Podcast
Food and Beverage Processor Forum
Hosted by Food and Beverage Ontario · ENGLISH
The Food and Beverage Processor Forum is tailored to food and beverage processors across Ontario, facilitating expert discussion on anything from emerging consumer trends to addressing the industry’s labour challenges.
The Food and Beverage Processor Forum is brought to you by Food and Beverage Ontario.
14episodes
Episodes
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Talking Tariffs: Ontario Trade Delegation Returns from Washington
Apr 1700:39:18Tap to summarizeWhat's the state of play on CUSMA? Chris Conway is back from Washington, where he joined an Ontario Chamber of Commerce trade delegation meeting with U.S. senators from both parties, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, industry representatives, and Canada's new ambassador, Mark Wiseman. The delegation visited Washington to advance core priorities critical to industry and the preservation of our shared tri-lateral trade agreement. Stable, reliable, rules-based trade is deeply integrated into the North American economy. In the midst of per-negotiations for the July 1 CUSMA review, leaders from the Ontario government and critical sectors such as energy, life sciences, manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry, held discussions focused on safeguarding supply chains, protecting jobs, and ensuring CUSMA continues to deliver prosperity across borders. In this episode, Chris walks us through what he heard on the ground. We'll talk about where CUSMA negotiations stand ahead of review, the potential scenarios to come from a new agreement, lingering pressures from Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, how processors can get engaged through FBO's advocacy work, and more. About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/ FBO Annual Conference - May 27, 2026 Interested in attending the FBO Annual Conference in Toronto? For event details and to register, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/events/2026-fbo-annual-conference/
Transcribe →How AI Vision Is Looking To Transform Food Manufacturing
May 2200:54:07Tap to summarizeAI vision isn’t just for tech giants anymore. It’s on the processing floor, inspecting products, spotting safety risks, and even flagging maintenance issues before they lead to costly down-time. In this episode of The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, FBO sits down with Jeff Hetherington, Head of Project Development at Maneva.ai, to explore how AI vision systems are being integrated directly into food and beverage manufacturing facilities— and what it means for safety, efficiency, and the future of food processing. We cover: What AI vision actually is and how it works in a processing environment Real-world examples of how processors are using AI vision for quality control, equipment monitoring, and plant safety The surprising ways AI can reduce waste and improve sustainability How accessible is this new technology to small and mid-sized businesses What’s coming next — from augmented reality to real-time performance optimizations The most surprising AI applications aren’t in the lab — they’re already on the line. Jeff Hetherington – Head of Project Development With over 30 years of leadership experience in the food and beverage industry across both retail and manufacturing, Jeff brings deep operational expertise and a proven track record of driving continuous improvement. His career spans key roles at JM Schneider, Maple Leaf Foods, and Sofina Foods, where he led initiatives in cost reduction, plant optimization, and Lean Six Sigma implementation—delivering over $2 million in savings. A seasoned plant manager and mentor, Jeff is passionate about tackling the labor and operational challenges facing the industry today. Now at Maneva, he leads innovative AI-driven projects aimed at transforming food manufacturing through technology. linkedin.com/in/jeff-hetherington-a7047a244 About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/
Transcribe →Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Ontario's Food & Beverage Industry
Apr 9, 202501:32:18Tap to summarizeIn the complex world of international trade, U.S. tariffs have cast a long shadow of uncertainty over industry, including Ontario's food and beverage processing sector. To shed light on this issue and support the resilience of Ontario processors, FBO hosted "Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Ontario's Food & Beverage Industry." The webinar was a major success, and we've captured it here for our listeners. The conversation focuses on the challenges and uncertainties facing the Canadian economy, particularly in light of US tariffs. Experts discuss the impact of these tariffs on consumer confidence, business investment, and the overall economic landscape. They emphasize the need for Canada to diversify its trade relationships, address inter-provincial trade barriers, and improve productivity to navigate these uncertain times effectively. Speakers: Chris Conway – CEO, Food and Beverage Ontario Doug Alexander – VP Sustainability and Government Relations, Belmont Food Group Dr. Sylvain Charlebois – Professor & Senior Director, Agri-Food Analytics Lab Pierre Cleroux – VP, Research & Chief Economist, BDC About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/
