Dairy products displayed on a serving board

Dairy Processing

As new consumer preferences and dietary needs change, there’s one thing that can’t be denied: Canada’s dairy industry is intrinsically tied into the culture of the country.

As Canada’s second-largest food manufacturing industry, roughly 10,000 dairy farms contribute to more than $16 billion to the country’s GDP each year. This translates to more than 9.2 billion litres of milk from 500 processing plants across Canada.

But as with many industries across Canada, the dairy processing industry is in a bit of flux. The existing quota system has forced many producers to branch out into niche spaces to increase their profitability, and changes in trade regulations are coming in the near future.

By taking a holistic look at the industry, the market, and the people that keep it running, MNP’s Dairy Processing service line helps our clients ensure they’re flexible, adaptable, and knowledgeable to prepare for whatever the future might hold.

How we can help

Bar graph

Corporate finance and integration

The full value chain knowledge MNP’s team brings to clients enables them to better understand the market as a whole and helps assess their individual situation to appropriately find finance buyers or sellers for integration. Long-term sustainability will look different for each company but exploring the options available ensures informed decision

Icon of two workers sitting at a table together and one of them is talking.

Consulting

Whether clients are looking to boost profitability, better understand modelling and projections, or assess how government or marketing input changes might affect their bottom line, MNP advisors take a fulsome approach. By analyzing the business, using benchmarking to determine how they stack up, and finding areas for improvement, we work closely with clients to determine their unique needs and develop a plan to meet goals.

corporate finance icon

Performance improvement

A volatile economy has forced many in the dairy processing industry to put their plans on hold. But unlocking your full potential doesn’t have to wait. From optimizing business processes and resource investment to aligning organizational objectives and strengthening internal controls, MNP’s Performance Improvement team helps create lasting efficiencies to allow for, and even promote, growth.

Market trends

Here are some key trends happening in the dairy processing industry today:

  • Government allowances as it relates to the quota system.
  • Artisanal, locally made products, dairy alternatives, and organic/sustainable operations.
  • Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) commitments and preparing for regulatory reporting requirements.

Staying on top of this evolving market isn’t something dairy processors need to do alone. MNP’s team specializes in catering our approach to your needs and taking the guess work out.

Insights

  • Confidence

    July 10, 2024

    Cheers! Three beverage trends your business can capitalize on

    There’s a buzz in the Canadian beverage industry and it involves three key trends: sober curiosity, functional ingredients, and local products.

  • Confidence

    June 03, 2024

    How to stay ahead: Five emerging trends in the food and beverage sector

    Explore five key trends shaping the Canadian food and beverage sector and how you can capitalize on them.

  • Confidence

    May 03, 2024

    Navigating financial uncertainty: Restructuring solutions for food and beverage processors

    Canada’s food and beverage processors play a crucial role in our economy, but they face complex logistical and financial hurdles.

Contact Our Food and Beverages Processing Team

Matt MacDonald MBA

National Leader, Food & Beverage Processing

Matt is MNP’s National Leader of the Firm’s Food and Beverage Processing practice and a Business Advisor, Assurance and Accounting, in Mississauga. Matt proactively helps clients manage their business and set strategic goals for both their personal and professional futures. By leveraging his extensive experience working with family businesses and clients across multiple sectors, Matt helps his clients implement practical business advisory, tax, and accounting strategies, along with strong business fundamentals.

An active participant in the food and beverage processing industry and various associations across Canada, Matt brings more than 15 years of experience to his role as a trusted advisor.

Matt received an Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) in political science and economics from McMaster University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in executive leadership and finance from Liberty University.

Matt has extensive board experience in both the private and not-for-profit sectors, most recently serving as a national director for Make-A-Wish Canada. He sits on the Oakville Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Other Food and Beverage Services