Food and beverage (F&B) processing facilities are among Canada’s most energy‑intensive industrial operations, driven by continuous refrigeration, thermal processing, pumping, mixing, cleaning systems, and strict sanitation and quality requirements. Energy-intensive processes such as heating, cooling, refrigeration, and mechanical processing collectively make this sector one of the highest users of energy across the industrial landscape. In Canada, the food and beverage processing industry is the country’s largest manufacturing sector — representing over 20% of all manufacturing sales.
This guide provides practical, proven steps that food and beverage processors can take to reduce energy consumption, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen overall sustainability performance. Canadian processors are increasingly pursuing decarbonization and operational optimization, with 69% investing in new equipment, 62% focusing on employee training, and 58% optimizing processes as part of their sustainability goals.