The food industry is changing fast—and Southwestern Ontario is positioned to lead.
The first Southwest Food Innovation Summit comes to London on Tuesday, June 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Grove at Western Fair District. Presented by the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), in partnership with the London Small Business Centre’s Foodpreneur Advantage program, The Grove, and Fanshawe’s Centre for Research and Innovation, the half-day event is a strategic showcase of how collaboration drives economic growth and entrepreneurship in a high-potential sector.
Designed for food entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, and ecosystem partners, the Summit offers a focused opportunity to connect, learn, and scale. As uncertainty around the agri-food sector looms with ongoing changes in the US-Canada trade relationship, events like this promote economic resiliency and highlight London as a leader. As demand for sustainability, health-forward products and innovation in food manufacturing grows, London remains home to over 90 companies and more than 7,000 employees in the food and beverage manufacturing space. From frozen foods and meat processing to craft beverages and emerging health brands, the city punches above its weight. Being the only city in such close proximity to two major bodies of water, as well as sitting on the 400 series highways, London provides an excellent incubator for innovation. Industrial land availability highlighted by spaces like The Grove and Innovation Park, emphasize how London sets its foodpreneurs and investors up for success.
LEDC recognized early that building strong networks between business, government and academia would be key to sustaining that growth. The Summit is a direct result of that vision: a place where knowledge, opportunity and partnerships converge to move the industry forward.
A highlight of the event is the Flourish Award for Best New Product of 2025, recognizing a foodpreneur whose product shows exceptional innovation, market readiness and commercial promise. This is a research and development package sponsored by Fanshawe College Centre for Research and Innovation, Siskinds Law and Winston Wilmont, valued at over $30,000. More than a trophy, the award spotlights the strength of the region’s startup ecosystem and reinforces Southwestern Ontario as a launchpad for the next generation of food innovation. To date, LEDC has already received 13 submissions.
The program kicks off with a keynote from Andreas Duss—CEO, branding strategist, and author—whose candid approach to food entrepreneurship and brand building offers rare insight into standing out in a crowded market. A dynamic panel follows, with experienced entrepreneurs and product developers discussing how to scale strategically, navigate regulations, and build successful consumer-ready offerings. With built-in networking and a lunch curated by local producers, the Summit delivers practical value in a compact, high-impact format.
Supporting this growth are spaces like The Grove, where early-stage food businesses can access shared production space, commercial kitchens, and mentorship. Backed by LEDC and a coalition of Small Business Enterprise Centres from across Southwestern Ontario, The Grove represents the kind of infrastructure that levels the playing field for rural and regional businesses—giving them the same tools and market access as their big-city counterparts.
The results speak for themselves. The Grove’s growing roster of companies is creating jobs, securing distribution, and bringing innovative new products to market. It’s a model of shared success—where public investment, private ambition, and strong regional partnerships fuel long-term economic impact.
This kind of collaboration isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. It strengthens supply chains, builds more resilient food systems, and creates new opportunities for homegrown entrepreneurs. Events like the Southwest Food Innovation Summit are how we ignite, inspire, and equip the future of food in Ontario.
Space is limited. Register now to secure your spot at the table.
