Three Farmers Foods attracting increased capital from Canadian investors

Interest in Canada’s value-added agrifood sector is growing among both consumers and investors. Considered a sector that can help strengthen our economy while providing new protein options for families, value-added agrifood is increasingly being seen as a smart investment choice.

The promised return on investment is attracting heavy attention from a growing number of private and government investors, including Farm Credit Canada, who recently became a strategic partner in Three Farmers Foods' latest equity financing round. The participation of FCC is a significant milestone for Three Farmers Foods, making this funding round one of their largest yet.

“It really is about growing us to the next level as a snack food manufacturer and brand in Canada, and then expanding our brand on store shelves here in Canada but also into the U.S.,” Three Farmers Foods Founder and CEO Natasha Vandenhurk said. She explained this includes adjusting their branding and advertising to appeal to a wider range of consumers, not only those who naturally lean toward snacks in the healthy food aisle.

This move to new consumers aligns with Three Farmers Foods’ focus on innovation in their products. Well-known in the bean-based snack space, the company is hoping to not only reach new markets geographically, but also widen their hold in existing markets by introducing new flavours and new formats.

The company’s ability to invest into the development of these new lines, while expanding their existing lines, Vandenhurk explained, is thanks in large part to investors such as FCC. She sees this need for expanded capital not only within her own company, but across the sector. Without it, she said, other food manufacturers and their ingredient processors won’t be able to meet the growing demand for diverse protein options and food options.

“The capital need is intense,” Vandenhurk said. “We are very fortunate to have programs like Protein Industries Canada and to have entities like FCC and EDC, and of course, all of our investors that are willing to buy into this vision, it’s all just very important.”

When it comes to attracting that capital, Vandenhurk said the best thing a company can do is work to make a true connection with an investor.

“It’s one conversation at a time, and each conversation just thinking deeply about the questions that are being asked and the responses you’re getting,” she said. “Take that as feedback and make sure you’re continually refining your plan and going from there.”

Such connections have served Three Farmers Foods well, bringing them interest and investment from Canada’s capital community and helping them grow to become an international brand. To learn more, click below to visit their website.