London has been leading the agri-food sector for decades, intentionally building one of Ontario’s most productive food manufacturing ecosystems. With over 7,500 people employed across more than 100 companies, the sector has long been a cornerstone of London’s economy, powered by smart planning, steady investment and infrastructure that gives food producers every advantage.
Years ago, London made a deliberate and strategic choice to attract and retain food processors — and it’s paid off. With twinned water mains to two freshwater sources, reliable wastewater capacity, and direct access to the 401 corridor, the city built the infrastructure this industry needs to thrive. Add to that competitively priced industrial land, close proximity to raw materials and supply chains, and logistics connectivity that reaches half of North America’s population within a day’s drive — and you can see why London has built one of the most robust agri-food ecosystems in Canada.
Some of London’s most recognizable food brands have become case studies in fast, local growth. Booch Organic Kombucha, under new ownership, is expanding production and significantly growing brand presence across Ontario. Frittos & Co. has expanded from a two-person operation to a team of 30 in under two years, scaling its frozen product line to meet national demand.
Larger and internationally recognized brands like Dr. Oetker, Maple Leaf, Labatt's and Blackfly continue to expand and add more employment opportunities.
Companies like Jing Jing Nutrifood, Nuts for Cheese and Odd Burger are strengthening our health food and alternative protein sector. This trend will likely be a significant focus for companies in 2026, and we saw this in action with the grand opening of Andriani’s new gluten-free pasta facility in October. Hundreds attended as the demand for state-of-the-art agri-food manufacturing facilities and health food options continue to grow.
A major catalyst in this ecosystem is The Grove at Western Fair District – London's agri-food innovation hub and accelerator. The Grove brings together early-stage foodpreneurs, established processors, research partners and food-focused organizations under one roof, helping companies test products, scale production and access shared resources. With its accelerator space now fully leased, The Grove has proven there’s strong and growing demand for a community that connects ideas to infrastructure.
The sector’s momentum was on full display this year with the sold-out debut of the Southwest Food Innovation Summit, which drew over 200 foodpreneurs, processors, researchers and service providers from across Ontario. What started as an experiment to spark new partnerships has now cemented itself as an annual, must-attend event for the region’s food innovators.
“The strength of London’s agri-food sector comes from collaboration,” says Josh Taylor, manager of business development at LEDC. “From The Grove to LEDC to educational institutions and partners, to our food innovators, everyone’s working together to see growth.”
These aren’t isolated wins – they’re proof of a functioning ecosystem, which was on display Nov. 27 for LEDC’s annual Made in London holiday open house. This event highlighted London’s foodpreneurs, featuring over 30 local vendors. Events like this highlight how local companies move from kitchen to shelf, and from shelf to scale, faster than ever.
With new production space coming online and partnerships deepening between processors, educators, and research institutions, London’s recipe for agri-food growth is clear. Collaboration, innovation and community are laying the groundwork, and 2025 proved that the city’s food economy is ready for what comes next.
