Ahead of her conference session today, SIAL Canada Daily spoke with Michi Furuya Chang about how innovation, collaboration, and consumer expectations are transforming the plant-based sector

Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Regulatory Affairs & Head of Divisional Strategy at Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP), Michi Furuya Chang brings a cross-sector perspective to the future of food innovation. She shared insights into the key forces driving plant-based growth, the importance of integrated ecosystems, and why platforms like SIAL Canada are critical for accelerating change across the industry.

You bring a unique perspective to public policy and regulatory affairs, having worked across public health, retail, and manufacturing. How has this cross-sector experience shaped your approach to driving innovation and collaboration within the food industry?
My cross-sector experience has enabled me to bring a unique and truly 360-perspective to shaping public policy and regulations that fosters an enabling business operating environment that supports innovation, growth, and competitiveness of our sector on the global stage.  In public health, the focus was on population health outcomes; in retail, it was about meeting consumer demands and expectations; in manufacturing, it’s about feasibility, scale and being able to communicate to consumers to help them make informed choices about the products they consume. Understanding the pressures and opportunities at each point in the value chain allows me to connect stakeholders in ways that drive real change—not just ideas that look good on paper, but initiatives that work in the market and improve lives. Collaboration succeeds when we frame innovation through the lens of shared goals: better health, stronger businesses, and a more sustainable food system.

Your session at SIAL Canada is set to focus on the growing role of plant-based foods. What would you say are the biggest forces currently driving this shift — and why now?
Three forces are driving the shift: stronger consumer demand for health and wellness; growing urgency around sustainability; and rapid improvement in product quality. Plant-based foods today taste better, perform better, and align with values like environmental stewardship and personal well-being. It’s a pivotal moment where innovation, ethics, and consumer expectations are all moving in the same direction.

Plant-based foods are often positioned at the intersection of sustainability, nutrition, and consumer demand. How is the industry evolving to balance these three pillars in a meaningful way?
The industry is moving past the idea that you have to choose between taste, nutrition, and sustainability. Companies are focusing on simpler ingredients, better nutrition, and greater transparency from farm to shelf. Certification programs like “Certified Plant Based” are building trust. At the same time, companies are investing in regenerative agriculture and responsible sourcing practices to reduce environmental footprints. Successful brands are those that understand the modern consumer doesn’t want a compromise—they want products that align with both personal and planetary health.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities — or roadblocks — when it comes to advancing plant-based innovation in Canada?
Canada has a real opportunity to lead in plant-based innovation, especially by leveraging its agricultural strengths in ingredients like pulses, oats, and canola. There’s huge potential in categories like seafood alternatives, functional plant-based snacks, and hybrid products that blend plant and precision fermentation technologies. However, regulatory frameworks around labeling and standards need to evolve faster to keep pace with and support innovation. Also, investment in local ingredient processing infrastructure is critical—right now, reliance on imported ingredients can slow growth and add complexity.

You’ve often emphasized the importance of keeping the consumer at the center. What are some of the most promising strategies you’ve seen for truly connecting with today’s increasingly conscious and diverse consumers?
Personalization and storytelling are essential. Brands that offer flexible solutions—whether it’s high-protein options, allergen-free choices, or culturally relevant flavours—are earning loyalty. Transparency is another non-negotiable. Consumers want to know where ingredients come from, how products are made, and what values a brand stands for. Tools like QR codes for traceability, apps that track sustainability impact, and digital loyalty programs tied to ethical behaviour are helping brands build deeper, more authentic relationships.

Planting the seeds for tomorrow’s food industry at SIAL Canada

Michi Furuya Chang highlighted the importance of SIAL Canada for the industry and specifically plant-based innovation: “It is one of the few platforms where the entire food ecosystem comes together— farmers, manufacturers, foodservice operators, retailers, investors, innovators, and policymakers. For the plant-based sector, this level of integration is critical because innovation doesn’t happen in silos.” She added that the event’s different aspects help spark conversation on the global stage, helping prepare the industry of tomorrow: “from the SIAL Innovation competition to the Expert Hub panels and workshops, it’s a space where new ideas are challenged, partnerships are forged, and trends are translated into action. It’s not just about what’s happening today—it’s about what’s happening next.”

When asked who should attend her conference sessions today, she didn’t hold back: “Anyone involved in food innovation, retail strategy, brand building, or public policy should attend—whether they’re working directly with plant-based products or exploring how plant-forward strategies fit into their future plans.” She stated that she hoped attendees would come away “with a clearer sense of where consumer expectations are not only at, but where they are heading, what the most exciting areas of innovation are, and how they can position themselves for success in an evolving, highly dynamic market.”

Today
Plant-Based Foods: Feeding the Future Through Innovation, Collaboration, and Consumer Connection
Redefining Health Track
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: StudioEx