We're building a better workforce and you can be a part of it, Walmart is seeking homegrown products, and we review another successful industry conference.
The 2025 AFPA Industry Conference brought together over 165 attendees and 28 exhibitors from across Alberta’s food and beverage community for one of our most impactful events to date. With speakers representing industry, finance, policy, research, and branding, the conference offered a 360° view of the opportunities and pressures shaping the future of food and beverage processing in Alberta.
Throughout the day, panelists and presenters tackled critical issues—from inflation and global trade disruptions to regulatory changes, supply chain vulnerabilities, and labor challenges. Discussions focused not only on the risks facing processors today, but on the practical strategies and collaborative solutions needed to adapt and grow.
One of the standout sessions was Building Alberta’s Food Brands – The Power of Partnership & Innovation featuring Ric Williams from ZGM Modern Marketing. Ric took attendees behind the scenes of some of Alberta’s most recognizable brands—like Little Potato—sharing how creativity, strategic partnerships, and market insight are key to standing out in a crowded landscape. His session delivered valuable, real-world advice for both emerging food entrepreneurs and established manufacturers looking to expand their reach. Breakout sessions focused on topics like OHS Compliance, Food Fraud, New Food Labeling Regulations, Leveraging AI, and more.
Whether you missed a breakout or want to revisit the ideas shared, all conference presentations are now available on the AFPA website at https://www.afpa.com/afpa-industry-conference-sessions/. We encourage you to explore these resources and share them with your teams as you plan for the year ahead.
Join our Employer Working Group
Alberta’s food and beverage sector is facing critical labour shortages— and we’re doing something about it!
AFPA is making a new toolkit to help small and mid-sized companies hire and keep great workers, especially youth and newcomers. These toolkits will include easy tips on:
What skills are needed in the industry
How to find and welcome new team members
Onboarding & Workforce Integration skills to help new workers succeed and stay
We need your help!
Join our Employer Working Group to:
Tell us what tools would best support you during an interview
Test out the draft toolkit at your workplace
Give us your honest feedback
Reach out to melody@afpa.com to join the Employer Working Group.
No big time commitment required — just your ideas and support.
This project is brought to you by the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada, working together to support Alberta jobs.
Let’s build a strong, skilled workforce for the future — together!
Call for Nominations: Join the AFPA Board of Directors
Help shape the future of Alberta’s food and beverage industry.
AFPA's success is due, in large part, to the dedication and quality leadership of our Board. We encourage you to stand for election and assist our continued growth and achievement. AFPA's bylaws involve an open call for nominations from the membership. This includes self-nomination.
Board commitment:
Approximately 4 meetings per year for a 2 year term.
Please be advised there is the potential for additional committee involvement.
Eligibility: All Board nominees are required to meet the following minimum eligibility requirements
Nominee must be an AFPA member in good standing
No prior conviction of any offence under the Criminal Code of Canada for which no pardon has been issued.
Election Information: (please submit the following along with this completed form)
Biography
Candidate’s Statement – describing why you want to join the AFPA Board of Directors
List of all Boards which you are currently serving on
Walmart seeks homegrown products with first-ever Canada Growth Summit
Applications open April 9, 2025
This event offers Canadian suppliers and entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast the opportunity to pitch their products directly to Walmart Canada's merchants and be listed with the retailer. Invited suppliers will also be offered the opportunity to join Walmart Canada’s online Marketplace, with dedicated onboarding support. Most categories are accepted with the exception of: cigarettes/tobacco; pharmaceutical drugs; smoking accessories; animal health; hemp; and products with the following ingredients – USPs, description or name that include CBD or Cannabis.
All companies that submit by the deadline will receive an email confirming their submission after the application period closes. If your product and company meet Walmart’s criteria, they will extend a meeting invitation, outlining which category and product was selected, if appropriate.
Applications open on April 9 and close on May 9, 2025. Interested Canadian suppliers can apply via RangeMe. Those selected to participate in the Summit will be invited on June 5.
Deerfoot Inn and Casino, Calgary | June 25, 2025 - Save the date!
These are your opportunities to stay ahead, connect with industry leaders, and ensure your business thrives in these challenging times! Join us to celebrate the best of Alberta’s food and beverage industry! We’ll be recognizing outstanding food and beverage products from across the province with multiple categories ranging from meats, growers, prepared meals, condiments and sauces, and sweets & candy to local beer, spirits,non-alcoholic beverages, and more.
Submissions open soon, so watch your email next week for more details.
Where Does Canada Stand in the Global Agri-Food Race?
Join MNP & Food and Beverage Canada for a free webinar on May 12 to explore Canada’s global ranking—and how we can lead the future of food.
We know that Canada’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in both our economy and our communities. But do you know where it ranks on a global scale?
MNP dug into this question in our Global Agri-Food Most Influential Nations Ranking report, a study commissioned through the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Now, we’ll be taking a deeper look at the key takeaways from this report in an upcoming webinar, Made in Canada: Strengthening our Food and Beverage Industry for Global Success.
Co-hosted by MNP and Food and Beverage Canada, our speakers will be sharing their insights on the report findings, as well as discussing the ways Canada’s agri-food sector can stay competitive.
