Future Food-Tech London just ended and I'm now thinking about the conversations that followed our panel discussion:
"You Want to Enter North America? Start with Canada."
Alongside two CFIn members Mario Ubiali from Thimus ans Pierre-Marc Denault from NielsenIQ, we shared our perspectives on why Canada can be such a valuable place for foodtech companies looking to grow internationally.
What I enjoyed most wasn't only the discussion itself, it was what happened afterward.
Many attendees stopped by to continue the conversation, ask questions, share their own experiences and explore opportunities in Canada. Several international companies told us that the panel confirmed something they had been considering: that Canada can be an excellent place to establish partnerships, validate technologies and build a pathway into the broader North American market.
One of my biggest takeaways from the event is that companies are not only looking for markets, they are looking for partners. They want ecosystems where they can test, learn, collaborate and grow. That's exactly what we strive to build every day through the Le Réseau canadien d'innovation en alimentation.
Thank you to everyone who attended the session, shared their thoughts and took the time to connect afterward. The enthusiasm, curiosity and openness of this community make these events so valuable.
The conversations started in London, but I have a feeling many of them will continue in Canada.
It was fantastic to meet you in London, Julie, and to have such open and friendly conversations with you, Pierre-Marc and Mario about the opportunities Canada offers companies like Snap2Cook®.
What really stood out to me was the willingness to go beyond simply talking about entering Canada and instead explore how the right partnerships can help international companies establish themselves, validate their technology and create genuine impact.
I certainly came away from Future Food-Tech with a very different perspective on the opportunities in Canada, and I'm excited to continue the conversations we started in London.
Thanks again for making me feel so welcome, Julie. I have a feeling you're right and some of those London conversations will definitely be continuing in Canada!