Several beverage businesses will get a boost in launching new products in competitive markets thanks to a recent investment in Niagara College (NC)’s applied research division.
The Beverage Innovation Program, delivered through the Food and Beverage Innovation Centre (FBIC) and Business and Commercialization Innovation Centre (BCIC), is being supported by funding of up to $75,000 through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).
This investment enables NC to support five beverage-focused small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. Through the program, companies gain access to a full range of supports — from technical product development and manufacturing scale-up through FBIC, to market research, competitive analysis, branding strategy, and business advisory services provided by BCIC. Together, these services are designed to accelerate product readiness, reduce risk, and help Canadian businesses successfully launch and grow in competitive markets.
“Together, FBIC and BCIC will provide an integrated platform, combining product development, small-batch processing, and market readiness expertise, to bring high quality, food safe beverage products to market,” noted Kristine Canniff, Associate Director, FBIC.
Lilianne Caron, Research Assistant operating in the HACCP-certified beverage pilot plant.
“Only about five per cent of new food and beverage product ideas actually make it to full commercialization,” added Paula Reile, Associate Director, BCIC. “That number reflects just how critical it is for entrepreneurs to have access to the right research, branding, and go-to-market strategy early on. Through this program, we’re helping clients build strong, scalable products backed by data, design, and demand.”
The Beverage Innovation Program helps entrepreneurs move beverage ideas from concept to market, including validation of product feasibility, overcoming technical manufacturing challenges, and ensuring products are safe for public consumption.
Business services will support clients in positioning their brands better in competitive markets, providing research-backed marketing, packaging, and customer engagement strategies.
“Through support from NRC IRAP, our team helps small businesses bring their ideas to life while also providing an invaluable applied learning environment for Niagara College students,” said Marc Nantel, PhD, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Strategic Enterprises, Niagara College. “This program is a testament to how we are best able to serve the innovation needs of companies who may have had difficulty accessing the technology or expertise to develop and bring their next product to market.”
Thanh Nguyen, Research Assistant operating in the HACCP-certified beverage pilot plant.
The program also provides Niagara College students with valuable experiential learning opportunities working on applied research projects alongside real industry partners.
“Working as a Research Assistant has been one of the most valuable parts of my education,” said Culinary Innovation and Food Technology student Mya Dodd, who is currently completing her co-op placement with the FBIC. “Being able to work on real industry projects with clients has allowed me to apply what I learn in class in a hands-on environment while developing technical, communication, and problem-solving skills. It has also given me valuable industry experience and helped me feel more confident and prepared for my future career in food innovation and product development.”
The FBIC is located within the Marotta Family Innovation Complex at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and features a HACCP-certified, CFIA-licensed beverage production pilot plant, process optimization and product development labs, a beverage analytical cluster, and Health Canada-approved research spaces for cannabis-infused products. The Centre provides technical services to SMEs across Canada, including formulation, shelf-life testing, regulatory compliance, small-batch processing, and sensory analysis. Since its inception, FBIC has supported hundreds of companies in commercializing innovative food and beverage products. It also offers valuable work-integrated learning opportunities for students in culinary innovation, food science, and biotechnology programs.
BCIC was launched to meet the growing demand for business-focused innovation services that assist SMEs in translating ideas into viable products through feasibility studies, including pricing distribution and promotional planning, as well as branding, product photography, and videography. BCIC has completed projects in sectors such as food and beverage, digital technology, and health. The Centre complements technical work from other NC innovation centres and provides hands-on experience for students in marketing, business strategy, and entrepreneurship.
Project intake is ongoing, with projects expected to run through February 26, 2027.
SMEs interested in participating should visit niagaracollege.ca/research and connect with David DiPietro, Business Development Manager, at [email protected].