Why attend
This panel-style webinar will feature Matt MacDonald, MBA (MNP), Dr. Sylvain Charlebois (Dalhousie University), Kristina Farrell (Food and Beverage Canada), and Bianca Parsons (Alberta Food Processors Association). Together, they’ll be exploring:
Opportunities for Canada to bridge the gap with other G20 countries
What our current ranking means for the future of food
How to better position ourselves against trade challenges and a changing geopolitical context
Impact on regions
Impact on innovation and investment
Don’t miss this session that digs into Canada’s global ranking and what it means for entrepreneurialism, innovation, regulations, and our country’s ability to compete.
If you have questions or need help registering, please reach out to Roshanaa Krishnamoorthy at R.Krishnamoorthy@mnp.ca
Culture at the Table: Empowering Food & Beverage Leaders
Next session: May 5 & 6
Join an exclusive mentorship program designed for ambitious Canadian food and beverage brands that are interested in exploring the U.S. market.
Culture at the Table connects Canadian food and beverage innovators with industry experts and peers. Through in-person meetings, virtual sessions, and access to top-tier market insights, members get the tools and support needed to overcome real business challenges.
Program Highlights
In-Person Meetings
Two intensive 1.5-day sessions per year
Small Cohorts
Only 10–15 manufacturers per group for focused learning
Expert-Led Sessions
Sessions guided by leading food and beverage professionals
Year-Round Support
Virtual meetings, resources, and ongoing mentor support
Why Join Culture at the Table?
Unlock Over $10,000 in Value, including:
Funding Forward Membership
Personalized funding reports and grant opportunities
Harvest Hub Subscription
U.S. retailer database with buyer contacts and store data
IQ Reports
Industry-specific market insights and performance data
FoodBevy.com Membership
Access to tools, discounts, and a 4,000+ member founder network
Expert Network Access
Connections to top industry leaders and service providers
Here at AFPA, we recognize that effective health and safety practices begin with proper training. We offer an extensive list of course offerings throughout the year, with discounted rates for AFPA members. Our new website makes it easier than ever to find and register for a course online. Visit www.afpa.com/workplace-safety-courses to get started today!
Upcoming Course Dates (Virtual - Instructor led training):
HS Committee or Rep 'Technical Rules' - Apr 30
Hazard Assessment & Control - May 7
OHS Roles & Responsibilities for Managers/Supervisors - May 14
This session covers the role of employers in supporting safe and timely return-to-work programs, how effective disability management can reduce both downtime and premiums, and the importance of fostering a culture of occupational health and safety.
Key Topics Include:
The importance of OHS in protecting worker well-being and supporting Alberta’s economy
The role of WCB in partnering to reduce workplace illness and injury
In collaboration with the Government of Alberta and the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), AFPA acts as a certifying partner and offers employers training in building a health & safety management system to achieve their Certificate of Recognition (COR) or Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR).
Having a COR offers many benefits, all employers who are involved in the program can earn rebates of up to 20% on their industry rate. By maintaining a COR, you are demonstrating that your health and safety management programs are effective and effective programs have been proven to have an impact on injury reduction. By reducing or eliminating entirely workplace injuries you can become an industry leader. Some corporations may require bidding contractors to hold a valid COR.
AFPA is here to help achieve your COR your simply assist with your day to day workplace safety needs (regardless of COR).
Regulatory Harmonization: A Path Forward for COR Certification - Peter Spence
AuditSoft VP of Partnerships, Peter Spence, explores why adopting the Harmonized COR audit tool is a logical next step. A national standard would reduce admin burdens, ensure consistent safety standards, improve contractor prequalification, and enable better data for continuous improvement. Read Peter's Article →
HACCP Training
Upcoming Dates
Introduction to HACCP - May 13 & 14 | July 15 & 16
This hands-on course is designed to provide food industry professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, a globally recognized approach to managing food safety hazards.
HACCP Team Training - June 17 | September 16
This course is designed to provide participants with the essential knowledge required to develop and implement a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system. This interactive, intensive four-hour course is tailored to meet the needs of professionals in the food industry who are part of the HACCP or food safety team.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of participation, confirming their ability to contribute to the development and maintenance of an effective HACCP system.
In-house training is available upon request as well as dates for BRC training contact AFPA.
Missed an issue? No worries! Every past edition of AFPA in ACTION is available online, packed with must-know industry insights, trends, and expert analysis. Don't miss out—explore now!Browse past issues:AFPA in ACTION
AFPA Food Futures Program
Did you know AFPA's Food Futures program offers employer wage subsidies of 50% (up to $5,000) to hire current post-secondary students and recent grads (within 6 months)? Placements can be in any area relevant to the industry including: food science, agriculture, accounting, human resources, IT, safety, engineering, and marketing.
Now is the time to plan your summer placements! Take advantage of this funding before its gone. The current funding model for this program concludes September 30, 2025.
Have you checked out AFPA's co-packing portal, AB Food Connect? This is a great resource for companies looking to connect with co-packers across the province as well as co-packers or processors with extra capacity.
Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA), c/o 5123 Marian Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2A 2Y1, Canada, 403-201-3657
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