Growing Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector
News release
Government of Canada support helps Food and Beverage Atlantic drive innovation, training, and collaboration across the region
October 7, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage producers and processors are key to building a stronger economy, creating good jobs, opening new markets, and supporting resilient supply chains.
This week, producers, processors, and industry leaders are in Moncton, New Brunswick, for the annual Food and Beverage Atlantic (FBA) Conference & Awards, where they are showcasing innovation and celebrating achievements across the sector.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced an investment of $1.78 million over three years to strengthen FBA’s operations and expand its support for businesses across the region.
The investment will:
- Support the Expert Implementation Fund, which connects eligible food and beverage companies with expert-led solutions to overcome operational barriers.
- Launch a region-wide training strategy, including an industry survey to identify key workforce needs and align training opportunities.
- Expand food safety training, helping businesses meet evolving regulatory standards and reach new markets.
- Improve supply chain efficiency, guiding businesses on sourcing innovation, logistics, and product development.
With this support, FBA will give businesses the tools and training they need to grow, compete and succeed in Canada and abroad.
By strengthening industry capacity, fostering collaboration, and spotlighting excellence, the Government of Canada is helping Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector thrive, making it a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive driver of jobs and economic opportunity.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector is vital to our region’s economy. This investment helps Atlantic producers modernize, strengthen supply chains, and create good jobs, giving local businesses the tools they need to compete globally.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“We’re incredibly proud of our members who are driving innovation and growth across Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage industry. With the support of the Government of Canada, we’re able to deliver the training, expertise, and collaborative programs our sector needs to compete globally, build resilient supply chains, and showcase the incredible quality and creativity of Atlantic-made products. This investment fuels the momentum of a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive sector.”
– Tammy Brideau, Executive Director, Food and Beverage Atlantic Association
Quick facts
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The Food and Beverage Atlantic Association (doing business as Food and Beverage Atlantic) is the industry association representing food and beverage producers and processors across Atlantic Canada.
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Taking place from October 6-8, Food and Beverage Atlantic’s annual industry conference and awards support education, collaboration, and recognition of excellence across Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage sector.
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The funding is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, which is helping businesses and non-profit organizations scale up and expand, make the most of new technologies, improve productivity, create new products and find new markets.
Associated links
Contacts
Natasha Kochhar
Director of Projects and Caucus Relations
Office of the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Natasha.Kochhar@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Tammy Brideau
Executive Director
Food & Beverage Atlantic
866-730-0933
tammy@atlanticfood.ca