Processing businesses form new organization

January 16, 2018, Mississauga, Ont. – A group of Canadian food and beverage manufacturers have formed a new organization.

Food & Beverage Canada (F&BC) will work to be the national voice for this vital sector of Canada’s economy.

The organization is a collection of seven regional food and beverage manufacturing associations plus leading industry and stakeholder members. 

It will work with governments to shape public policy and industry actions. In a press release, F&BC outlined some of its top priorities. They include:

• Ensuring smart regulations that serve the public interest while maintaining a competitive environment;
• Building a healthier, more sustainable and ethical food system;
• Promoting innovation in food and beverage manufacturing processes and practices;
• Creating global trade opportunities for products;
• Protecting and informing consumers while enabling consumer choice; and
• Providing skilled jobs and rewarding employment for Canadians.

The founding board of directors is comprised of the following executive members:

• Co-Chairs: Michael Burrows, CEO, Maple Lodge Farms & Daniel Vielfaure, Managing Director, Bonduelle Americas Long Life
• Vice Chair: Sylvie Cloutier, CEO, Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ)
• Secretary: Rosemary MacLellan, VP Strategy & Industry Affairs, Gay Lea Foods
• Treasurer: Joe Makowecki, President & CEO, Heritage Frozen Foods
• Director at Large: Rory McAlpine, Sr. VP, Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods