10 Ways Canadian Businesses Can Support the Food & Beverage Sector (and Why It Matters)

With U.S. trade tensions and tariffs on the rise, Canadian food and beverage companies are under pressure. While consumers respond by “buying Canadian,” businesses across sectors can also step up significantly. Here are ten practical, impactful actions – for companies big or small, B2B or B2C – to support Canada’s F&B industry and strengthen our domestic food supply chain.

1. Adopt a “Buy Canadian” Procurement Policy

One of the most direct ways to support Canadian food producers is by prioritizing Canadian-made products in your procurement. This means stocking your office kitchens, cafeterias and vending machines with Canadian food and drink, and choosing local suppliers for catering or ingredient needs. By switching to domestic suppliers, companies also insulate themselves from tariff volatility, avoiding import duties and cross-border delays. Buying Canadian ensures your dollars stay in the local economy.

Benefit to F&B industry: Steady, reliable demand from corporate and institutional buyers can significantly increase domestic sales for Canadian producers.

2. Showcase Canadian Brands at Events and in Offices

Hosting or sponsoring events that feature Canadian food and beverage brands is a win-win opportunity. Organize tasting sessions, product expos, or feature local stalls at your events. This gives Canadian producers invaluable exposure and builds employee and client engagement.

Benefit to F&B industry: Free marketing and increased awareness from business-hosted events help small producers reach new audiences and increase sales.

3. Use Canadian Goods in Corporate Gifting

Re-think your corporate gift-giving to support Canadian food and drink producers. Select Canadian-made gift baskets for clients, partners, or employees. This results in large purchase orders and introduces products to new audiences.

Benefit to F&B industry: Large corporate orders to boost sales and valuable exposure for Canadian producers.

4. Partner on Co-Branded Initiatives

Innovative co-branding partnerships between your business and Canadian producers amplify both parties. Think of custom products, shared promotions, or giveaways that spotlight local food and drink brands.

Benefit to F&B industry: Co-branding with established companies helps Canadian F&B businesses access wider distribution and marketing.

5. Support Food & Beverage Innovation (Funding, Tech and Logistics)

Offer funding, technology, or logistics support to Canadian F&B startups and growing companies. Even sharing expertise or infrastructure makes a huge impact.

Benefit to F&B industry: Access to capital, technology, and logistics helps Canadian food businesses innovate and scale faster.

6. Cross-Promote through Loyalty Programs and Deals

Create cross-promotions or loyalty incentives with Canadian food brands. Offer points, discounts, or bundled deals that feature Canadian products.

Benefit to F&B industry: Promotions drive customer acquisition and repeat sales for Canadian food brands.

7. Advocate for Domestic Supply Chain Investment

Join coalitions that advocate for stronger domestic food infrastructure, processing, and inter-provincial logistics. Voice support for local procurement policies.

Benefit to F&B industry: Improved infrastructure and policy support reduce costs and increase the competitiveness of Canadian producers.

8. Mentor and Share Expertise with Food Entrepreneurs

Volunteer your company’s expertise to mentor local food startups. Offer guidance in branding, marketing, exporting, or operations.

Benefit to F&B industry: Mentorship strengthens business skills, helping small producers compete and grow.

9. Spotlight Canadian Suppliers in Your Marketing

Use your company’s platforms to tell the stories of Canadian suppliers you work with. Share their products and stories in your newsletter or social channels.

Benefit to F&B industry: Publicity helps build brand awareness and customer affinity for Canadian-made products.

10. Expand Market Access for Canadian Products

Give Canadian food and beverage brands more visibility in your retail or distribution networks. Help introduce them to export markets when possible.

Benefit to F&B industry: More shelf space and export opportunities directly increase revenue and reduce reliance on U.S. markets.

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Take Action Now

Canadian businesses have a vital role to play in supporting the food and beverage sector amid rising trade tensions. By prioritizing Canadian-made products, partnering with local brands, and offering marketing, funding, or mentorship support, companies can strengthen domestic supply chains and drive real economic impact. Whether through procurement policies, corporate gifting, or co-branded campaigns, businesses of all sizes can fuel innovation and growth in Canada's F&B industry—boosting resilience, visibility, and long-term success.

CarbonOne is here to support your business in driving meaningful impact. If you have questions about how to align your sustainability goals with support for the Canadian food and beverage sector, we're here to help—reach out and let’s build a stronger, more sustainable future together.

Get in touch today.

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