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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

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

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CFRIL impact

Person holding kelp

Supporting shelf-life and packaging development for North Pacific Kelp Wild Foods’ kelp biostimulant

North Pacific Kelp Wild Foods partnered with the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab to explore strategies for improving shelf-life and identifying sustainable packaging options for their kelp-based biostimulant product.
Live On Chocolate

Enhancing packaging and shelf-life strategies for Live On Chocolate

Live On Chocolate partnered with Conestoga’s Food Research & Innovation Lab to support packaging development and explore ways to extend the shelf-life of their signature truffle products.
Hummingbird Chocolate bar Fleur de Sel

Supporting product development and packaging strategies at Hummingbird Chocolate Maker

Hummingbird Chocolate Maker partnered with the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab to explore opportunities to enhance their packaging processes and extend the shelf-life of key products.

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

Tracy Butt headshot

Tracy Butt, M.Sc., PMP

Senior food researcher

Tyler Williams

Tyler Williams

Senior packaging researcher

By the numbers (2024) 

Partners
Active projects
Students hired

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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.

850 Fountain Street South

Cambridge, Ontario N3H 0A8, Canada

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