Articles

By Hubba Khatoon 

The past year immersing myself in the food and beverage industry has been exhilarating and enlightening journey. In my role as the Regional Innovation Director at the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) covering Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, I am thrilled to share my insights and observations on the dynamic trends and support network that thrive within the Prairie region's food industry. 

A Thriving Support Ecosystem

Over the past year, I've been struck by the impressive growth of a collaborative culture. In this growing ecosystem, industry leaders, research institutions, government entities, and visionary entrepreneurs are converging to share ideas, nurture innovation, and drive impactful transformation. Noticeably, the Prairies region has displayed impressive enthusiasm for embracing challenges and entrepreneurial endeavors, which holds great promise for the future of food innovation. 

The Prairies are home to a vibrant community of over 500 CFIN members actively engaged in food innovation across diverse sectors. This dynamic region has also seen an outstanding response, with 34 applications received thus far for CFIN funding and support. This not only highlights the entrepreneurial zeal and innovation thriving here but also reflects the nurturing ecosystem that provides invaluable mentorships, resources, and financial backing to empower these food innovators on their journey. In addition to research centers like Centre for Culinary Innovation at Northern Alberta Institute for Technology in Edmonton, AB, and the Prairie Research Kitchen at Red River College Polytechnic in Winnipeg, and Manitoba Food Development Centre in Manitoba, Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, Food Processing Development Centre (FPDC) in Leduc, the region’s food companies have access to a diverse array of resources including incubators, accelerators, and funding programs. Notable examples include the Plug and Play Food Vertical, SVG Ventures/Thrive, CDL Rockies Ag Vertical, Bioenterprise, Venturepark Labs, and Cultivator AGTECH ACCELERATOR.  

Government Support for Food Innovation

It's also evident that federal, provincial, and municipal governments across the Prairies region are deeply committed to supporting food entrepreneurs, acknowledging the significant potential of food innovation and technology to drive economic growth across the region. Governments are actively implementing supportive policies and allocating resources to research and development initiatives, creating a favorable regulatory environment, and facilitating collaborative efforts between public and private sectors. This includes supporting a wide array of events and dialogue specifically crafted to enrich the food ecosystem. A prime example is Inventures 2023, organized by Alberta Innovates, which featured dedicated sessions addressing food systems, security, innovation, and technology. 

Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability has taken center stage in the Prairies' food innovation landscape, as companies progressively embrace responsible production practices. These include practices like upcycling, as seen in Okotoks, AB's Ground-up eco-ventures, as well as efforts to minimize food waste. Additionally, businesses like Edmonton's TerraVerdae Bioworks and Calgary's Earthware Reusables are pioneering eco-friendly packaging solutions, while others, like CarbonGraph, are working diligently to reduce their carbon footprint. This commitment to sustainability not only aligns with consumer demands but also secures the long-term viability of our food system. 

Plant-Based Food Innovation

One of the most notable areas of innovation in the Prairies is the significant expansion of plant-based foods, encompassing everything from meat alternatives to dairy-free options. Given the global shift towards sustainability and healthier dietary choices, the Prairies naturally excel in this domain, thanks to its rich agricultural history and extensive fertile lands. This unique positioning empowers the Prairie region to take the lead in plant-based food production, the cultivation of plant proteins, and the advancement of research and development initiatives. For instance, Phyto Organix Foods Inc. is currently constructing a cutting-edge, net-zero plant processing facility in Strathmore, AB, with substantial support from both provincial and federal funding. Set to launch in 2024, this facility will process 40,000 metric tonnes of locally sourced yellow peas annually. From these peas, it will produce soluble and insoluble protein isolates, processed fiber and starch, as well as high-quality dietary pea hull fiber. In addition, the presence of the Protein Industries Canada supercluster, an industry-driven initiative focused on establishing Canada as a global leader in plant protein and plant-based products, further elevates the region's international standing in this burgeoning sector. 

