Mozzarella cheese is one of the biggest costs for pizza restaurants in Canada. To help lower this expense, the Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC) offers a federal program that gives discounted mozzarella cheese to eligible pizza restaurants. If your business prepares and cooks pizza on site, you can save money on your ingredients without applying for a traditional grant.
The Canadian Dairy Commission Mozzarella Discount Program is a federal in‑kind support initiative. Instead of giving cash, the CDC allows qualified pizza restaurants to buy mozzarella cheese at a reduced price from approved distributors or manufacturers.
Key facts:
The support lowers your ingredient costs. There is usually less paperwork and fewer restrictions than traditional funding programs. This makes it easier for pizza restaurants in Canada to participate.
Eligibility is clearly defined for Canadian businesses. The program is meant for commercial pizza restaurants, not institutional food services.
To qualify, your business must meet all these conditions:
The following types of businesses cannot participate:
If your business does several types of food service, your eligibility depends on whether pizza restaurant sales are the main part of your operations. For example, if your restaurant mostly sells pizza and cooks it on site, you are likely eligible. If pizza is only a small part of your menu, you may not qualify.
There is no fixed dollar amount for this program.
Instead, support comes as:
This discount reduces your cost of goods sold and improves your profit margins right away. According to Canadian tax law, most accountants treat this as a reduced input cost, not as taxable grant income. Still, you should check with your accountant to confirm how it applies to your business.
The application process is simpler than most government funding programs.
Check your eligibility
Make sure your restaurant prepares and cooks pizzas on site and sells them directly to customers.
Contact the Canadian Dairy Commission or an approved distributor
Applications are usually submitted through the CDC or participating mozzarella suppliers.
Submit your business information
You may need to provide:
Get approval and start buying at the discounted rate
Once approved, you can purchase mozzarella from approved suppliers at the reduced price.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you see if this program fits your business and province.
Assuming all food businesses qualify
Only pizza restaurants that prepare and cook pizzas on site are eligible. Catering and institutional kitchens are not.
Expecting a cash payout
The program offers a discount, not direct funding. You will get lower invoices, not reimbursement.
Buying from non-approved suppliers
The discount only applies if you buy mozzarella from approved distributors or manufacturers.
Missing other funding opportunities
Some restaurants forget to combine this discount with other grants or supports available for food businesses.
Q: Is the Mozzarella Discount Program a grant?
No, it is not a cash grant. It lowers the price of mozzarella cheese purchased from approved suppliers.
Q: Who can apply for the mozzarella discount?
Pizza restaurants that prepare and cook pizzas on site and sell them directly to customers are eligible. Cafeterias and catering businesses are not.
Q: How much funding does the program provide?
There is no set funding amount. The value depends on how much mozzarella you buy and the discount rate.
Q: Is the discount taxable income?
In Canada, it is usually treated as a reduced cost, not as taxable grant income. Ask your accountant to confirm.
Q: Can I combine this program with other grants?
Yes. Since it is an in-kind discount, you can often combine it with cash grants or loans.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including in-kind supports like this one, and helps you find options that match your restaurant.
If mozzarella is a major expense for your pizza restaurant, this program is a simple way to improve margins. After checking your eligibility, look for other programs that support Canadian restaurants and food businesses.
For more information, read about What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans? and How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.