If you sell food or beverages in Canada, nutrition labeling and compliant packaging are not optional. They are a legal requirement and a gatekeeper to retail shelves, distributors, and export markets. The challenge is cost. Label design and regulatory reviews can cost thousands. Packaging runs and market testing add even more before your product earns any revenue.
The good news is that Canadian governments do fund these activities. Programs focused on market development and access can help cover nutrition labeling, packaging design, and the tools you need to reach new buyers.
Nutrition labeling and packaging funding usually comes from market readiness or market development programs. These programs focus on the final steps needed to sell into new markets, not early research or product development.
One example is the Market Development and Access Program (New Brunswick), delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.
This program supports costs tied to nutrition labeling, packaging, and market access for agri-food businesses in New Brunswick.
Key funding details
Eligible activities include:
This program works well for businesses that are:
If you operate outside New Brunswick, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you find similar programs in your province and food sector.
Across Canada, market access programs often support the same main cost categories. While each program has its own rules, eligible expenses commonly include:
Funding usually does not cover routine operating costs or large-scale production. The focus is on one-time or project-based expenses that help your business access new markets.
Market development grants follow a similar process across provinces:
Define the market goal
For example, entering retail, exporting, or selling direct-to-consumer.
Build a clear project budget
Show eligible costs such as labeling design, packaging artwork, and marketing materials.
Confirm cost sharing
Most programs reimburse 30%–50% of costs. You must fund the rest.
Apply before you spend
Retroactive costs are often not eligible.
Report and repay if required
Repayable programs set repayment terms once the project is complete.
Starting design work before approval
Many programs will not reimburse costs incurred before your application is approved.
Assuming printing costs are always covered
Design and development are more likely to be eligible than large-scale packaging runs.
Ignoring repayable terms
Some market access funding is not a grant. Understand when and how repayment is triggered.
Applying without a market plan
Programs expect a clear link between labeling, packaging, and actual market access.
Q: Can funding cover CFIA-compliant nutrition labeling?
Yes. Programs like New Brunswick’s Market Development and Access Program support activities to develop compliant nutrition labels.
Q: Is packaging redesign considered marketing or compliance?
It can be both. Most programs treat packaging redesign as a market development expense when tied to new sales channels or markets.
Q: Do I need to be export-ready to qualify?
No. Many programs support local and regional markets, including direct-to-consumer and farmers’ markets.
Q: Is repayable funding taxable income?
Repayable assistance is generally treated as a loan rather than income, but you should confirm with your accountant.
Q: Are these programs only for food manufacturers?
Most are open to agri-food and agriculture businesses, including processors and value-added producers operating in the province.
Funding nutrition labeling, food packaging, and market access is possible, but only if you target the right programs at the right time. GrantHub tracks active market development grants across Canada and helps you check which ones match your location, industry, and growth stage. This allows you to focus on selling your product, not searching through guidelines.
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