Transcribe →From Scurvy to Food Security: In Conversation with Doug Alexander and the Food Professor
Nov 11, 202400:43:30Tap to summarizeWelcome back to another episode of the food and beverage processor forum. In this segment, we're joined by two prominent voices in the food and beverage processing space: Doug Alexander, Vice President of Sustainability and Government Relations at Belmont Food Group, and Canadian Researcher and the renown "Food Professor", Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, Director of Agri-Food Analytics at Dalhousie University. Together with your hosts, Doug and Sylvain dive into the ongoing food-related issues affecting Ontarians today, including the rising demand for affordable food, increased reliance on food banks, and evolving consumer trust. Tune-in for an episode uncovering critical intersections between food affordability, regulatory compliance, and the pressures of balancing sustainable practices with economic realities, offering an insightful glimpse into Canada’s evolving food system. About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/
Transcribe →Cybersecurity in the Food and Beverage Processing Industry (Part 2)
Oct 1, 202400:37:54Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, we continue with part 2 of our discussion on cybersecurity in the food and beverage processing industry. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, so do the threats to businesses—especially those at the core of our nation’s critical infrastructure. With the rise of automation and advanced technologies in food processing, understanding and preparing for cyber risks has never been more important. Today, we are joined by three leading experts who help us navigate this complex and ever-changing terrain: Terry T, from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s (CSIS) Toronto Region Cyber Investigations Unit, brings nearly 20 years of experience as an Intelligence Officer. Terry leads CSIS’s Strategic Partnerships and Engagement efforts throughout Southern Ontario and the GTA, working with critical infrastructure providers to strengthen cyber resiliency. Dave Nixon, President and co-founder of ONYX Engineering, has over 33 years of experience in plant and process automation, controls, and modernization. As a leading voice in Operational Technology Cybersecurity, Dave provides expert insights into protecting plant controls and network communication systems. Danny Pehar, a cybersecurity expert with more than 20 years of industry experience and a member of the Forbes Technology Council, is the architect of the Cybercrime Equation. Danny works closely with both the Toronto Police and FBI cyber task forces to help businesses fortify their defenses against cyberattacks. In this discussion, we explore why Canadian critical infrastructure, including Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, is a prime target for cyber threats. We’ll discuss the evolving nature of these threats, real-world examples of significant cybersecurity incidents, and provide practical advice on preparedness, training, and incident response.
Transcribe →Cybersecurity in the Food and Beverage Processing Industry (Part 1)
Sep 23, 202400:45:19Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, we tackle the critical and timely topic of cybersecurity in the food and beverage processing industry. As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, so do the threats to businesses—especially those at the core of our nation’s critical infrastructure. With the rise of automation and advanced technologies in food processing, understanding and preparing for cyber risks has never been more important. Today, we are joined by three leading experts who help us navigate this complex and ever-changing terrain: Terry T, from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s (CSIS) Toronto Region Cyber Investigations Unit, brings nearly 20 years of experience as an Intelligence Officer. Terry leads CSIS’s Strategic Partnerships and Engagement efforts throughout Southern Ontario and the GTA, working with critical infrastructure providers to strengthen cyber resiliency. Dave Nixon, President and co-founder of ONYX Engineering, has over 33 years of experience in plant and process automation, controls, and modernization. As a leading voice in Operational Technology Cybersecurity, Dave provides expert insights into protecting plant controls and network communication systems. Danny Pehar, a cybersecurity expert with more than 20 years of industry experience and a member of the Forbes Technology Council, is the architect of the Cybercrime Equation. Danny works closely with both the Toronto Police and FBI cyber task forces to help businesses fortify their defenses against cyberattacks. In this episode, we explore why Canadian critical infrastructure, including Ontario’s food and beverage manufacturing sector, is a prime target for cyber threats. We’ll discuss the evolving nature of these threats, real-world examples of significant cybersecurity incidents, and provide practical advice on preparedness, training, and incident response. This is Part 1 of our cybersecurity series. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week as we dive even deeper into how businesses can bolster their defenses and mitigate cyber risks.
