, innovations and industry news. Food Business News – Food Business News covers news and developments in the food industry. Food for Thought - A newsletter from Canadian food marketing firm Nourish. Food in Canada - Food in Canada magazine’s enewsletter covers t he Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry. Food Dive's daily/weekly newsletter – The Food Dive presents information on food manufacturing, packaging, ingredients, R&D, flavo u r trends and more. The Food Institute’s Newsletters – The Food Institute covers news and trends in the food industry, the plant-based product sector, and the retail industry. Food Navigator - Food Navigator offers several enewsletters focused on different sectors of the food industry. FoodHack - A global community for food entrepreneurs and innovators. Foodtech Insights – The enewsletter of the DigitalFoodLab includes trends, advancements, and opportunities shaping the food system. Funding Snapshot Weekly Newsletter – Mentor Works’ enewsletter offers the latest on Canadian government funding program details , funding tools, success stories and other r esources for Canadian SMEs. Grocery Business' newsletter – The enewsletter of Grocery Business magazine covers the Canadian grocery retail sector. IFT’s newsletters and alerts. – The latest research, insights, and trends , presented by IFT. Natural Product Canada - Natural Product Canada’s enewsletter presents information on innovative and sustainable products. New Food – A food and beverage resource on LinkedIn. The Peak – This enewsletter covers Canadian business, technology and finance. Protein Industries Cluster – The enewsletter from the Protein Industries Cluster offers the latest information on alternative proteins . The Spoon Newsletter - The Spoon enewsletter features new technologies and business models changing the food business.
Return to Sender
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . CFIN and cybersecurity firm Beauceron have partnered to deliver a three-part webinar series on cybersecurity threats in the food and beverage industry. These webinars, made exclusively for CFIN members, dive into how cybercriminals target food and beverage companies and foodtech businesses, and offer actionable steps to protect your business from unwanted threats. In part three of the series Tyson MacInnis , CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director for Atlantic Canada, sat down with David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security, and Vidya ShankarNarayan , CIO and Assistant Deputy Minister, Information Systems Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to discuss business email compromise and how companies can protect their email systems from cyber attacks . Following the video are the top three takeaways.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is Putting a Priority on Cyber Resilience in Agriculture and Food
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . By Katherine MacDonald Have your company’s systems been compromised by cybercriminals? As agricultural and agri-food businesses become more and more digitized and connected online, the risk of cyber threats increases. Cyber - attacks can interrupt key services, affect consumer trust and hurt profitability. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) joins other departments and organizations to encourage businesses to Get Cyber Safe and put cyber security measures in place to prevent business disruptions. Find out more on how to minimize cyber risks on AAFC’s website . While the information is mainly aimed at farming businesses, the practical steps and resources can work for all of us. But what does cyber resilience look like? Take a look at the Digital Governance Standards Institute’s Baseline Cyber Security Controls for Small and Medium Organizations . This is a National Standard for Canada and provides requirements broken down into two levels: Level 1 requirements are intended for smaller organizations that are just starting their cyber security journey; Level 2 requirements help organizations mature their cyber posture further. Meeting the Level 1 or Level 2 requirements from the standard does not guarantee protection against hackers, but it will help improve your cyber posture. For example, Level 1 requirements include training employees on effective use of passwords, the identification of malicious emails, and the safe use of social media. They include having an incident response plan in place for businesses to either manage cyber incidents on their own or knowing who to contact for help. The requirements also include enabling anti-malware software, automatic patching for all software and hardware, and secure backup systems. The Standard also provides a number of templates and tools to help businesses meet requirements, including a self-assessment questionnaire to help businesses identify areas of particular risk. Finally, the Standard is undergoing a periodic review and the Digital Governance Standards Institute invites interested stakeholders to provide their comments. Visit their website to get involved. For more information on what Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is doing to support cyber resilience in agriculture and agri-food, contact aafc.Dig i talIntegration-IntegrationNumerique.aac@agr.gc.ca Stay cyber secure! Katherine MacDonald is D irector G eneral, Strategic Management, Information Systems Branch, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Cyber Science Lab
