Business Pathways

Product and Process Development

As you grow your business, you will need to continuously adapt to changing circumstances, especially around consumer preferences, sustainability requirements, technological innovations and supply chain disruptions. Your product development and processing requirements will change as you increase capacity or introduce new processes and product lines.

Identify the critical factors that will contribute to your business's growth, such as, improving your operational processes, increasing your profitability or implementing a sustainability plan to maintain a competitive edge.

 

 

Product Development and Processing Requirements

Changes in consumer preferences, technological innovations, labour market shortages and supply chain disruptions will present your business with both challenges and opportunities. Look for new innovations that can boost your productivity, such as outsourcing production to a contracted co-packer.

Food Safety and Certifications

The food supply chain is complex and involves many stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers and consumers. Today's consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it's made. Transparency, sustainability and safety are key drivers of food trends.

If you will export your product, whether inter-provincially or internationally, you will likely need to follow the Safe Food for Canadians (SFC) regulations. To get an SFC license, you will need to apply to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) with documentation on your process and an explanation of your food safety control points.

Food certifications are issued by third party companies to verify that a product, processing method or food safety system meets a specific standard. Certain certifications may be necessary to enter certain markets, or they may give you a strategic advantage to increase business opportunities.

Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing trend in the food and beverage industry. Consumers want to know that their food is being produced and processed ethically and sustainably. There is an increasing demand that food companies take action to reduce their impact on climate and waste. A sustainable approach to business balances environmental, social and governance objectives.