A Tale of Three Tomatoes: The New Food Economy in Toronto, Canada

Abstract: Drawing upon research from a cluster and innovation systems perspective, we counter the argument that the food industry is a mature and dying industry and point to evidence of a vibrant, dynamic food sector that has made a substantial contribution to regional growth. Since the mid‐1990s, the most dynamic component of the Toronto urban food economy has been the small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises, comprised mainly of specialty, local, ethnic, and organic food‐processing firms that are thriving in response to consumers' demands for high‐quality, local, fresh ethnic and fusion cuisine. However, these newer firms face challenges, and our results raise the question about how a more stimulating innovative milieu can be created for them. In answer to this question, we…