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Name: Cyber Scien c e Lab in the School of Computer Science, University of Guelph Location: Guelph, ON Mission: The Cyber Science Lab (CSL) is an international not-for-profit research lab focused on advancing knowledge and practice in cybersecurity, digital forensics, threat hunting and threat intelligence. Focus: The lab is currently focused o n three research areas: security of distributed ledger technologi e s, security of critical infrastructure, and security of AI systems. Services: The lab offers cybersecurity tools for businesses, including an AI vulnerability management toolkit that allows professionals to identify known weaknesses in their AI systems; a DeepFake Forensics tool allowing forensics examiners to identify DeepFake content s ; and a Chrome Plug-in for DeepFake Detection that allows users to distinguish DeepFake contents on most web pages and social media platforms. CSL has also developed several datasets that are publicly available and which can help companies identify security risks. They include: OS x Malware Dataset, Internet of Things Malware Dataset, Advanced Persistent Threat Malware Dataset, and Cryptocurrency Malware Dataset. What you Need to Know: CSL is inviting security professionals to submit a chapter to its upcoming book “Big Data and Cyber Threat Intelligence” for publication in fall 2024. Submissions must be made by January 15, 2024. Click here for more information on how to submit . Notable News: CSL has published 267 papers, completed 15 projects and received more than $1.7 million in funding. The University of Guelph also offers a master of cybersecurity and threat intelligence. Get Involved: Contact Ali Dehghantanha , CSL director, at ali@cybersciencelab.com or at (519) 824-4120 , ext. 52999 , or reach out to CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director for Ontario Linda Fox .
Ransomware 101
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . CFIN and cybersecurity firm Beauceron have partnered to deliver a three-part webinar series on cybersecurity threats in the food and beverage industry. These webinars, made exclusively for CFIN members, dive into how cybercriminals target food and beverage companies and foodtech businesses, and offer actionable steps to protect your business from unwanted threats. In part two of the series Dana McCauley , CEO of CFIN, talked with David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security, and Daniel Couillard, director general of Partnerships and Risk Mitigation, Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, about how ransomware works, and how companies can protect themselves from bad actors. Following the video are the top four takeaways.
IN 30: Ransomware
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . 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 ransomware, a type of malware (malicious software) that locks a computer or network system and all of its data until a ransom is paid to unlock it. The Overview IBM – What is Ransomware? IBM documents the types of ransomware and how it infects a system or device. PCMag – The Best Ransomware Protection for 2023 Ransomware protection can stop attacks from destroying information. PCMag highlights some of the best antivirus protection available. Statista – Annual Number of Ransomware Attempts Worldwide from 2017 to 2022 According to Statista, there were 493.33 million ransomware attempts detected worldwide in 2022. The Canadian Connection Canadian Centre for Cyber Security – The centre says ransomware is the most common cyber threat facing Canadians. CBC – It's Time for Companies to Double Down on Cybersecurity Measures as Ransomware Attacks Rise Experts report an increase in ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents across Canada. Financial Post - Safety Net: Increasingly Sophisticated Ransomware Attacks Leave Companies, Lawyers Scrambling to Keep Up The legal environment of responding to ransomware is new, uncertain and evolving. Media Covering Cybersecurity Cybercrime Magazine – Cybercrime Magazine site is operated by Cybersecurity Ventures, a researcher on the global cyber economy and a source of statistics and facts on cybersecurity. The Hacker News – Th e Hacker News platform reports on the latest cybercrime events. Infosecurity Magazine – The online magazine offers information on computer and online security and other topics around cyber safety . Security Magazine – Th is site offers news and information on physical and online security, including training strategies. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: YouTube - Ransomware Attacks Threaten Canada's National Security Ransomware attacks now constitute the most disruptive form of cyberattack facing Canada.
Cybersecurity in the Food Sector
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . . CFIN and cybersecurity firm Beauceron have partnered to deliver a three-part webinar series on cybersecurity threats in the food and beverage industry . These webinars, made ex clusively for CFIN m embers, dive into how cybercriminals target food and beverage companies and foodtech businesses , and offer actionable steps to protect your business from unwanted threats. In Part 1 of the series Nestor Gomez , C hief T echnology O fficer for CFIN, sat down with Rozita Dara, principal investigator of data management and privacy governance research program at the University of Guelph, and David Shipley, CEO and co-founder of Beauceron Security , for an overview of cybersecurity in the food sector . They also highlight recent cyberattacks against food businesses , the b iggest risks companies now face, and steps companies can take to defend against cybercriminals. Following the video are the top three takeaways.
