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CFIN’s just-published Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report was informed by interviews with the top investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and executives shaping the rapidly evolving foodtech landscape in Canada.  

Here, we’ve collected some of their most compelling insights on the transformations and challenges within the sector, as well their prognostications on what the future will hold for Canadian foodtech. 

Canadian Foodtech is Rapidly Growing 

"Pre-Covid, if you asked me about the Canadian foodtech industry I would have replied 'what foodtech industry'? I was literally travelling everywhere else around the globe to find technology, labs, startups and even some universities. Now, 5 years later I see a much more dynamic and active space." 

Despite Growth, Investment Gap is Limiting Canada’s Global Competitiveness 

“For Canada to truly become a foodtech hub, we need more early-stage investors who are ready to take big risks on bold ideas. There’s incredible talent and innovation here, but startups often struggle to find investors willing to back them at the earliest stages when the risks—and the potential rewards—are highest. If we can build a stronger community of risk-tolerant investors, it’ll unlock so much potential in Canada’s foodtech scene and help turn great ideas into global breakthroughs.” 

"Access to industry, processors, and investors who can help startups scale and connect globally are critical. Investment capital from Corporate Venture strategics or established VC firms for scaling companies is continuing to mature in Canada but we still fall behind nationally when compared to other leading markets." 

Industry Fragmentation is Still a Key Barrier to Innovation 

“We really need to foster a strong culture of collaboration among all stakeholders. While we’re great at kicking off innovative projects and ideas in the food sector, we often stumble when it comes to following through and scaling these innovations effectively. This gap between coming up with brilliant ideas and bringing them to market is a challenge we need to tackle head-on. Creating an ecosystem where startups, academia, established food companies, and government at all levels can work together seamlessly is key.” 

“To be a successful innovation hub, we have to have a strong growth mindset, take risks, and execute our initiatives well. More practically, some things we can do to position Canada as a hub for food innovation and foodtech include a continued focus on growing regional strengths while increasing industry collaboration. This includes ensuring post-secondary institutional research has value for industry, supporting work integrated learning opportunities to address labour force challenges, supporting knowledge transfer, and improving diversity in the sector.” 

Elevating Foodtech is a National Strategic Imperative 

“Over the past 5 years, Canada's foodtech industry has undergone a remarkable evolution, marked by growth and diversification of innovation. But we need to do more. Canadian productivity is at an all-time low and the food industry is the slowest to adopt technology. I'm preaching to the choir here, but I truly believe that any innovation aimed at increasing productivity and improving sustainable development should receive the most attention. We can't go on like this and technology is here to help us change things for the better in this area.”