This is one in a series of interviews with CFIN member companies that have successfully applied for and received funding.
Kitchener, ON-based Henry’s Tempeh Inc. produces organic, sustainable tempeh.
The company is receiving $61,051 in funding through CFIN’s Innovation Booster program to create technology that aligns with CFIN’s smart product and process development priority. We sat down with president Jason Jurchuk to find out more about the company’s plans.
Q: What does Henry’s Tempeh do and how are your products improving the food industry?
A: Henry’s Tempeh produces organic tempeh, a fermented plant protein with Indonesian roots. We use organic Canadian soybeans to produce our flagship line of soy-based tempeh products. We are part of Canada’s sustainable food system; we buy from growers close to our production facility that use organic farming principles, and turn these beans into a minimally processed and delicious nutrient-dense product.
Q: What’s the mission of Henry’s Tempeh?
A: Our mission is to produce accessible, fermented plant-based foods using ethically sourced ingredients.
Q: Why did you apply for this funding and how will you use it?
A: We’re working to develop a new fermentation system that will significantly reduce waste and produce a better product. We applied for the CFIN Innovation Booster funding to support the development of this innovative technology and to kickstart the development of a new non-soy product line.
Q: What excites you most about working in this area of the food industry?
A: The fact that what our team does every day grows Canada’s sustainable food system and puts high-quality, nutritious, and delicious foods on Canadians’ plates.
Q: Why do you think public funding is important in helping companies clear innovation hurdles and access leveraged funds?
A: Public funding accelerates innovation and growth. Without it, we would certainly not be where we are today. Funding through organizations like the CFIN enables us to innovate, scale up, and get technology and products to market quickly and effectively while creating jobs and strengthening Canada’s domestic food system.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s on the horizon for Henry’s Tempeh?
A: We operate with a growth mindset. We’re working to expand our product line, expand our production facility and develop world-class fermentation technology that will position us as a leader, not only in the fermented food space but in the Canadian food economy, all while operating transparently and sustainably.
Q: What are your passions or hobbies outside of work?
A: Mycology, fermentation, spending time with family.
Q: If you had to pick one person to make you a meal, who would you choose?
A: Peter Pan
Ready to access funding for your innovative initiative? Click here to find out more about CFIN’s funding programs.
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