Canada’s Foodservice Revolution: Embracing Technological Innovations for a Sustainable Future
The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), a non-profit organization, is at the forefront of fostering innovation in Canada’s food industry, helping to grow the economy through collaborations, investments, and connections across the food ecosystem. The organization is keen on translating insights from its Innovation Advisory Council and members into funding programs and services that prioritize brilliant product and process development and foster agile and sustainable food supply chains.
In the face of numerous challenges, such as labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and changing consumer demands, the food service sector in Canada is gradually embracing digitization and automation. The industry is expected to witness a surge in the implementation of robotics and automation in various areas, including healthcare, where tasks are repetitive, and food safety is paramount. These robotic systems are designed to work alongside employees, freeing them to perform more skilled duties.
Gastronomic Technologies, a leading food automation startup in Canada, is developing a network of connected, automated cooking equipment to create fully autonomous commercial kitchens. This initiative addresses labor, consistency, food waste, and energy usage issues in collaboration with some of North America’s largest restaurant brands.
Furthermore, the sector is exploring cellular agriculture to address the rising food prices and tight food service margins. This approach involves the production of food and textile products without utilizing animals or land, potentially offering a less energy-intensive and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agriculture. Canada has the potential to become a leader in this field, with a chance to capture a significant portion of the projected $100 billion international cellular agriculture market by 2032.
Additionally, the industry invests in Supply Chain 4.0 solutions to enhance traceability, transparency, and sustainability in food chains. Innovations in this area include technology that offers real-time data analytics to optimize raw materials and energy use, reduce waste, and increase margins. Virtual menus are also becoming a staple in the industry, with a significant percentage of Canadians comfortable using technology to view menus and place orders in restaurants.
Looking ahead, the food service sector is poised to explore marketing opportunities in the Metaverse, where customers can engage with virtual restaurant chains and order food for delivery from local ghost kitchens. Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are also emerging as potential tools for exclusive patron access and securing restaurant reservations, offering new avenues for the food service industry to explore.
Joseph Lake, CEO of CFIN, emphasized the role of technology in advancing the food industry and highlighted the efforts of CFIN in facilitating innovation through funding, mentorship opportunities, and the YODL platform, which aims to help professionals in the food and beverage sector connect, learn, and grow their businesses.