Innovation to Commercialization - Food Centre food sector can benefit from these trends. Dairy, fruit and vegetables, pulse crops, meat processors, and others all have growth potential

Innovation to Commercialization

Annual Report

2010

Message From the Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Message From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Facilitating Innovation in the Food Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Communicating Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Ingredients Behind Food Innovation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Technical and Processing Expertise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Extrusion: New Opportunities for Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Food Safety in Saskatchewan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Strategic Partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Food Centre Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Auditor’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The Saskatchewan Food IndustryDevelopment Centre Inc.

(Food Centre) will beTHE FOCAL POINT

in Saskatchewan where all foodprocessing companies seeking

TO DEVELOP NEW FOODPRODUCTS AND EXPLORE NEW

MARKET OPPORTUNITIEScan obtain the expertise and

services required to support theirgoals in product development,

interim processing andtechnology.

The Food Centre will continue tobe leaders in developing the

Saskatchewan food processingindustry.

VISION

Table of Contents

Food Centre 2010 Annual Report 1

GOAL

Strategic funding and support provided by:

I am pleased to bring greetings from theBoard of Directors of the Saskatchewan FoodIndustry Development Centre Inc. (FoodCentre). We meet regularly throughout theyear to discuss challenges and opportunities,to seek solutions and to plan for the future ofthe provincial food industry. The work of theBoard is complemented by directors whohave industry, government and academicbackgrounds.

Although there are many challenges tosuccess in the food industry, there are just asmany opportunities. Consumers are increas-ingly interested in localized food production,healthy and functional foods, and a broaderrange of choices including ethnic food options.Several sectors of the provincial agriculture

and food sector can benefit from thesetrends. Dairy, fruit and vegetables,pulse crops, meat processors, andothers all have growth potential.

We continue to be proud of theFood Centre’s accomplishments. Asignificant highlight of the pastyear has been the growing use ofextruder technology. We now haveseveral clients utilizing this newtechnical capacity to explore newproducts and food processingoptions. In recent months, theFood Centre has added approxi-mately $800,000 worth of newprocessing and production

equipment, increasing the Food Cen-tre’s capabilities in transforming value-addedideas into products that can compete in theglobal marketplace. In addition to technicalproduction expertise, the Food Centreprovides seminars, training programs andinformation sessions focused on issuesrelated to food security and food quality.

The Food Centre boasts a strong team oftalented and committed staff members.Through scientific expertise, market knowl-edge and creative production solutions, ourteam supports emerging, developing andestablished businesses as they work toexpand and grow. The Saskatchewaneconomy and the people of the province arethe benefactors.

Thank you to Dan Prefontaine and the FoodCentre Team for another excellent year ofprogramming and service provision. Thanksto the Board of Directors for their continuedcommitment. And finally, thank you to thegovernments of Saskatchewan and Canadawho generously support our work, contribut-ing to a bright future for the food industry inSaskatchewan.

“Through scientific expertise,market knowledge and creativeproduction solutions, our teamsupports emerging, developingand established businesses asthey work to expand and grow.

The Saskatchewan economy andthe people of the province are the

benefactors.”

Muriel Garven

Message from the Chair

2 Food Centre 2010 Annual Report

Our agri-food industry is at a unique stage inits evolution. We are moving from stewardsof the land to an industry expanding thefrontiers of production and supplying theworld with the necessary ingredients andfood for daily nutrition. In 2010, the FoodCentre experienced an increase in industryactivity further along the value chain that, intime, will capture a greater share of the trueopportunity in food processing worldwide.

Over the past year, the Food Centre and itsclientele have explored new and innovativeproducts, produced with locally grown crops,processed here in Saskatchewan. Thesophistication and level of complexity of newproducts required to succeed in the market-place has changed dramatically over theyears and the Food Centre has adapted toaddress those changes. We have seen astrong presence of producer organizationslooking forward to explore new technologiesthat benefit production and also supportresearch and development into new ingredi-ents derived from their products. This willlead to innovative applications for the foodprocessing industry.

