Have you got a great idea for the next big thing for chicken?
Chicken Farmers of Ontario on Wednesday announced the Ontario Chicken Innovation and Growth Program to “accelerate consumer-facing product innovation and stimulate growth in the Ontario chicken industry.”
Rob Dougans, president and CEO, Chicken Farmers of Ontario (CFO), says, “Our goal is simple: put new, innovative Ontario chicken products on the plates of consumers and enhance economic activity in Ontario.
The first of its kind in Canada, the program is designed to address the growing need for locally grown food, convenient meal options, and a greater interest in healthy eating. Following a successful application, an additional supply of chicken will be allocated to bring the new product to market.
All companies involved in the processing, marketing, and sale of chicken products including primary processors, further processors, retailers, foodservice and restaurant companies are encouraged to apply, says CFO. Applicants that are not primary processors must include a primary processor as part of their application to enable the allocation.
Innovations must be designed for consumers, be the first of their kind in Canada, and use chicken grown and fully processed in Ontario.
Eligible applications will be reviewed by an Independent Advisory Committee of experts who are also responsible for overseeing the program.
In addition to at least six months of historical sales data, each application must include a description of the innovation, forecasted sales data, market research, and a marketing plan. The Advisory Committee will assess each application and recommend the highest scoring applicants to CFO for final approval.
The Independent Advisory Committee will review the applications in the summer/early fall, and CFO expects to announce the successful applicants in the fourth quarter of 2018.
The application deadline is July 13, 2018. Find more information at: www.chickeninnovation.ca
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