Scaling Up Niche Circular Food Solutions: Factors for Successful Scale Up in Toronto, Canada

Abstract

This research seeks to find success factors for niche circular food innovations to scale up. Using Toronto, Canada as a case study, we analyze eleven niche circular food solutions to find success and barrier factors they face in scaling up to become mainstream. Data was collected via questionnaires and interviews, resulting in five categories of factors that either help or hinder niche circular food innovations. A statistical correlation analysis is performed. The most successful businesses were those that operated in more than one stage of the food chain, had at least 2-3 years to stabilize their performance, and had financial investors. Government involvement supported innovations through small grants, but many did not seek government support in order to protect their environmental priorities. We also found COVID-19 as a disruptive situation that led to more opportunities for niche food innovations.