“Civilization as it is known today could not have evolved, nor can it survive, without an adequate food supply.”

• Norman Borlaug, American agronomist and recipient of Nobel Peace Prize

There has been a shift.

What was once gridlocked by indecision and a tough business environment has suddenly opened up.

Sentiment has taken a turn upwards, while interest rates have gone in the opposite direction. Businesses are finally giving a green-light to growth plans and begun gearing up to hit the ground running in 2025 with key end-of-year moves.

A couple months ago, we explored how converging trends have led to the on-shoring and re-shoring of manufacturing. While we had looked at various industries such as automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, metal fabrication, plastics and textiles, data centers and AI, and electronics and high-tech manufacturing, there is one other key vertical making a big comeback.

It’s no secret that the cost to buy these goods at your local store have increased dramatically since the pandemic. 

Whether due to increased input costs of labour and energy, supply chain shortages, and the general inelastic and difficulty of substitution towards other goods…

The fact is that the food and beverage industry is not only in need of suppliers to meet the demands of a growing populous, but also to adapt to changing consumer preferences, as well as to help bring pricing down as much as is reasonably possible.

As part of this, the Province of Ontario’s food industry relies on a complex network of industrial facilities alongside agricultural land from farm to processing and from packaging to storage and distribution… and everything in between. 

From traditional farming to cutting-edge vertical farms, food processing plants, and cold storage warehouses, the industrial real estate sector plays a vital role in keeping our food supply chain running smoothly.  

In our previous issues, we explored the critical features of food-grade facilities and highlighted case studies showcasing their impact on the food industry. This week, we delve deeper into how these properties shape operational efficiency. From the production floor to the distribution dock, food-specific industrial properties are uniquely positioned to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.

We’ll also provide a curated list of available properties that exemplify the features and functionality required for food-related operations, ensuring businesses remain competitive while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency. 

The Impact of Food-Specific Properties on Business Success

Maximizing Productivity and Throughput:
Properties built with food operations in mind allow businesses to optimize workflows and increase output. Features like high clear heights support vertical storage, enabling businesses to maximize cubic space and implement automated racking systems. Open floor plans provide the flexibility to arrange machinery and workstations efficiently, reducing downtime and improving throughput. High-capacity power infrastructure allows businesses to integrate advanced automation tools, such as conveyors, robotic handling, and automated sorting systems. These features collectively streamline operations, reduce reliance on manual labor, and improve overall productivity. 

Ensuring Quality and Compliance:
Meeting stringent food safety standards is non-negotiable for food businesses. Food-grade properties incorporate specialized infrastructure to ensure compliance with certifications like HACCP, CFIA, and SQF. Hygiene-centric features, such as sloped floors, seamless surfaces, and stainless-steel drainage systems, facilitate effective sanitation, minimizing contamination risks. Temperature control systems, including insulated walls and multi-zone cooling, maintain product quality from production to distribution. Real-time monitoring systems further enhance compliance by tracking critical parameters like temperature, humidity, and air quality. 

Flexibility to Meet Evolving Needs:
The food industry is constantly changing, with new trends, regulations, and consumer demands requiring businesses to remain agile. Properties with adaptable layouts and modular zones provide the flexibility to pivot operations, whether by adding new production lines, scaling capacity, or adjusting to accommodate regulatory changes. Facilities designed for specific food types, such as frozen goods or sauces, allow for seamless equipment integration without requiring significant retrofits. This adaptability helps businesses future-proof their operations and respond to market shifts efficiently. 

Strategic Location Advantages:
Location plays a pivotal role in the success of food operations. Properties near major transportation routes, such as highways, ports, and transit hubs, reduce delivery times and transportation costs, ensuring products reach markets faster and fresher. Industrial zones with access to a skilled labor pool and robust utility infrastructure further support operational demands. Proximity to densely populated areas provides additional advantages for last-mile distribution and quick service, particularly for perishable goods. 

Spotlight on Available Properties

1. 160 Jamieson Bone Road, Belleville – Refrigerated Warehouse Facility For Sale

160 Jamieson Bone Road, Belleville.

Located at 160 Jamieson Bone Road in Belleville, Ontario, this 144,840 SF refrigerated warehouse facility offers a state-of-the-art solution for food storage and processing. The property features a 138,680 SF warehouse (100% refrigerated) and 6,160 SF of office space, all on an 11.25-acre site with approximately 4 acres of excess land. With a 25‘ clear height, 3,000 amps heavy power, and 20 truck-level doors complete with levelers and trailer restraints, the facility is fully equipped for industrial operations. 

Strategically located 4 km from Highway 401, the property offers exceptional connectivity to Toronto, Ottawa, and the US border, making it ideal for logistics and distribution. This represents a rare investment opportunity in a thriving industrial market with expansion potential. Cushman & Wakefield is currently marketing the asset for sale.

2. 8 Falconer Drive, Mississauga – Industrial Facility with Freezer Space For Sale

8 Falconer Drive, Mississauga.

Located at 8 Falconer Drive in Mississauga, Ontario, this 137,736 SF industrial facility sits on a 6.06-acre site. The property includes 8,000 SF of fridge and freezer space with direct truck-level access, making it ideal for food storage or temperature-sensitive operations. The site provides excellent connectivity to major highways, including the 401, 407, and 403.
The building features clear heights ranging from 18 to 24 feet, 12 truck-level doors for efficient shipping, and a robust power capacity of 3,000 amps. Office spaces total 17,706 SF across two floors, including 8,319 SF on the main floor and 9,387 SF on the second floor. The warehouse area covers 120,030 SF, with an additional 4,148 SF mezzanine.

