Smart kitchen gets upgrade

Canada's Smartest Kitchen at theCulinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown is getting a major upgrade, thanks in part to funding announced Monday from ACOA.

ACOA Minister Gail Shea announced more than $100,000 for Holland College to buy new equipment for Canada's Smartest Kitchen. Holland College is also spending $34,000 on the upgrade.

The kitchen, which opened in 2009, is the food product research and development arm of the Culinary Institute of Canada. Holland College officials hope it will allow the kitchen to stay competitive.

"This financial contribution has allowed us to expand our capabilities in food product development and equip our new Smart Studio with leading-edge technologies for food concept ideation, food styling and professional photography," said kitchen executive director Peter Crooks in a news release.

The new equipment will allow for more research and development of gluten-free foods, healthy nutrition, as well as seafood and beverage innovations.