Whether it is bio-diesel or new proteins andstarches from plant based materials, theagriculture industry has engaged in advanc-ing itself to be a proactive leader in valueadded development and a competitive playerin a global marketplace. The Food Centre isproud to be part of the infrastructure thatsupports the drive for commercializing newagricultural based products leadingSaskatchewan to be a player in a world mar-ket.

Over the last year the Food Centre hasfocused on industry innovation. We haveworked closely with industry to develop newprograms such as the Developing HealthyFoods Program that will prepare the industryfor upcoming consumer and regulatory

changes. We are also working with partnerprograms such as Western Economic Diversi-fication to develop new opportunities . Theircommitment of $800,000 of new capital toadvance the food processing sector with newprocessing equipment will open doors formarketing of unique fruit, meat, pulses anddairy products. Our staff at the Food Centrehas proactively been moving forward to ad-vance the Centre’s capabilities and capacityfor our emerging industry. A strong dedica-tion and commitment to innovation andvalue added processing for agriculture hasproven beneficial to our agri-food industry.

Our industry and the Food Centre are builton the entrepreneurial vision and inventive-ness of the people within Saskatchewan. Atthe Centre we are often marveled bythe incredible capacity, knowledgeand unique solutions clients bringto the table to create new productsand applications for the market-place. Many companies rely on theCentre’s capabilities to commer-cialize, incubate and test marketnew products here and abroad.

In 2011, the Food Centre willcontinue to build on its successesand industry partnerships to growits knowledge base, market aware-ness and technical capabilities.The staff looks forward to anotherinnovative year in commercializa-tion and incubation for the success ofour food industry.

Daniel Prefontaine

“The sophistication and level ofcomplexity of new productsrequired to succeed in themarketplace has changed

dramatically over the years andthe Food Centre has adapted to

address those changes. We haveseen a strong presence of

producer organizations lookingforward to explore new technolo-gies that benefit production and

also support research anddevelopment into new ingredientsderived from their products. Thiswill lead to innovative applica-tions for the food processing

industry.”

Message from the President


The Food Centre is a non profit organizationproviding innovation and technical expertiseto support entrepreneurs, food processors,associations and research institutes in thedevelopment and manufacturing of newproducts and ingredients for the marketplace.

Our multifaceted services have expandedconsiderably since inception and our clientbase has increased multi-fold. Our solidreputation in the agri-food industry has been10 years in the making.

The Food Centre’s client base ranges fromsingle entrepreneurs just starting out in thefood processing business; small processorlooking to expand its “farmer’s market” or“home based” business; to an existing busi-ness established in the marketplace lookingfor food development, market access, orfood safety. The Food Centre has theresources and expertise to support entrepre-neurs at all phases.

In 2010, the Food Centre engaged in servicecontracts with 38 clients for product develop-ment, processing and/or extrusion. Twenty-six percent were from the meat industry; 18%were in the condiments; 13% from functionalfoods; 16% from the snack industry; and27% from sectors categorized as bakery,

fruits & vegetables, prepared specialty andothers. Of these clients, over 50% wereusing our sevices for testmarketing of prod-ucts and/or processing incubation.

The Food Centre’s open door policy hasbeen a great benefit to the industry. On adaily basis, the dedicated and knowledge-able staff receives numerous inquiries,conducts meetings and provides assistance ina variety of areas relating to the food industry.In 2010, staff fielded 4,840 inquiries andconsultations, almost double from 2009.Hot topics range from food development,technical assistance to packaging, labelling,processing, food safety and everything inbetween. (see Figure A)

The Food Centre continues to provide themost consultations and information to themeat sector at 28% of the inquiries; followedby prepared & specialty and condiments at10%. Functional foods category saw a jumpfrom last year, from 3% to 6%. This is reflec-tive of new and existing businesses tappinginto the health food market. (see Figure B)

The Food Centre’s role as the focal point forcoordination and delivery of services for theagri-food industry will speed up the processof bringing innovation to commercialization.

Saskatchewan food processors canovercome hurdles and enter theglobal marketplace quicker.

Background

Facilitating Innovation in the Food Industry


Food Centre’s role for facilitatinginnovation in the food industry hasevolved dramatically since inception inSeptember 1997.

