by Jo-Ann McArthur
As President of Innovation for SIAL Canada 2025, my message is simple: Canada must stop being just the world’s pantry and start shaping its plates, as well. For too long, we’ve exported pristine raw ingredients while others captured the profits from processing, branding, and global distribution of finished products.
That ends now.
SIAL Canada 2025, running in Toronto April 29–May 1 with Canada as the Country of Honour, isn’t just a celebration—it’s a turning point. We have what it takes in Canada to lead the global agri-food sector: world-class resources, skilled producers, and food innovators ready to compete at every step of the value chain. Now we need the collective will and wherewithal to take the next step.
The Value-Added Imperative
To me, we’re making a big mistake by leaving the most profitable stretch—the last mile 1.6 kilometres from production to packaged product—to other nations. This isn’t just lost revenue. It’s a missed opportunity to build global recognition for what Canadian food truly is.
It’s time to scale our food processing, manufacturing, and CPG sectors. From seafood and grains to plant-based innovations, we must brand, package, and export Canadian excellence, not just ingredients.
Government’s Role in Expanding Our Agri-Food Capabilities
We need real policy, not platitudes when it comes to realizing the full potential of our agri-food sector. That means:
Targeted investments in processing infrastructure, R&D, and export development.
A national agri-food strategy to align federal and provincial efforts.
Recognition that this sector deserves top-tier attention, not second-tier support.
Agri-food goes well beyond agriculture. It’s industry, innovation, and national opportunity, too. Put them together in the right way, and Canada can become a global powerhouse in value-added food exports.
Crisis as Catalyst in the Food Industry
A lot has been written on how global instability, from armed conflict to trade wars to climate change, has exposed food system fragility. This is Canada’s moment to lead with confidence, resilience, and sustainability. And SIAL Canada 2025 is where we make our case to the world.
Let’s own our story, from farm to global shelf. Let’s stop exporting potential and start exporting power.
Join us at SIAL Canada 2025 in Toronto, April 29–May 1.
Learn more and secure your tickets at sialcanada.com