Transcribe →Advocacy 101: Empowering Ontario's Food and Beverage Processing Industry
Jul 22, 202401:05:20Tap to summarizeWelcome to another episode of The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, the podcast where we explore the foremost issues that matter to food and beverage processing businesses in Ontario. We have a great episode for you today as we delve into everybody's favourite topic, political advocacy. For businesses in the industry, understanding how to effectively engage in political advocacy can be the key to driving positive change not just for you, but also for the industry at large. And effective advocacy can be employed in a number of ways, to influence policy decisions, remove red tape and barriers, build relationships with policy makers, protect business interests, drive change and innovation within the industry, address existential challenges such as labour shortages, and so much more. Today, we are joined by two familiar figures within the field of political advocacy, who will shed light on how to take your first steps into advocating for your interests. Our first guest is not quite a guest at all, but rather my colleague and co-host, Christopher Conway, the CEO of Food and Beverage Ontario. Christopher brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the food and beverage sector in Ontario. He has a proven track record of fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders and driving growth and innovation. Chris has over 20 years experience in advocacy, government relations, and communications. He's been a panelist and speaker at numerous conferences in Canada and internationally. This includes making deputations in front of all three levels of government: municipal, provincial and federal. He's worked in industry associations since 2004, and prior to taking the reins at FBO spent three years as President of Concrete Ontario as well as CEO of Career Colleges Ontario. He also worked on Parliament Hill for six years. During that time, he worked with legislative and regulatory issues for MPs and Ministers including in the office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. Our second guest is Kristina Farrell, the CEO of Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC). Kristina has an impressive background in government relations and agri-food policy, recognized as one of The Hill Times Top 100 Lobbyists for 2023. In addition to her role, some of you may recognize her work in advocating for significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers Program that benefit the industry. Prior to her current role at FBC, Kristina spent 7 years at Temple Scott Associates, starting as a consultant in 2017 and later becoming the Director (Government and Public Relations). At Temple Scott, she developed and executed government relations and public affairs strategies for a number of organizations, including Food and Beverage Canada, Chicken Farmers of Canada, the Canadian Association for Neuroscience, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, just to name a few. This in addition to severing as Food and Beverage Canada's Director of Communications. Prior to her time at Temple Scott, Kristina worked as a Junior Analyst for the United Nations (UN) division of Global Affairs Canada. In today's episode, we'll discuss the importance of political advocacy, the steps businesses can take to get started, and the resources available to support these efforts. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities that come with engaging in the legislative process and how to effectively communicate your business needs to policymakers. About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/ About Food and Beverage Canada FBC-ABC is the national industry association representing Canada’s domestic food and beverage manufacturers. Representing more than 1,500 food and beverage manufacturing businesses across the country, its members include Canada’s six provincial and regional food and beverage manufacturing associations as well as leading Canadian food and beverage companies. To learn more about Food and Beverage Canada, visit https://fbc-abc.com/
Transcribe →From Vision to Impact: The Evolution of CareersNOW!