In 1999, the federally inspectedcommercial kitchen and laboratoryopened its doors and offeredentrepreneurs with an avenue for foodmanufacturing and testing. With 5staff on hand, and its unique partner-ship with the Saskatchewan FoodProcessors Association, SaskatchewanMinistry of Agriculture, and Universityof Saskatchewan, the Food Centre wasjust developing its reputation as aone-stop shop for the agri-foodindustry.

Fast forward to 2010, the Food Centreboasts 10 plus years of providingvaluable services, accredited facilityand state of the art equipment forSaskatchewan’s food processing industry.With 19 plus staff on hand and strongpartnerships in the food industry, theFood Centre offers a wide variety ofservices for food entrepreneurs andprocessors to identify and capturevalue-added opportunities.

CORE SERVICES:

product development

interim processing

process development

technology assessment

extrusion technology

food safety and education

pathfinding

Figure A

Figure B

Saskatchewan’s agriculture industry holdsmany opportunities for farmers and proces-sors in value-added processing but usuallythe biggest hurdle is where to start.

Besides communicating to the industry on theFood Centre’s expertise and capabilities, wealso strive to promote and link entrepreneursto programs and services offered by industryand government organizations.

Vehicles for communicating programs andservices to foster innovation include ourquarterly industry newsletter - eFood Focus,website, eBlasts, advertisements and articles,presentations and tours.

In 2010, the Food Centre went green for ourquarterly newsletter. With a new design andmethod of delivery, our new eFood Focuswas well received in our first full year ofdistribution. Speedier delivery and timelyissues affecting the industry was appreciatedby our subscribers. In addition to theelectronic delivery of the newsletter, the FoodCentre has been sending out eBlasts regard-ing announcements, processor successes,workshops and other industry news inbetween our quarterly eFood Focus. TheFood Centre’s goal is to be the source forindustry news.

The Food Centre was the venue for twomedia events and a high profile HMECworkshop this year. Western EconomicDiversification was on hand in July topromote WD supported projects, includingthe Food Centre’s extruder. In November,the Food Centre hosted a media event toannounce funding for our DevelopingHealthy Foods Program from Agriculture andAgri-Food Canada through the CanadianAgricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP).

Tours have also been effective in promotingthe Food Centre’s capabilities. The Food

Centre was pleased to host various trademissions to Saskatchewan, Minister of State,Lynne Yelich, and several industry associations.In addition, the Food Centre participated inAg-West Bio’s ABIC industry tour and a mediatour organized by Saskatchewan Pulse Growers.

Advertisements and articles in variouspublications such as Pulse Point Magazine,AgriView, Food In Canada, Canadian Food& Grocery Guide helped promote the FoodCentre beyond Saskatchewan.

As we continually expand our connectionswith other industry players to provide abroader scope of expertise, the FoodCentre’s role as an industry portal wherebyprocessors, entrepreneurs and organizationscome for information and service on the foodprocessing industry will be an importantbenefit to Saskatchewan.

In 2011, the Food Centre plans to increaseits reach to potential agri-businesses in ruralSaskatchewan. Working in partnership withthe Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’sRegional Services Branch, the Food Centrewill be presenting at 10 rural locations onprograms and services for “Developing YourAgri-Business”. In addition, a full day seminarwill be organized for Saskatoon and Regina.The objective will be to provide informationto industry on supported services, governmentfunding programs and Food Centreprograms to assist in agri-businessdevelopment and inbringing innovation tocommercialization.

Background

Communicating Opportunities


With many successful products underthe Food Centre’s belt and throughcommunication of our multifacetedservices and industry partnerships, theFood Centre has built a solid reputa-tion in the food industry. Our customerservice, expertise in new product devel-opment, food safety program, interimprocessing and training is second tonone.

