Helping small businesses grow at SIAL
SIAL Canada—Canada’s largest food and beverage show—is back for
its 16th edition, running April 30 to May 2 at Toronto’s Enercare Centre. SIAL’s Food and Beverage Small Business Expert Michael Wolfson will be at the show to help small- and medium-sized enterprises connect with other businesses to help them get to the next level.
As a Food and Beverage Small Business Expert, what is your role at SIAL Canada?
More than 75% of food and beverage manufacturers in Ontario are small- to medium-size producers. SMEs are considered companies with less than 50 employees. That is where the significant growth in the industry is coming from. The Toronto census metropolitan area (CMA) has approximately 1,000 food and beverage manufacturers. I see my role at SIAL as connecting these companies with industry expertise to help them grow their businesses and find solutions to their barriers to growth.
What excites you the most in your role?
Connecting companies to people in the industry who can assist them in growing their operations. Food and beverage companies have faced many challenges in their growth trajectories. To get to the next level, they need access to great talent, access to capital and cash flow, and access to individuals who can mentor their growth. Watching these companies grow from one year to the next is what excites me the most about this role.
What are the major trends and innovation areas in the food and beverages start-up world?
Many start-up companies in the food and beverage sector require a unique selling proposition to gain traction. Local food, vegetable protein replacements, organic, sustainable, and culturally diverse foods are among the hottest trends in the sector. In the past year, I have met start-ups that are creating Brazilian confectionaries, Columbian breads, Filipino baked goods, and Middle Eastern appetizers that I had never even heard of prior to meeting these businesses.
What is the future of the industry in your area of expertise?
The future of the industry is very bright in the start-up world. Product innovation comes from these companies. Growth in this sector comes from companies that have a vested interest in the City of Toronto, Ontario and Canada. It is where they have grown their businesses, raised their children and built a life. They are not easily swayed to leave for less expensive regions to produce their products. They have a personal attachment to those that have helped them grow their businesses, and in many cases wish to give back to their employees, communities and fellow industry colleagues.
Michael Wolfson is the Senior Advisor Food & Beverage Sector for the City of Toronto Economic Development and Culture Division and has created a 40-year career out of his passion for culinary arts and business. Over his career, Michael has owned his own food brokerage business, represented a number of start-up brands in the natural and health food sector in both Canada and the U.S., and initiated programs at the City of Toronto including the Toronto Food Business Incubator, Entry Level to Food Processing Training, Toronto Co-packing Directory and Youth into Food Processing Program. He is a graduate of both York University and George Brown College.