May 14, 202401:01:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Food and Beverage Processor Forum, we explore the evolution of CareersNOW!, a workforce initiative by Food and Beverage Ontario that connects jobseekers with leading food and beverage processing employers across the province. Originating as the TasteYourFuture awareness campaign in 2013, CareersNOW! has evolved into a full-fledged employment platform, providing free job fairs, skills training, mentorship, and recruitment resources. Today, CareersNOW! has evolved to take on a scale and scope never before seen in Ontario's food and beverage processing industry. Partnering with over 50 organizations, CareersNOW! is supporting the industry's workforce by facilitating meaningful connections and employment opportunities. Join us as we welcome Isabel Dopta, Program Director of CareersNOW!, and Nicole Gallace, founder of FoodGrads. We'll delve into the program's expansive journey from a conventional industry awareness campaign to a vital province-wide initiative, highlighting the strategic developments that have enabled CareersNOW! to deliver unprecedented support in addressing the sector's pressing demand for new hires. About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/
Transcribe →Recycling Reimagined: Unpacking Ontario’s Producer-Responsibility Framework
Oct 12, 202300:45:44Tap to summarizeWelcome to The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, brought to you by Food and Beverage Ontario. Today, we delve into a pivotal transition in Ontario's waste management landscape. On July 1, 2023, Ontario communities embarked on a shift towards a new producer-responsibility framework, a transition set to encompass the entire province by December 31, 2025. We'll dissect the operational, management, and financial facets of this transition for producers, alongside the merits this new model presents for Ontarians and the business sector. With us today to help breakdown this topic are: - Michelle Axbey, Senior Compliance Officer, and Mary Cummins, Registrar, both from the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA). - Shane Buckingham, Principal at Apex Policy Inc. and former Strategic Communications and Producer Relations Lead at Circular Materials. About RPRA The Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA) is the official body designated by Ontario's government to enforce circular economy laws, aiming to transition towards a waste-free Ontario since its establishment in November 2016. The RPRA administers two critical acts, the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016 (RRCEA), and the Waste Diversion Transition Act, 2016 (WDTA), guiding the termination and transition of legacy waste diversion programs. Additionally, it assists businesses in adhering to individual producer responsibility (IPR) requirements, expanding its digital reporting services in 2019 to cover a broader range of waste and resource recovery programs. Website: https://rpra.ca/ About Circular Materials Circular Materials is a national non-profit organization in Canada, aiding producers in fulfilling their extended producer responsibility regulations. They focus on advancing the circular economy by ensuring materials are collected, recycled, and reutilized in new products and packaging. The organization offers a range of services including recycling program design, implementation, and support across Canada, alongside managing the recycling supply chain operations, producer registration and reporting, and various other aspects to enhance recycling systems and adhere to regulatory requirements Learn More: https://www.circularmaterials.ca/
Transcribe →From Paychecks to Profits: A Deep Dive into Financial Well-Being
Aug 15, 202301:12:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Food and Beverage Processor Forum, we explore the crucial topic of financial well-being. Discover why money-related stress is a major concern for Canadians, how it affects work performance, and the significant impact on businesses' bottom line. Join us as we delve into strategies to alleviate this stress and promote financial health among employees. In the second half of the show, we zoom out to assess financial well-being as it relates to individual businesses, small to large and thriving or at risk. We discuss strategies for growth, stability, and safeguarding against financial risks. Kevin McCarthy, EnRiched Academy Joining us on the pod today is Kevin McCarthy. Kevin is the former chief of staff to Jim Flaherty, a past director with Scotiabank, as well as a former senior advisor at Foresight Strategic Advisors. Today, Kevin is the head of corporations and institutions at EnRiched Academy. They provide financial education through online training courses and live events that focus on the fundamentals of effectively managing money, spending and investing. https://www.enrichedacademy.com/ Matt MacDonald, MNP In the latter half, we'll pivot to discuss the broader financial well-being of businesses in the food and beverage processing sector. For this, we’ll bring in Matt MacDonald from MNP. As the National Leader of MNP's Food and Beverage Processing practice, Matt will shed light on strategies businesses can employ to promote financial stability and growth, as well as protect itself from financial risks both seen and unseen. https://www.mnp.ca/ Matt.MacDonald@MNP.ca About Food and Beverage Ontario Food and Beverage Ontario is a not-for-profit leadership organization dedicated to advancing the interests of Ontario's food and beverage processors. The organization's focus is on the success, prosperity and growth of the food and beverage processing sector - a $40 billion industry and a major contributor to the province's economy. To learn more about Food and Beverage Ontario, visit https://foodandbeverageontario.ca/
Transcribe →