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CONESTOGAC.ON.CA
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

Porta logo

Packaging and product optimization for Porta

Porta was experiencing packaging limitations affecting their product quality throughout its shelf-life and was looking to reposition a stuffed pasta product for the refrigerated market. The company required support to improve packaging performance and optimize product formulation for new retail conditions.
Peacasa snacks logo

Ingredient and process optimization for Peacasa Snacks

Peacasa Snacks identified a chickpea flour that worked well in its process, but needed a better understanding of why it performed differently from other options. The company also wanted to strengthen quality control and explore how its process might be adapted for future product line extensions.
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.
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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