LocationsRecent Articles
Blendtek, Cargill to distribute cocoa alternative
Blendtek, Cargill to distribute cocoa alternative
Being recently named as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies is a satisfying validation for Cambridge, Ont.’s Blendtek. The company also recently partnered with a major U.S. agricultural company on what might become the future of chocolate.
Struggling Pizza Hut restaurant chain sold for US$2.7 billion
Pizza Hut — the 68-year-old chain that has struggled with competition and outdated restaurants — will be sold for US$2.7 billion by Yum Brands. Private equity firm LongRange Capital will buy Pizza Hut, excluding the mainland China business.
Drone spraying expected to increase with ruling
Canadian farmers now have federal permission to spray pesticides by drone. Health Canada issued a letter of no objection to the Canadian Agricultural Drone Association, creating an interim pathway for farmers to apply pesticides using remotely piloted aircraft.
Empire plans dozens of new discount stores
Empire wants to compete more for price-sensitive Canadian shoppers, with plans to open new discount stores. The retailer will open 20 new stores this fiscal year, and 70 over three years. More than three-quarters of those will be discount.
Empire reports Q4 profit, revenue up from year ago
Empire reported fourth-quarter profit and sales rose compared with last year. The result compared with a profit of $173 million in the same quarter last year. Empire said quarterly sales totalled $7.81 billion, up from $7.64 billion.
Weston-backed fund to invest in agricultural tech startups
More than US$1-million is coming for Canadian startups in ag-tech. Wittington Ventures — an investment arm backed by Weston Group — is partnering with U.S.-based Breakthrough Energy Discovery to provide applicants US$500,000 each in capital.
Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Second Cup accused of gouging
A Quebec judge has authorized a class-action lawsuit that alleges coffee chains charge a “disproportionate” amount for non-dairy substitutions. The class-action lawsuit includes consumers in Quebec who were charged for a non-dairy substitute at Starbucks, Second Cup and Tim Hortons.
Tims blames franchisees for lower profits in lawsuit defence
Tim Hortons is firing back at more than a dozen Quebec franchisees who sued the company over their declining profitability – saying the restaurant owners are responsible for their business struggles and, in one case, for spending “lavishly” on investment properties.
A closer look at Maple Leaf Foods’ integrated report
Maple Leaf Foods released its 2025 Integrated Report, which looks back at a year of major shifts. The company spun off its pork operations and completed a $2-billion upgrade. The moves will provide more focus, its CEO said.
WestJet taps Calgary brewery as onboard beer provider
WestJet is adding Calgary’s Tool Shed Brewing Company’s craft beer on all WestJet flights offering on-board food and beverage service. Beginning July 15, guests will be able to choose between three of Tool Shed’s beers.
Nestlé USA removes artificial colours in all food, beverages
Nestlé USA has removed all artificial colours from food and beverages, achieving its goal of fully eliminating them by mid-2026. The company announced in June 2025 that more than 90 per cent of its portfolio already was synthetic-free.
Mars U.S. powered by 100% renewable electricity
Mars says all its U.S. operations are now powered by renewable electricity. This progress brings the company’s cumulative absolute emissions reduction to 16.9 per cent against a 2015 baseline, while growing the business by approximately 75 per cent.
PIC announces projects focused on production capacity
Protein Industries Canada (PIC) added two new companies to its supply-chain program. With a focus on food products that contain more Canadian ingredients, this third cohort will help Canada strengthen processing capacity and food supply chain, PIC said.
Papa John’s closes 44 stores in multiple locations
Pizza chain Papa John’s has closed more than 40 locations recently. The closures come after the company announced that it would be closing 300 underperforming restaurants across the U.S. by the end of 2027.
Singles pay more for groceries than shared households
Many single Canadians foot grocery bills single-handedly, according to a new report. An Interac survey found single Canadians spend about $102 a week on groceries, while couples report paying about $80 per person per week.
Toronto-based firms offer dairy-free ice cream for dogs
Toronto-based firms Good Behaviour and dog food company Dog Standards are offering ice cream for dogs. The ice cream is dairy-free, using coconut cream as the base. Every batch is manufactured in Good Behaviour’s production facility in Toronto.
Industry Events
-
NEXT Food Expo
Sep 13 2026
to Sep 14 2026
Calgary, AB -
Plant Forward Conference
Sep 21 2026
to Sep 23 2026
Saskatoon, SK -
2026 Meat Industry Expo
Oct 02 2026
to Oct 03 0003
The International Centre -
Grocery Innovations Canada 2026
Oct 27 2026
to Oct 28 2026
Toronto Congress Centre North Building -
Arrell Food Summit 2026
Nov 06 2026
Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
Locations