Since inception in 1997, activities atthe Food Centre resulted in:

19 plus employees

Federal facility

Over 170 clients

Over 500 products developed and/orprocessed

Over 250 products in the marketplace

34,566 consultations and inquiries

Extrusion technology

3,900 food safety inquiries/training

GMPs online training

HACCP online training

The ability to develop unique and diverseproducts for the marketplace is just one ofthe strengths of the Product DevelopmentTeam. In addition, the Food Centre fulfilledrequests from government and industryassociations to develop products for specialevents or to profile Saskatchewan’s diverseagricultural industry. One of the FoodCentre’s most popular creations was the“Lentil Crunch”, developed for Saskatchewan

Pulse Growers for promotion of pulses at theWinter Olympics in Vancouver and SIALFrance.

Obesity and other health related issues areon the rise. Demand for healthy foodchoices is increasing from consumers,advocacy groups, regulatory bodies, publichealth authorities and health ministries. With77% of daily sodium intake coming fromprocessed foods, new product formulationsand refinement is anticipated to lean towardsfortification, reduced sodium, sugar andtrans fat for 2011.

In 2010, the Food Centre received fundingfor $307,000 under the new “DevelopingHealthy Foods Program” to assist the foodindustry in capturing this new opportunity. Bytapping into Saskatchewan’s rich agriculturebase, the agri-processing sector has theopportunity to be more competitive in theglobal marketplace.

Innovative research and development can beexpensive. Food Centre staff provides fundinginformation to industry to spearhead agri-business projects. In 2010, several clientsreceived financial assistance under theSaskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture’sSaskatchewan Agri-Value Initiative Program(SAVI) and Agriculture and Agri-FoodCanada’s Canadian Agriculture and Adapta-tion Program (CAAP). The Food Centreworks with potential processors to tap intoappropriate funding for their business idea.

The Food Centre’s Product Develop-ment (PD) Team works closely witheach client to provide innovativesolutions for new food development.Our development kitchen, microbialand QA/QC laboratories are wellequipped to handle a wide variety offood products. Armed with years ofexperience, market information andscientific background, our PD Team iscontinually looking for ways to enhancethe quality and marketability of theproducts being developed.

Development services include:Formulating new productsImproving existing productsSourcing alternative ingredients Functionality and sensory evaluationTrouble shootingLabel reviewNutritional labellingShelf life testingProcess developmentRegulation review

Our goal is to increase the opportunityfor clients to experience success in themarketplace.

The Product Development Departmentis an integral link and support formany of the Food Centre’s fundedprograms such as the DevelopingHealthy Foods* and ExtrusionTechnology program.

*funding for the Developing Healthy FoodsProgram has been provided by Agriculture andAgri-Food Canada through the CanadianAgricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). InSaskatchewan, this program is delivered by theAgriculture Council of Saskatchewan.

Background

Ingredients Behind Food Innovation


Entrepreneurialism is aliveand well in Saskatchewan!

2010 development activitiesresulted in:

67 new products in development

55 completed

16 introduced into the marketplace

13 to promote Saskatchewan’s agriculture

Making its way into the marketplace include:

unique sauces and toppingsdry baking mixeshealthy snacks

East Indian samosa and saucebison jerky

cherry productssalad dressinginfused honey

sausagesbacon

Bedard Creek Acres - unique syrups

The Food Centre provides the optimuminfrastructure for food processors to accessaffordable manufacturing for marketdistribution. For a daily rental fee, foodprocessors can use our federal facility andstate of the art equipment to process a smallbatch for test marketing or a larger run forcommercial distribution. The Food Centre's"proof of concept" facility provides a costeffective way to evaulate market andcommercial viability before investing inexpensive equipment and/or facility.

In 2010, 18 clients used the facility forprocessing a variety of food products for themarketplace. Majority of these clients wereusing the facility for test marketing andincubation purposes.

Processing usage of the federal facility hasdecreased slightly by 6% as compared to2009, however, numerous days were bookedfor process and technology assessment fornew food products making the leap fromfinal development to test market production.

In addition to providing processing expertise,our knowledgeable staff is available toanswer questions regarding packaging,process and technical issues. Over 30% ofour daily inquiries and assistance is in theareas of pre-production and processing.