Explained: Malware
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . What Is It? Malware, also known as malicious software or malicious applications, is software designed by cybercriminals to damage computer programs or systems, or to gain unauthorized access to a computer system and/or data. Malware can be in the form of viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, keyloggers, adware and ransomware which can attack computers, smartphones, tablets and networks. As well as disrupting computer systems , malware can be used to lock up networks and/or computer systems, destroy them, wipe out information, send spam emails, or access data and intellectual property than can then be sold. Why You Should Care According to DataProt , 560,000 new pieces of malware are detected every day, for a total of more than one billion malware programs existing worldwide. Trojans, which appear to be a harmless file or program but which can damage, steal or control computers, make up 58% of all computer malware, followed by viruses (13%), and scripts (9%), a type of virus that leverage’s a computer system’s existing applications. Downloaded malicious apps can attack smartphones, and are the most common form of mobile malware, while adware, which can be activated by clicking on unwanted advertisements, accounts for 48% of malware on smartphones. Destructive malware cyberattacks have increased rapidly worldwide in the past five years, with the number of detected variations rising 62% in 2020 . Meanwhile, Internet of Things (IoT) attacks by malware topped 2 0 million , and mobile attacks were more than 28 million in the first half of 2020. Routers are a common target for hackers using IoT malware, as are emails, with 46% of hackers using email to spread malware through attached Word and Excel files. What’s Happening in Canada? The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security lists the signs that a device has been infected with malware, as well as suggesting ways Canadian businesses can protect themselves from malware. That includes: Backing up devices and information Installing software updates and patches regularly Using anti-virus and anti-malware software Using a firewall to protect local systems from outside access Using a host intrusion detection system (HIDS) to identify unauthorized access Ensur ing files and attachments are real before downloading Avoid ing public Wi-Fi Using a protective domain name system (DNS) to block unwanted content Using an ad blocker and n ot accepting pop-up advertisements Not downloading unreliable software or media
50 Canadian FoodTech Resources – Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . Canada has an extensive range of research centres, food incubators, accelerators and labs supporting food and beverage innovation through the research they do and/or the services they offer. Each week throughout 2023, we’ll be highlighting an organization that’s supporting food innovation in Canada. Name: Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS) Location: Ottawa, ON Mission: The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is Canada’s technical authority on cyber security. It opened in 2018 as part of Canada’s National Cyber Security Strategy . Focus: The CCCS offers guidance, information and services around cybersecurity for individuals, Canadian businesses, organizations , institutions and schools. Services: As well as defending federal government networks, t he centre leads the Get Cyber Safe public education program. It provides general information about cybercrime , as well as alerts and advisories, news, events, and education. It offers free cyber defence tools such Assemblyline , a malware detection and analysis tool, the CyberSecurity Audit Program to assess an organization’s cyber security status, and the Harmonized Threat and Risk Assessment Methodology , which is designed to address assets, employees, and services at risk in a business. It also offers a glossary of terms you should know when it comes to cybersecurity . What you Need to Know: The centre is part of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s national cryptologic agency. Among its other mandates, the CSE has responsibility for cyber security and information assurance. Notable News: The centre collaborates and builds partnerships with businesses in critical infrastructure sectors, which includes the food industry. Get Involved: Contact the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security at 1-833-CYBER-88 or at contact@cyber.gc.ca , or for more information on cybersecurity, reach out to CFIN’s Chief Technology Officer, Nestor Gomez .
