Food and Beverage Initiative

Anne Prichard | Jul 07, 2021

Frontenac Business Services (formerly Frontenac CFDC) is in the process of rebuilding the Food and Beverage (FAB) Region website and social media to tell the story of Frontenac food and beverage producers and their products. This marketing initiative to attract and grow small scale artisan food and beverage producers was previously a project by Frontenac CFDC and its partners, the Counites of Hastings, Lennox and Addington and Prince Edward.

Frontenac Business Services continues to successfully nurture and support the growth and momentum in this sector. In this past year, we have provided 9 food and beverage businesses with a total of $450,000 in loan funds and a further 3 companies with $103,000 of Regional Innovation Initiative Eastern Ontario grant funds.

In addition to funding, we offer a variety of small business workshop including sustainable packaging and another on food trends and provided an opportunity for food and beverage producers to have one on one counselling with the expert presenters. Many clients in this sector have availed themselves of the marketing guidance, social media training and the referrals to the Digital Main Street (DMS) program to great success. Success stories include Debbie Fitzerman, David and Sons Fine Condiments who saw a significant increase in sales as a result of this support. Ludwig Ratzinger, Fine Chocolate by Ludwig noted that his online sales increased 10-fold because of the help. Robert Henderson, Henderson Farms DMS assistance included a redesign of his website allowing for online sales, online payments and prepaid Canada Post shipping. Six videos were created for the Kingston Frontenac Public Library’s Meet the Make series, two of which feature food producers.

In addition to supporting existing food and beverage businesses in their growth, staff at Frontenac Business Services are currently working with 4 new businesses at various stages in their development, two of whom are new to the County.

The organization continues to support this sector because of the many opportunities it creates for the community. It supports the local agricultural sector; it creates and maintains year-round employment and it enhances the tourism experience. We encourage local food and beverage producers to reach-out for assistance whatever stage of development they are in, as we are happy to support their venture.