Food Processor Associations Develop BC Food Connection, a Digital Tool to Stimulate Food Industry Growth

Seeking co-packing businesses for database tool to attract more business

April 3, 2018 –  The BC Food Processors Association and the Small Scale Food Processor Association are excited to announce the launch of a business development tool that will help new and expanding BC food and beverage processors to locate manufacturing services with co-packers, commercial kitchens, and other complementary facilities.

“Canadian food processors are the largest employer of all manufacturing industries, and the Government of Canada is very proud to support the development of BC Food Connection” says Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay. “This investment will help grow the sector and lead to more well-paying jobs for Canadians.”

The creation of BC Food Connection is also supported by Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.  

“This project is all about making connections and it will assist B.C. food processors in growing their business,” said B.C. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham. “I encourage B.C.’s food and beverage processors to participate so they can make connections as soon as possible. The B.C. government is committed to supporting the value-added food processing sector as part of our larger Grow BC, Feed BC, Buy BC mandate priorities, in order to develop our domestic food system, and generate economic activity and revenue in communities throughout our province.”

“As an Association, we regularly receive inquiries from food and beverage companies looking for co-packers to help them scale their business, which also presents a great business opportunity for companies willing to co-pack that aren’t running at full capacity,” explains James Donaldson, CEO, BCFPA. “This tool will more easily connect the two, so they can both expand their business operations.”

BC Food Connection will reside on its own website, with access to it coming from both Association sites, as well as through the Ministry of Agriculture.  An easy-to-use, drop-down menu will guide users through the tool, helping them to identify the type of product, preferred packaging, minimum volumes, and food safety requirements.

“We’re extremely excited about this business tool to stimulate growth for our members,” says Candice Appleby, Executive Director, Small Scale Food Processor Association. “Similar initiatives have been successfully launched in the Ontario and Manitoba food processing sectors, so we are optimistic that we are on the right track.”

BC Food Connection’s database is currently being populated with co-packer and commercial kitchen business profiles.  The website will launch on March 28th.   To get entered into the database, co-packing and related companies are invited to enter their details at the www.bcfoodconnection.ca  or contact the BCFPA or SSFPA for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

About BCFPA – https://www.bcfpa.ca/

The BCFPA helps BC’s food, beverage and natural health products manufacturers to achieve economic prosperity and sustainable safe.  For our members we provide support, training, a strong voice, and create a positive ecosystem that enhances our members ability to compete and grow locally and globally; and to serve as the industry’s advocate.

They are dedicated to representing all segments of the food, beverage and natural health products processing industries in BC, and since 2004 our membership has grown to over 550.  Our processor members represent over $6 billion in revenue and employ over 20,000 BC residents.

About SSFPA –  www.ssfpa.net

The SSFPA, is a vibrant and growing national organization incorporated in March 2002. With a focus on infrastructure and resource development to support small scale agri-food processing, they have grown to over 250 members representing over 500 individual businesses.

Their roots are in BC, but their voice and advocacy work is being heard across the country and internationally. They represent not only their own members, but those that support and govern the agri-food industry.

As a trade association, their broader message is complemented by their passion for supporting local businesses, in whatever area they operate in. That support keeps members connected to opportunities to grow and sustain their businesses.

A diverse board of directors, a small staff team, and member volunteers operate the association with a dedication to advancing the industry in an ever-changing economy

For media inquiries contact:

James Donaldson

CEO

BC Food Processor Association

james@bcfpa.ca

604-371-4245

Dave Townsend

Government Communications and Public Engagement

B.C. Ministry of Agriculture

250-356-7098

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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