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Friday Food Innovation Round-Up – April 17

By Community Manager posted 04-17-2025 08:00

  

We're coming to you a day early for the Easter edition of our Food Innovation Round-Up. From the latest tariff developments to major investments in advanced food manufacturing, here’s what caught our attention this week: 

  • 🪙 Ottawa announces tariff relief measures for Canadian food manufacturers 

  • 💡 Manitoba backs $102M grain innovation hub to boost global market reach. 

  • 🛠️ An innovation commercialization job opportunity with a leading CPG brand 

Let’s dig in! 

 

Canada–U.S. Trade Brief: Ottawa Eases Pressure for Food Sector Importers  

Breaking down what’s changing in cross-border trade—and what it means for Canadian food companies. 

What’s the Latest 

On Tuesday, April 15, the federal government announced temporary relief from Canada’s counter-tariffs for Canadian manufacturers, processors, and food and beverage packaging companies that rely on U.S. imports. The move responds to new U.S. tariffs introduced in March and April, which continue to affect key inputs such as aluminum, paperboard, and plastic packaging components. This six-month remission gives businesses time to adapt their supply chains and manage rising costs, while a new loan program will provide support to large enterprises critical to food security. 

What You Should Know 

  • Tariff relief applies to U.S. goods used in Canadian food manufacturing and packaging. This includes inputs that can’t be sourced domestically. 

  • Relief is time-limited. The remission runs for six months, giving businesses time to adjust sourcing strategies or invest in domestic alternatives. 

  • Large food companies may now apply for federal support. The Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility (LETL) is open to eligible employers facing financing challenges due to U.S. trade actions. 

New Tariff Resources 

  • Most Canadian food exports remain exempt from new U.S. tariffs—but only if CUSMA origin rules are met and properly claimed. This guide explains how to determine eligibility and complete certification to avoid duties on U.S. shipments. 

  • This practical guide offers step-by-step strategies for Canadian businesses navigating U.S. tariffs. It’s designed specifically for SMEs, with checklists and low-cost, actionable tips for adapting quickly to trade volatility. 

 

💡 Food Innovation News 

Manitoba spends 'a whole lotta bread' to find new markets for cereal grains  – CBC News 

  • Manitoba is investing $13 million to help launch the Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (GATE), a $102 million facility in Winnipeg that will showcase Canadian cereal grains. Designed to attract global buyers and partners, GATE will equip the grain sector with hands-on innovation space to develop and promote value-added products. 

Ferrero Canada invests $445M in Ontario plant – Food in Canada 

  • Ferrero Canada is investing $445 million to expand its Ontario facility with new IoT-enabled and robotics-powered production lines—marking a major leap in smart manufacturing for the food sector. The tech-driven expansion reinforces Ontario’s growing role in advanced food manufacturing. 

Food Processing Skills Canada Unveils Three New Programs – Foodservice and Hospitality 

  • Food Processing Skills Canada launched three new programs to help food and beverage businesses attract, train, and retain talent. With digital food safety training, student work placements, and leadership coaching for managers, the initiative aims to strengthen workforce resilience at a critical time for Canada’s processing sector. 

🛠️ Job Openings 

Here’s a few cool food innovation jobs that popped up recently: 

 

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…   

 

Do you have something worth including in our next Friday Food Innovation Roundup? Reply to this post to let us know about your news, events, or job openings! 

Thanks for reading! 

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