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Conestoga Applied Research
Conestoga Applied Research

Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab

Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab

At the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL), we collaborate with organizations across the food processing, packaging, and foodservice sectors to deliver practical, scalable solutions. Our state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities support every stage of the product development cycle—from concept to commercialization. 

Whether you're a startup or an established enterprise, our team works closely with you to drive innovation, solve challenges, and bring new ideas to market. 

In 2023 CFRIL was awarded the Minister's Award of Excellence and the Excellence in Research and Innovation award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. 

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Facilities and services

Product and process development

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Scale up

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Packaging innovation

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Shelf-life and food safety services

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Virtual tour

Take a virtual tour of our facility located at our Cambridge - Fountain Street campus.

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CFRIL projects

a server setting a table setting at a restaurant

Understanding employment perceptions in Ontario’s hospitality industry

This research examined how employees, job applicants, and employers perceive employment opportunities and decent work practices within the hospitality industry in southwestern Ontario. The study focused on identifying gaps between what employers believe workers expect and how workers perceive available jobs and workplace practices.
Raymer Group logo

Upcycled animal feed from excess soybean oil for Raymer Group

Raymer Group required support to finalize a formulation that would remain stable during storage and use, while meeting shelf-life, cost, and large-scale distribution requirements.
A row of different ice cream flavours

Exploring sustainable fruit processing for Oat & Mill’s dairy-free ice cream
Oat & Mill partnered with the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL) to explore alternative fruit processing methods that align with the company’s commitment to sustainability and product quality.
VIEW ALL CFRIL PROJECTS

Our team

Cynthia Riddle headshot

Cynthia Riddle

Senior food researcher

Nicole Detlor

Nicole Detlor, M.Sc., P.Eng.

Director, Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab

Sujit Abraham headshot

Sujit Abraham 

Food researcher

Tyler Williams

Tyler Williams

Senior packaging researcher

By the numbers (2025) 

84
Partners
111
Active projects
50
Launches supported

Contact

See how the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab can help you access faculty expertise, student employees, and the college's innovative lab spaces and equipment.

cfril@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220

850 Fountain Street South

Cambridge, Ontario N3H 0A8, Canada

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