The Commercial Kitchen, once the FoodCentre’s federal facility and health inspectedkitchen, has been officially re-named the“Extrusion Facility”. Several clients using theCommercial Kitchen for production havebeen transitioned over to the federal facilityfor processing.

The Food Centre continually monitors theneeds of the industry for new technologyto assist the agriculture industry in valueadded opportunities. In 2010, the FoodCentre purchased several pieces of equip-

ment to increase our processing capacity.Two dual action mixers, meat skewing system,batter breading equipment, bottle labellerand drying oven for extrusion were purchased.

The food industry will soon have access tomore processing technologies at the FoodCentre thanks to an investment of $800,000from the Government of Canada, approvedDecember 2010. The Food Centre hadidentified an increased strategic focus onplant based materials to support the researchtaking place in these areas and the agricul-tural base in Saskatchewan. Equipment andtechnology purchases under this investmentwill support the needs of many growingsectors in the province.

The Food Centre's federal facilityopened for business in September2001, almost 4 years after the FoodCentre was incorporated.

With 10,000 square feet of processingspace, the facility boasts state of the artequipment to manufacture a variety offood products and many certificationsand recognitions such as organiccertified, HACCP approved and FDAlicensed for meat, dairy and processedfoods. Its inspection status providesclients with export capabilities.

The federal facility operates under aHACCP based food safety system, toensure all food processed are of thehighest standard for food safety.

The different types of food productsmanufactured at the facility include:

Our equipment and facility is setup to cater to a variety of foodproducts. The Food Centre willwork with each client to ensureoptimum process and productionof the product(s).

Background

Technical & Processing Expertise


- organic meat products- specialty meat products- bacon- sausages- jerky- cabbage rolls- cookie dough- sauces- jams- chutneys- jellies- dipping oils- dressing- barley snacks- lentil snacks- fruit snacks- fruit juice- ethnic and east indian cuisine- pet food- pates- donairs- bannock- syrups- spices

Filling Line

For Saskatchewan “extrusion” is synonymousto “innovation”. With the vast and diverseagriculture industry in Saskatchewan,extrusion technology can provide manyopportunities for processors and farmers invalue added food products.

The objective of the extrusion program is toincrease the utilization of agricultural basedproducts such as cereals, pulses and grains.

Now in its second year, the Food Centre hasstarted its momentum in building the FoodCentre as the place for R&D and test marketingof value added food and non food productsusing extrusion.

In the last year, we have made significantadvances in the research and developmentof high moisture extrusion cooking - meatanalogue using plant based proteins. AHigh Moisture Extrusion Cooking Workshopwas held in May and drew participants fromaround the globe, as far away as Australia.

The Food Centre continues its strongrelationship with ClextralInc. in harnessing thecapabilities of theextruder on the HMECResearch Project. We willbe exploring further in2011, applications for newingredients such as pulse

products as replacements for soy and wheatin extruded products.

Tours were provided to Saskatchewan andinternational companies to showcase theextruder’s capabilities.

In 2010, the Commercial Kitchen wasofficially renamed the Extrusion Facility.

With the start up of our Developing HealthyFoods Program, the Extrusion Departmentwill be working closely with this program todevelop healthy ingredients and foodproducts for the marketplace.

With several project proposals approved andout for review, the Extrusion Facility is expectedto be busy to the latter part of 2011.

The Extrusion’s versatility to produce a vastarray of products using Saskatchewan growncommodities is exciting and untapped. TheFood Centre will be the leader in innovationfor extrusion in Saskatchewan.

Extrusion technology has been used forcenturies in processing a variety offood products that are currently in themarketplace.

To put it simply, extrusion is the processof mixing ingredients together, cookingthem and ultimately producing auniform product in one process.

The Food Centre’s Twin Screw Extruderwas purchased through Clextral Inc.and arrived September 4, 2008. Sincethen, activity surrounding this technol-ogy has occupied much of the previousCommercial Kitchen.

The intent of the extrusion technologywas to focus on utilization of agricul-tural based products such as cereals,pulses, and grains. The food industryhas a venue to test market a variety ofproducts from consumer foods toingredients and biodegradablebio-polymers.

