Articles

💡 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 

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 ranking the top 500 agrifoodtech startups, with 8 Canadian CFIN members making the list. The new list signals that the industry is entering "Foodtech Wave 3.0" era, where sustainability, biotech, and circular economies are positioned as the key drivers of future growth. 

The Innovation Booster provides 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 offers 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 deadline is April 7, 2025 
 

Cleantech Advisor – MaRS Discovery District – Quebec (Remote) 

Food Service Account Manager – Second Harvest – Etobicoke, ON (Hybrid) 

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 

📰️ 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.