Growing Global Footprint

Prairies Canada is extending its global impact as significant entities such as the Trade Commissioner Service, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, regional-international trade organizations, and economic development organizations including Calgary Economic Development, Economic Development Regina, Edmonton Global, Economic Development Winnipeg, and Economic Development Lethbridge, are proactively integrating food technology and innovation into their strategies. These organizations are not only attracting international companies to establish operations in the Prairies but also fostering the creation of international partnerships for local food businesses.

Food-Tech Solutions

Another prominent area of expansion has been the emergence of foodtech solutions, where the Prairie region is establishing itself as a leader. Two remarkable examples involve companies supported by CFIN funding: Winnipeg-based TheoryMesh which employs blockchain applications to ensure traceability and transparency in the supply chain, and Saskatoon's BetterCart Analytics, utilizing AI-powered analytics to enhance purchasing experiences. These technologies enhance efficiency, boost food safety, and enrich consumer interactions.

Addressing Labor and Technology Challenges

Recognizing the Prairie region's food innovation landscape, it's crucial to acknowledge existing gaps, some of which resonate with entrepreneurs across Canada. Specifically, the region confronts a shortage of skilled labor in specialized fields like food science and technology, with challenges in retaining entry-level positions. Addressing this challenge requires the formation of strategic partnerships to cultivate training initiatives and drawing in top talent. It also calls for substantial investments in the advancement of digital transformation. As exemplified in Dana McCauley's article on Robotics and the food industry, CEO of CFIN, automation and robotics present a practical remedy for mitigating labor shortages, particularly when employed in tasks categorized as hazardous, unclean, or repetitive. This technological shift increases efficiency and empowers employees to redirect their focus toward more value-added and skill-demanding responsibilities. To navigate digital transformation effectively, businesses require additional resources, training, and improved education in applied research, innovation, and technology adoption.

Navigating Co-Packing Gaps

Simultaneously, it's evident that the Prairies face a shortage of adequate co-packing facilities and services, creating obstacles for entrepreneurs looking to launch startups and scale innovative food products. There are no easy fixes to this issue. Bridging this gap requires investments in state-of-the-art co-packing infrastructure, fostering collaborations with established co-packers, and supporting emerging entrepreneurs with access to affordable and flexible co-packing solutions.  

Access to Capital

Despite the presence of funding opportunities, access to capital remains an ongoing challenge for many food innovators and entrepreneurs in the Prairie region. Acquiring funding for research and development, scaling operations, and marketing innovative products can prove to be arduous tasks. Addressing this challenge will also require a collective effort among stakeholders to craft funding programs, establish venture capital networks, and introduce investment incentives tailored specifically to bolster the distinctive requirements of the region's food innovation ecosystem. 

Prairie Region's Path to Global Leadership in Food Innovation

With ongoing advancements in technology, a steadfast commitment to sustainability, and the presence of a supportive ecosystem, the Prairie region is primed to emerge as a global leader in food innovation. Various organizations throughout the Prairies, along with indispensable tools like CFIN’s YODL platform, Funding Finder and Resource Finder (all available to CFIN members at no cost) play pivotal roles in the innovation equation. By proactively addressing the current gaps, the region can unlock its full potential in food innovation and technology. Moving ahead, it's imperative to engage with diverse communities, foster inclusivity, promote collaboration, and tackle pressing challenges such as food security. As I embark on my second year with CFIN, I am excited to delve deeper into these critical issues and work collectively to drive progress in the field of food innovation.  

Hubba Khatoon is Regional Innovation Director for the Prairies at CFIN. Contact her at Hubba@CFIN-RCIA.ca 

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is a national, member-based organization that’s stimulating transformative and transferrable innovation across the Canadian food sector. They connect the Canadian food ecosystem to fresh insights, ideas, and technologies to elevate their business and increase their innovation capacity. You can become a CFIN member (for free!) in less than five minutes. Visit CFIN at www.cfin-rcia.ca 

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CFIN Members get exclusive access to funding opportunities, five Regional Innovation Directors, and YODL. Learn more about what it’s like to be a CFIN Member and how you can join our growing community of food professionals.