Opinions
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EDITORIAL – November/December 2020 – Take advantage of a captive audience
What a year 2020 turned out to be. The past nine months have challenged Canada’s agri-food system unlike anything in recent memory. Although the sector showed its resiliency after weathering some shocks early in the pandemic, cracks in the system…
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Food Innovation at GIC Caters to Changing Needs
The primary concerns of Canadians have shifted in reaction to the threat from coronavirus. That was evident at November’s Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) virtual trade show, where I witnessed the emergence of three common themes related to food innovation: Protect Me.…
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SIAL Virtual Selections
I love the thrill of the hunt for new products and nibbling through food trade shows. This year SIAL Canada presented an entirely new experience that meant cruising the show virtually, without the customary sensory stimulation. Healthier eating and indulgence…
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CHFA Innovation Highlights
Diving deep into the CHFA Connect virtual trade show, these innovative foods grabbed my attention. Unfortunately, there’s no opportunity for food sampling when browsing virtual shows. Products were selected based on ingredients, nutrition data, claims and product attributes and benefits. However, appealing…
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Time to say good-bye? When to exit a business
RECIPE TO RETAIL: Part 24… Food is a tough business. And it takes big bucks to build a sustainable brand. We only hear the jaw-dropping stories about food start-ups getting seven-figure offers. But don’t be mislead. We seldom hear about…
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Packaging Misconceptions Unwrapped
RECIPE TO RETAIL: Part 23… In this age of plastic dependency and growing mountains of packaging waste, brand owners need to take responsibility. The consumer conscience is shifting in favour of sustainable packaging and affecting purchase decisions. Before jumping on…
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RC Show Faves
Toronto’s annual RC Show, Canada’s largest foodservice and hospitality event, is a treasure trove of inspiration for CPG businesses. Edible Plastic Straw Alternative Plastic straws have been earmarked for extinction. In response, Planetkitchen introduces SUPERSTRAW, the edible drinking straw. The…
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Beware of Overpromising
RECIPE TO RETAIL: Part 22… Have you ever been disappointed after opening a food package, when the contents don’t look like the picture? Brands often embellish images on packaging to entice shoppers to buy their products. A picture is truly…
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Why COVID-19 will change the food industry, forever
By Sylvain Charlebois, Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab, Dalhousie University COVID-19 is likely going to redefine grocery shopping in more ways than one. Convenience now has a different meaning. It’s less about saving time and more about survival and safety. Before…
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Minding the Money: Healthy Finance Tips
RECIPE TO RETAIL: Part 21… Financial competence is crucial for survival in today’s hyper-competitive market. Managing the finances of a food business is especially challenging because margins can be low and supermarkets negotiate hard for EDLC (every day low cost).…
