Uniting the Food Sector

Bringing together a fractured sector accelerates innovation and keeps IP in Canada.

Since launch, CFIN has grown to over 7,500 members, helping connect a diverse, often fractured, national food sector in ways that accelerate innovation, strengthens Canada’s domestic capacity, and ensures the benefits of new IP remain here at home. We have the fastest growing food community in Canada and estimate that we’ll be serving 20,000 food innovators by 2032. As we look to the future, our plan is to offer even more online value with our YODL platform and to continue to service our members in real life with supports like our Regional Innovation Director services.

Food innovators become CFIN members to engage with one another and find solutions to their innovation problems but also to gain access to industry insight and the future forward content they need to make strategic decisions. To date, CFIN has published over 1,500 pieces of thought leadership, sparking 28,000+ content engagements and supporting 108 funded projects that have mobilized $21.3 million, created hundreds of new jobs and $23 million in new revenues for foodtech firms. Our five nationally distributed Regional Innovation Directors have initiated 400+ collaborations across the food sector, while supporting thousands of members from all over Canada. 

  • YODL is CFIN’s one-of-a-kind digital platform where members connect, share ideas, and discover new opportunities in food innovation. By 2032, we envision tens of thousands of users engaging through vibrant discussions and powerful tools to overcome the food sector’s biggest challenges, together.

    With the steady growth of CFIN membership, YODL will introduce smart automated systems to spotlight high-potential companies and offer priority support from Regional Innovation Directors. YODL’s accessible self-serve features will ensure all members have round-the-clock access to valuable resources, making innovation support more inclusive, scalable, and effective no matter where they are or what hours they work.

  • As CFIN’s membership continues to grow, so will the power and potential of YODL. New features and smarter tools are on the way, like automated systems that help identify high-potential companies to investors, Canadian made technologies ready for implementation and more. Matchmaking tools and resource finding tools that break down regional silos and make innovating faster are all being developed. YODL will continue to level the playing field by offering startups, SME’s and Anchor firms self-serve tools that give all members 24/7 access to quality resources.

    What’s coming next? A dynamic suite of features including the YODL Learning Centre, Funding Finder, Resource Finder, Investment Portal, Exchange Peer Help Community + Marketplace, and the Food Innovator Career Hub, all designed to help members connect, learn, and grow.

  • Led by our Regional Innovation Directors, CFIN’s wraparound services provide high-potential food tech companies with 1:1 support, from investor access and customer introductions to guidance on navigating Canada’s broader innovation ecosystem. We break down regional barriers, helping SMEs connect across the supply chain, adopt sustainable technologies, and share best practices, while de-risking innovation and accelerating both domestic and global growth.

    In addition to personalized support, CFIN members benefit from access to exclusive events and webinars designed to foster connections with key industry leaders and innovators. These sessions offer timely insights into the latest trends and developments, equipping members with the knowledge needed to stay competitive and forward-thinking.

    CFIN will also continue to deliver targeted programming like Unpuzzling: Foodtech Ontario, a 12-week mentorship and peer cohort initiative that supports early-stage foodtech entrepreneurs. This collaborative, non-competitive experience connects participants with sector experts, strategic partners, and a network of peers. The goal is to create an environment centred on learning, connection, and practical growth, helping participants scale and commercialize their innovations with confidence, while contributing to Canada’s long-term competitiveness and resilience..

Meet Our Strategic Partners