Strategically located near public transit and urban amenities, it offers unmatched access for logistics and workforce needs. Cushman & Wakefield is currently marketing the asset for sale.

3. 7315 Pacific Circle, Mississauga – Certified Food Production Facility For Lease

7315 Pacific Circle, Mississauga.

Located at 7315 Pacific Circle in Mississauga, this 59,200 SF industrial food production and manufacturing facility offers a unique opportunity for businesses requiring high food safety standards. The facility is GMP and FSSC 22000 certified and HACCP compliant, making it ideal for food processing and manufacturing operations. The building includes 50,700 SF of warehouse space and 8,500 SF of office space, situated on a 2.95-acre lot.

With clear heights ranging from 18 to 24 feet, the facility supports a variety of operational needs. It is equipped with 2,000 amps of heavy power, providing robust electrical capacity for heavy equipment. The property features 4 truck-level doors and 1 drive-in door, along with blending rooms, a tank farm, a cooler, a spray dryer room, and a small batching area. The entire facility is temperature-controlled and features floor drains throughout, supporting strict hygiene standards.

Strategically located with Highway 410 exposure, the property offers exceptional connectivity to major transportation routes, including Highways 401, 407, and Pearson International Airport. Cushman & Wakefield has the asset available for lease.

4. 32 Kennedy Road South, Brampton – Industrial Food-Processing Facility For Sale

32 Kennedy Road South, Brampton.

Located at 32 Kennedy Road South in Brampton, Ontario, this 53,665 SF freestanding industrial food-processing facility offers a rare opportunity for businesses in the food industry. The property includes approximately 20,914 SF of refrigerated space, making it ideal for operations requiring cooler or freezer environments. Situated on 2.21 acres, the facility is fully fenced and gated, providing security and convenience.

The building features a mix of industrial and office spaces, with 43,943 SF dedicated to industrial use and 9,722 SF allocated for office functions. Clear heights vary from 8 to 22 feet, accommodating a range of operational needs. The property is equipped with 7 truck-level doors for efficient shipping and 1,200 amps of heavy power to support processing and refrigeration equipment. 

Strategically located with access to public transit and major routes, including Brampton GO Station and several bus lines, the property offers seamless connectivity for distribution and labor access. CBRE is marketing the property for sale.

5. 73 Samor Road, North York – Commissary Kitchen Available For Lease

73 Samor Road, North York.

Our team is offering for lease a 25,000 SF food processing facility and commissary kitchen at 73 Samor Road in North York, ON.

The well-maintained space is climate controlled with separated coolers/freezers, as well as food processing, packaging, and storage areas. Other key features include floor drains with sloped floors and food-grade panel walls, as well as 3 truck-level and 1 drive-in door and 600 amps of heavy power. 

Located just minutes from Highway 401 and Allen Road, the property provides excellent access to transportation, the labour pool, and amenities. For more information, contact our team.

6. 650 Fenmar Drive, North York – BRC and HACCP Certified Food Facility For Lease

650 Fenmar Drive, North York.

Located at 650 Fenmar Drive in North York, this 35,393 SF freestanding industrial property is BRC and HACCP certified, making it ideal for food processing and distribution businesses. The facility includes a 32,993 SF warehouse, equipped with several food-grade upgrades, including epoxy flooring with drains, a QA lab, and a small cooler.

With clear heights ranging from 16 to 22 feet, the property accommodates a variety of operational needs. It features 3 truck-level doors with levellers, 1 drive-in door, and 800 amps of power, ensuring seamless shipping and equipment functionality. The property offers excellent connectivity, being just minutes from Highways 400, 401, and 407, and with public transit available on nearby Steeles Avenue. This is a rare opportunity for businesses requiring a fully equipped and certified food facility in a prime location. Colliers is offering the property for lease. 

Food-specific industrial properties are more than just operational spaces—they are strategic assets that directly influence a business’s ability to thrive in a competitive market. 

By leveraging features such as heavy power capacity, modular layouts, and strategic locations, these facilities enable businesses to enhance productivity, maintain compliance, and adapt to evolving demands.

This series has shown how the right building features, from high-clear storage to heavy power infrastructure, serve as the foundation for operational success. Similarly, our exploration of food-grade properties highlights the critical role they play in streamlining production, protecting product integrity, and ensuring timely delivery to market.

As the food industry continues to evolve, businesses must prioritize facilities that align with their specific needs and long-term goals. Stay tuned for our next issue, where we’ll explore emerging niches in food-grade real estate, examining how new technologies and sustainability efforts are reshaping the industry.

For a confidential consultation or a complimentary opinion of value of your property please give us a call.

Until next week…

Goran Brelih and his team have been servicing Investors and Occupiers of Industrial properties in Toronto Central and Toronto North markets for the past 30 years.

Goran Brelih is an Executive Vice President for Cushman & Wakefield ULC in the Greater Toronto Area. 

Over the past 30 years, he has been involved in the lease or sale of approximately 25.7 million square feet of industrial space, valued in excess of $1.6 billion dollars while averaging between 40 and 50 transactions per year and achieving the highest level of sales, from the President’s Round Table to Top Ten in GTA and the National Top Ten.

Specialties:
Industrial Real Estate Sales and Leasing, Investment Sales, Design-Build and Land Development

About Cushman & Wakefield ULC.
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 53,000 employees in 400 offices and 60 countries.

In 2020, the firm had revenue of $7.8 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.

For more information on GTA Industrial Real Estate Market or to discuss how they can assist you with your real estate needs please contact Goran at 416-756-5456, email at goran.brelih@cushwake.com, or visit www.goranbrelih.com.

Connect with Me Here! – Goran Brelih’s Linkedin Profile: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/goranbrelih