IN 30: Cybersecurity 101
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . 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 cybercrime and cybersecurity , and how they affect Canada's food and beverage industry. The Overview AAG - The Latest 2023 Cyber Crime Statistics Statistics on how cybercrime is impacting businesses and individuals worldwide. Marlin Communications – The 2023 Cyber Threat Landscape: 5 Key Trends Around the world, criminals are turning to “quieter” cyber attacks , including cryptojacking and IoT malware. Sophos – 2023 Threat Report According to this report, criminal malware “as-a-service” schemes are interrupting the global economy. The Canadian Connection Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Cyber Security and Your Farming Business AAFC reminds producers that they can also be targeted by cybercriminals, and need to ensure their businesses are secure. Canadian Centre for Cyber Security - The centre is part of the Communications Security Establishment, offering advice and services for Canadian businesses, individuals, organizations and institutions on cybersecurity. CIRA.ca – The Canadian Internet Registration Authority offers cybersecurity awareness training, insights, threats, and implementation plans. Government of Canada - Get Cyber Safe Guide for Small and Medium Businesses The federal government provides a comprehensive overview of steps businesses can take to minimize the threat of cybercrime. Social Media Beauceron Security (LinkedIn) – Fredericton, NB-based Beauceron Security helps organizations address the risk of cybercrime. Canadian Cyber Security Network (Instagram) CCSN is a group of dedicated cybersecurity professionals, focused on growing cybersecurity in Canada. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (Facebook) – The U.S. CISA offers research, advice, events and more on how to avoid cybercrime. Overtime If you’ve got more than 30 minutes, these are for you: YouTube – Cyberattacks on Food Businesses Any software or online sales or management systems used by food companies may be at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals.
Why CFIN is Creating Cybersecurity Content on YODL
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . By Nestor Gomez Today CFIN is kicking off two weeks of content on cybersecurity, corresponding with the international Cyber Security Awareness Month in Canada and the U.S. This October, technology experts and the federal government are reminding Canadians that education around cybersecurity is essential, as well as an understanding of schemes such as phishing, online scams through fake stores or transactions, fake cryptocurrency trades, data breaches, ransomware and malware attacks, and phone scams . The theme for 2023, through the federal government’s Get Cyber Safe public awareness campaign , is “Step Up your Cyber Fitness,” which is designed to encourage Canadians to stretch their cyber security muscles one step at a time. The government offers a wide range of digital resources and tools designed to protect Canadians and their businesses online , including practical implementation plans. According to Made In CA , based on information from Statistics Canada, Statista, the federal government and other sources, 85.7% of Canadian companies were hit by successful cyberattacks in 2021, a 7.7 % increase over 2020, and over half of Canadians have experienced cybercrime at least once. Ransomware attacks affected 72% of Canadian companies in 2020, with an average cost to companies of $1.9 million. By comparison, data breaches in 2021 cost Canadian companies an average of $5.4 mil lion, and online fra ud cost Canadians roughly $100 million . As an industry where large amounts of data and technology are interconnected, f ood and beverage companies and grocery retailers have been vulnerable to cyber security threats and attacks . Maple Leaf Foods , Empire Co. , JBS and Dole have all been victims of large cyber-attacks within the past two years. These attacks can i mpact every aspect of the company, including finances, reputation, customer data, supply chain, products and distribution system . U nfortunately, many companies have not invested in education, awareness, protocols and solutions to protect themselves . As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, we want to ensure that CFIN members understand the risks involved and how to protect their businesses. Over the next two weeks we’ll take a closer look at some of these challenges, as well as the technology, education and best practices companies can implement to avoid being vulnerable to cyber-attacks , protect the ir data and digital assets, and minimize the consequences when attacks do happen. Nestor Gomez is Chief Technology Officer for CFIN.
The Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program – Interviews with the Trade Commissioners (French and English)
Welcome to YODL! In addition to daily original content, YODL helps CFIN Members find new partners , resources , and funding opportunities to grow their food business. Learn more about this growing community and become a CFIN Member (for free!) today . CFIN is partnering with Global Affairs Canada and Natural Products Canada to attract companies to participate in the Foodtech Canadian Tech Accelerator Program . This program provides a unique opportunity for CFIN members to secure investment, make new connections, and grow their food business. CFIN interviewed the two Trade Commissioners involved with the program to learn more about what CFIN members can expect. Carolyn Cooper speaks with Christina Connelly, Trade Commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis, while Isabelle Marquis speaks with Elodie Masson Vidal, Trade Commissioner with the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco . They discuss eligibility requirements and selection criteria for the program, support for participants, and next steps for interested companies. Additional information about the program follows the videos.