Canada’s organic market grew to $3.7 billion in 2012, with national sales of certified organic food and non-alcoholic beverages reaching $3 billion. The value of the Canadian organic food market has tripled since 2006, far outpacing the growth rate of other agri-food sectors. A diverse consumer base is driving the sector, with 58 per cent of Canadians buying organic products …

Canadian Lentils, in partnership with Chef Michael Smith, recently hosted a “Love Your Lentils Canada” competition, which challenged home chefs and food bloggers to develop and adapt recipes that could become a new favourite for family mealtime. All Canadians were invited to test them out and vote for their favourites. “Lentils hit all the marks: they’re easy to find, easy …

More than 20 national and provincial health and scientific organizations have joined together in support of a policy statement calling for a restriction on marketing of foods and beverages high in fats, added sugars or sodium targeted to children under the age of 13. Developed by a national group of health organizations led by Dr. Norm Campbell, Professor of Medicine …

There is a growing body of evidence linking yogurt consumption to improved health, scientists say. The unique nutrient profile of yogurt has spurred research on its impact on a variety of topics such as bone and gut health, diabetes, body weight regulation, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Much of what is known about the potential health effects of yogurt has come …

Dr. Roger Beachy plans on establishing the Global Institute for Food Security before making a quick exit By Nicolas Heffernan Dr. Roger Beachy just started at Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS) but he’s already eying the exit. Beachy took the reins of GIFS as Founding Executive Director and CEO in December 2012 but is already looking for a successor. …

Consumer interest is forcing food companies to evaluate what’s in their food and on their labels By Nicolas Heffernan Baking a cake from scratch isn’t easy. McCain Foods Canada found this out the hard way when the company’s It’s all good campaign tried to tackle its Deep’n Delicious Cakes. The campaign was launched three years ago with the goal of …

Canada’s pulses try to gain some affection at home, through value-added processing By Nicolas Heffernan Photos: Pulses Canada Ignored at home, adored abroad – that’s the reality for Canadian pulses. Even the people who grow them don’t eat them. Chuck Penner, founder of LeftField Commodity Research in Winnipeg, has seen this firsthand at some of the meetings he has attended. …