When Andriani Pasta arrived at Innovation Works in December 2023, they brought with them more than their globally celebrated gluten-free pastas. They carried a set of values, sustainability, inclusivity, and social responsibility, that felt instantly at home in our community at Innovation Works. As a certified B-Corp and European leader in allergen-free, non-GMO food, their mission to nourish people and the planet resonated deeply with the nonprofits and social enterprises who call Innovation Works home.
A Landing Pad into Community
Andriani’s Canadian story began through the Forest City Landing Pad (FC Landing Pad), a program launched by the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and Pillar Nonprofit Network. The Landing Pad was designed to give new businesses a soft place to land, a short-term co-working setup where they could connect, collaborate, and explore their future in London. For Andriani, this partnership was more than logistics; it was the beginning of belonging.
“Welcoming Andriani to London was more than an economic win, it showed how collaboration across sectors creates inclusive growth. By combining LEDC’s economic vision, Pillar’s community connections, and Andriani’s values-driven investment, we created something bigger than the sum of its parts.”
— Kapil Lakhotia, President & CEO, LEDC
More Than Tenants, True Community Members
Being based at Innovation Works allowed Andriani to immerse themselves in the daily life of a vibrant downtown hub. Their staff were a constant and invaluable presence at Sidetrack Café, supporting a local socially conscious cafe that has been a gathering place for our community and joined co-tenants through Salad Club. These everyday interactions underscored the heart of why they fit so well here: they didn’t just work in the space, they became part of its fabric.
“Innovation Works was the perfect place for us to begin our journey in London. Surrounded by nonprofits and social enterprises that share our values, we felt welcomed and connected from the start."
— Carlo Stocco, Managing Director of North America, Andriani Pasta
The alignment was clear. Innovation Works is designed to house organizations committed to social and environmental good, and Andriani’s focus on healthy, inclusive food and sustainable production made them a natural fit. Their sustainability efforts are explicitly tied to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), reflecting a deep commitment to purpose-driven business. Their presence reinforced our community’s culture of collaboration, shared values, and collective impact.
“Welcoming Andriani into our space not only brought innovation and investment, but also infused our community with the spirit of sustainable, purpose-driven business. Their presence showed us how global companies can thrive when they choose to be in community with local changemakers.”
— Maureen Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer of Pillar Nonprofit Network
Looking Ahead
Now, Andriani is preparing to move into their permanent production facility in Innovation Park, North America’s first of its kind for the company. The facility will create new jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and mark a new chapter in their story.
While their co-tenant days at Innovation Works are ending, their impact and connections will remain. The relationships built here, across nonprofits, social enterprises, and community partners, will continue to endure.
We bid Andriani a warm farewell with gratitude for the way they embraced our community and excitement for all that lies ahead.