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Recent Articles
Arlene Dickinson launches $500M fund to back Canadian agri-food
Arlene Dickinson launches $500M fund to back agri-food
Arlene Dickinson’s new venture capital fund, Velocity Agri-Capital, is targeting $500 million to invest in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector, with a focus on helping established companies scale and expand into Asian markets.
Canada could add $5.4B to GDP with more local processing
Canada could generate up to $5.4 billion in additional GDP and support approximately 34,000 jobs by redirecting just 10 per cent of its raw crop exports to value-added processing at home, according to new analysis by Protein Industries Canada.
Comp Bureau, Empire reach deal to end property controls
The Competition Bureau said grocery giant Empire has agreed to officially stop using so-called restrictive covenants, which many retailers have used to prevent rivals from opening a store on their former site after moving away.
McDonald’s spending $8.5B to make major changes
McDonald’s will invest US$8.5 billion by 2036 on a series of initiatives, including remodeling restaurants, retraining its two million employees and adding new menu items to target high-protein eaters.
China returns as big buyer of Canadian peas
China and Canada are negotiating access for Canadian lentils, chickpeas and faba beans. China imported 520,000 tonnes of Canadian peas during the first half of 2026. Sales are expected to top one million tonnes by the end of the year.
Maple Leaf Foods to close plant-based meat sites
Maple Leaf Foods will shut two U.S. plant-based meat manufacturing sites as the company seeks to improve profitability. Production at plants in Seattle, Washington, and in Massachusetts, will be wound down over the next 12 to 18 months.
 | Food Forward Summit 2026 FOOD FORWARD 2026 launches three-city national summit seriesFOOD FORWARD 2026 launches three-city national summit series connecting Canada’s food, agriculture, ocean and innovation leaders. St. John’s, Ottawa and Mississauga gatherings will connect industry, government, producers, investors, researchers and communities around innovation, trade, commercialization and stronger food systems. Sponsored by: Food Forward Summit 2026 |
Government goes ahead with research centre cuts
The federal government will continue with its plan to close seven agricultural research centres and satellite farms. It acknowledged the recommendation to “pause and reverse” the closures but insisted research would continue at other locations.
Vermont cheesemaker says trade war wiped out business
A Vermont cheesemaker says the U.S.-Canada trade war erased his biggest market, as businesses near the border continue to feel tariffs fallout. Quebec had been his biggest trader, and Montreal was “the best cheese market in North America.”
Sollio announces CEO appointment
Sollio Cooperative said Alexandre St-Jacques Burke will become the next CEO in December. This appointment follows the announcement that Casper Kaastra will step down. Sollio is Quebec’s largest agricultural cooperative and generates sales of $8.4 billion.
Port of Vancouver moves record volume of grain
Vancouver’s port moved record volumes of grain during the first half of 2026. Total grain exports were up 14.3 per cent compared to last year, with the port shipping out 19.6 million tonnes of grain, specialty crops and feed.
Big League Food targets $100 million revenue
Big League Food is on track to reach $70 million in revenue as it expands. The firm, whose brands include Dark Horse Espresso Bar, Dear Grain, Village Juicery and Detour Coffee, has achieved 25 per cent growth since 2024.
$141M expansion for Coke Canada facility
Broccolini has started construction on a new 62,000-square-foot addition at Coke Canada Bottling’s Brampton, Ont. facility. The 670,000-square-foot facility is its largest in the country and employs 1,300 people.
DoorDash reaches $131.5M settlement with NYC
DoorDash reached a US$131.5 million settlement of a NY probe that found it underpaid or waited too long to pay workers. It includes a US$16.7 million fine, and more than US$83 million over pay.
‘Sizeable’ revenue hit on exit for Nestle’s Russia location
It’s plausible Nestle will have to write-off Russian assets following the Kremlin’s seizure of its operations, with an analyst pointing to a “sizeable” hit to revenues. Past experience with Danone and Carlsberg suggests Nestle will be sold without its input.
Operator of 314 U.S. Wendy’s in bankruptcy protection
One of the largest Wendy’s U.S. franchisees has filed for bankruptcy protection after the chain tried to terminate its agreement. Meritage Hospitality, which operates 314 Wendy’s restaurants in 15 states, said it intends to keep operating.
Industry Events
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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 -
RC Show 2027
Mar 07 2027
to Mar 09 2027
The International Centre, Mississauga
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