The Extruder was funded byAgriculture and Agri-FoodCanada through theCanadian AgriculturalAdaptation Program(CAAP). In Saskatchewan,this program is deliveredby the Agriculture Council ofSaskatchewan.

Background

Extrusion: New Opportunities for Saskatchewan


Extrusion possibilities forSaskatchewan are enormous!

chipscrackerscerealbiscuits

bread crumbscrispy flat breads

pasta and noodlesbeverage powders

pet foodmodified starches

co-extruded snacksnew protein analogues

healthy ingredientsaquaculture

Food safety continues to play an integral rolein the food industry. Consumers rely on asafe food supply and regulatory agencies toensure consumer safety by introducing legis-lation and programs that support food safetyinitiatives.

The Food Centre’s training strategy supportsHazard Analysis Critical Control Points(HACCP), one of the most relied uponsystems, to date, to provide food safety toconsumers. In some sectors, it is legislatedand has been widely adopted by bothmanufacturers and retailers in the industry.As an internationally recognized food safetysystem, HACCP certification also enhancesthe marketability of food products interna-tionally.

In 2010, the Food Safety Team has beenimmersed in Saskatchewan’s food industry byproviding assistance to food processingfacilities to implement or improve food safetyand quality systems.

To reach every food processor inSaskatchewan, the Food Centre has beenbroadening it scope in food safety assistancethrough frequent road trips and online trainingat FoodIndustryTraining.ca. Our onlineaccess has provided flexibility for food manu-facturers to have employees upgrade skills at their own pace and time and comply withregulations for food safety training.

www.GMPsOnline.caGood Manufacturing Practices Online Train-ing is being applied to various sectors suchas condiments, meat, dairy, beverages,nutraceuticals, organic and natural foods,ethnic and specialty and to industry supplierssuch as food storage, co-packer and industrytrainers. This online training is free forSaskatchewan companies; however, nationaland international companies have alsoaccessed our GMPs online training.

www.HACCPonline.caHACCP and Food Safety Certificate OnlineProgram has been a great benefit toSaskatchewan and drew registrants from anational level. Since its launch in October2008, 52 students have taken the program.Sixty-nine percent were from out of province.Student feedbacks have been excellent.

With an increasing need for food safetyassistance in Saskatchewan, the Food Cen-tre will continue its momentum in deliveringeffective and timely food safety training tofood processors.

The Food Centre’s Food Safety Depart-ment is the industry’s portal to all thingsregarding the safety of the foods beingmanufactured. Food Safety staff assistindividuals and companies from allsectors from meats to natural healthproducts to provide answers to technicaland food safety questions.

In addition, the Food SafetyDepartment provides:

T raining sessions and workshops

D elivery and maintenance of GMPs

and HACCP online

W rite and/or assist companies with

food safety systems (HACCP, ISO, BRC,

Natural Health Products, and Organic)

A ssist in audits and audit preparations

A ct as off-site QA managers

L iaise between companies and

auditing body

The Food Safety and Quality Program,initially funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the CanadianAgricultural Adaptation Program(CAAP) in 2007, will expire in 2011.

Background

Food Safety in Saskatchewan


2010 food safety activitiesresulted in:

300 individuals trained

600 inquiries

Vendor Recognition Program promoted

Written and implemented HACCP systemsfor 16 companies to date

GMPs Online Training of 66 companiesto date

HACCP online training of 52 students todate. 35 have already graduated.

Two 3-Day HACCP Training Workshops

Presentations to over 150 indivudals atvarious events

Ongoing food safety assistance toseveral Saskatchewan companies

I am really enjoying the course. It just got me ajob! I have been searching since September, and I

was hired based mostly on the fact that I was work-

ing on getting this Certificate. Samantha, Ontario. Received March 2010

Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculturewww.agriculture.gov.sk.ca

The Ministry of Agriculture offers valuable support to theSaskatchewan food industry. Their experienced staff is available toassist the agriculture industry through its service offerings such asbusiness expertise and leadership, research, etc. The branches inMinistry of Agriculture are committed to enhancing the development ofa vibrant agricultural industry. The Food Centre is pleased to be work-ing with the Ministry of Agriculture in many value-added initiatives.

