Cluster impacts the value-added sector in Saskatchewan and across Canada Text by  Hermione Wilson The Agri-Food Innovation Cluster (AgFIC) was designed by scientists to fill the gaps that were impeding research and innovation and ultimately industry growth. Formed in 2015 by the University of Saskatchewan, POS Bio-Sciences and the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre (or simply the Sk. Food Centre), AgFIC …

Welcome back to the Regulatory Arena. We promised you an “issues facing industry” focus this year, and I’m hoping this installment doesn’t disappoint. One of the big issues I see in my practice relates to product classification: is my product a food or a natural health product (“NHP”)? It’s no secret that over the years many “food” manufacturers have taken …

Dumas versus Kjeldahl Text by Paola Ornaghi The Dumas high temperature combustion technique was first introduced in 1833 and although it was initially found to have shortcomings, current, modern-day fully automated systems are fully compliant with internationally recognized methods that include AOAC 99 series, CS Ba series, ISO 16634 series and more.  There are key advantages that the Dumas-based method …

Setting quality specifications and improving shelf life

Consumer appetite for healthy, local and 100% Canadian is good for business Text by  Theresa Rogers The New Year started with what has been dubbed “The Ketchup Wars”, when a Facebook post prompted a mess in the condiment aisles of grocery stores all over the country. Seizing consumers’ appetite for “Canadian” ketchup, Primo Foods entered the fray, launching its own …

Western brands must adapt to a changing demographic landscape Text by Joel Gregoire The 2011 Census identified one in five Canadians as being foreign-born. Statistics Canada forecasts the share of foreign-born Canadians to increase in the coming years as immigration levels continue to outpace the national birth rate. This will likely influence the taste profiles of Canadians and their openness …

Millennials (born between 1980 and 1995) are the second-largest demographic cohort in Canada(representing almost a quarter of the Canadian population), but are quickly eclipsing Baby Boomers in importance given their projected growth in terms of future spending power and rising sphere of influence. Canadian Millennials are not a homogenous cohort, especially given the various life stages they represent, from young …

Youth employment initiative aims to invigorate sector Text by Kelly Townsend A job in the food and beverage industry is often far from recent graduates’ minds when starting their career. Many don’t realize that an interest in science, marketing or engineering can lead to several fulfilling and sustainable possibilities. Norm Beal, CEO, Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO), is part of …

Family-run company hopes to bring olives to lunchboxes Text by Kelly Townsend When parents consider a viable snack for their kids, many fruits and vegetables are high on the list and Sardo Foods aims to put olives at the very top. Originating in the small Sicilian town of Catania in 1965, Sardo Foods is owned by its Founder and CEO, …

The approved treatment for IBS symptoms and childhood constipation in Canada used to be eating prunes. Now Health Canada has approved two health claims for Taiyo’s Sunfiber product for the same purpose. Sunfiber is now the only fibre in Canada that can claim to improve bowel regularity, relieve constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort in people with IBS. “Sunfiber is the only …