University of Saskatchewanwww.agbio.usask.ca

The Food Centre works closely with the research scientists at University ofSaskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources' Food and BioproductSciences Department. The Department links processors to the latest technology andresearch information. Their food product development group assists the FoodCentre in the expansion and diversification of the food industry.

Saskatchewan Food Processors Association www.sfpa.ca

The SFPA is an industry association that provides marketing and business developmentprograms to the Saskatchewan food industry and assists in forging alliances with lead-ers in the industry. Their Saskatchewan Made Program is aimed at raising the profileof the innovation & diverse range of products made in Saskatchewan. This program isopen to local growers, manufacturers, artisans, crafters, retailers, restaurateurs, andmore. The SFPA’s role as an umbrella organization has become crucial in thepromotion, support, and growth of its member companies.

Funding SupportThe Food Centre programs continue to run thanks to financial support from several agencies in2010 for special projects.

Saskatchewan GovernmentAgriculture Council of Saskatchewan - Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-FoodSaskatchewan (ACAAFS) ProgramWestern Economic Development

Initial funding and support for the Food Centre was provided by Agri-Food Innovation Fundand Saskatchewan Industry and Resources.

The Food Centre was founded on apartnership arrangement withSaskatchewan Ministry of Agricul-ture, University of Saskatchewanand the Saskatchewan FoodProcessors Association. Thispartnership provides resourcestargeted at growing anddiversifying Saskatchewan’s foodprocessing industry.

The Food Centre also collaborates withmany industry organizations andfunding agencies to deliver valuableservices to the food industry.

Background Partners for Success

Strategic Partnerships


Dan PrefontainePresident

Valerie Menzies Administrative Assistant

Sherree WoodAccountant

Carmen LyCommunications Director

Sara LuiProduct Development and Technical Services Manager

Nai-Yee JayProduct Development Specialist

Catherine QuerimitProduct Development Assistant

Mohamed KhanHealthy Foods Specialist

Shannon Hood-NieferSenior Food Scientist, Extrusion Program Manager

Matthew Marcotte Extrusion Equipment Operator

Erin HiebertFood Safety and Quality Manager

Anula PereraCommercialization and Food Safety Specialist

Shelley FerleyFood Safety Specialist

Brev CheskyProcessing Coordinator

Nolan LangerHACCP Coordinator

Mike BahtPilot Plant Operator Supervisor

Michelle PaulProcessing Technician

Barry Motilag Equipment Maintenance

Phil SarencoPilot Plant Sanitation

Part-time Staff

Food Centre Staff (as of Dec. 31, 2010)

Staff and Directors


Directors

Muriel Garven (CHAIR)Garven & Associates Management Consultants

Mary BuhrUniversity of Saskatchewan

Mitchell DemyenSaskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Trenton Baisley File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council

Carl FlisLT Global Services

Steve NaccaratoSaskatchewan Food Processors Association

Members

Rick Burton, Assistant Deputy MinisterSaskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Dr. Richard FlorizoneUniversity of Saskatchewan

Steven NaccaratoSaskatchewan Food Processors Association

Board Advisor

Gavin ConacherAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Board of Directors (as of Dec. 31, 2010)

Audited 2010 financial statements are available upon request by contacting the Food Centre attel: (306) 933-7555 or by email: [email protected]

122 1st Avenue SouthSuite 400, PCS TowerSaskatoon, SK S7K 7E5 CANADATel: (306) 343-4400Fax: (306) 343-4480www.deloitte.ca

Auditor’s Report

Deloitte &Touche LLP


Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre Inc.117-105 North RoadSaskatoon, SaskatchewanS7N 4L5 CANADA

tel: 306-933-7555fax: 306-933-7208email: info@foodcentre.sk.cawww.foodcentre.sk.cawww.FoodIndustryTraining.ca

Documents

Innovation to Commercialization - Food Centre food sector can benefit from these trends. Dairy, fruit and vegetables, pulse crops, meat processors, and others all have growth potential