au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 11, No.2, February 2007
Top Stories
- Long overdue regulatory reform draws national attention
FCPC, as part of the, Canadian Manufacturing Coalition has garnered national attention that Canada's current regulatory environment is impeding the country's manufacturing sector. On February 6, the House of Commons Industry Standing Committee released its report which contains a number of key recommendations important to the food and consumer products industry including the implementation of a "smart regulations" strategy. In addition, the report calls for a number of fiscal measures such as a two-year accelerated capital cost allowance (CCA) for investments in information, energy and environmental capital assets, as well as R&D and skills training tax credits.
FCPC participated in a news conference and issued a news release which were picked-up in The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star and The Hamilton Spectator. An article also appeared on the CBC website. A report entitled Manufacturing Our Future-Competing to Win, has been prepared by the industry coalition to highlight the challenges facing industry. To request hard copies of the report, send an email to Toni Amato, Communications Officer at tonia@fcpc.ca.
- Health Canada releases revised Food Guide; food industry offering more "healthier for you" options
Earlier this month, the Minister of Health unveiled Health Canada's revised Food Guide (and supplementary pages) focused on the same intent as the original version from 1942: guiding food selection to promote the nutritional health of Canadians.
The announcement of the guide created a timely opportunity for industry to profile its developments around "healthier for you options" and nutrition education as outlined in FCPC's national report The Canadian Food and Beverage Industry: Committed to Healthy Active Living.
- 15th Annual Foodservice Interchange Conference looks at foodservice trends
Acclaimed demographer Dr. David Foot was joined by international food consultant and former Editor of McCall's magazine, Dr. A. Elizabeth Sloan; Editor and Publisher of Foodservice and Hospitality magazine, Rosanna Caira; market research experts NPD and foodservice operators Sir Corp., and Dairy Queen that helped highlight what Canadians have been eating out of the home, and offered a preview of what's to come as we age, and continue to embrace new cultures, flavours and dining concepts.
Highlights of the conference were featured in a Canadian Press story which ran in Edmonton Journal, Calgary Herald, Times Colonist, The Record, and was highlighted on the CBC website and in the trade publication Ontario Farmer. Additional articles will be featured in upcoming editions of Ontario Restaurant news and Bakers Journal.
- FCPC submits considerations to Health Canada on five U.S. health claims considered for use in Canada
FCPC submitted comments to Health Canada on its position paper on five U.S. health claims reviewed for potential use in Canada. FCPC continues to support the use of evidence-based health claims as an important source of information for consumers and a marketing tool for industry. Read FCPC's submission. [Members only] - Unsaleables refrigerated pilot complete
FCPC and CCGD have recently completed work on the unsaleables refrigerated pilot which analyzed root causes of damage in this category. The pilot ran for three months and included over 150 stores in the Ontario and Alberta markets. For more information contact Elaine Smith (416) 510-8024 ext. 2231. - RFID pilot complete; functionality assessment to be available in March
Field work on the Canadian Industry RFID Pilot was completed in December. The results of the pilot, which involved manufacturing facilities as well as retail distribution centres and stores, is being reviewed by pilot participants. An industry report examining the RFID business case as well as functionality assessment will be available by March. Member companies and suppliers are encouraged to revisit the Canadian RFID Centre to learn more about the pilot outcomes. For more information on fees and to book a visit. [Members only]
Other News
- Reminder: Funding available to support food traceability in Ontario—Application due March 16
Funding is available through Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) for growers, primary producers and food processors interested in implementing a traceability system in their facility through direct grants and pilot projects. For application forms and program guidelines, refer to the OMAFRA website or by phone at 1-866-641-3663 or email: FSI.omafra@ontario.ca. - New report: Moving Forward on Vision and Action for Canadian Agriculture available now
The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI), of which FCPC is a member, recently released the position paper Moving Forward on Vision and Action for Canadian Agriculture. The paper provides a perspective on the future operating environment that will affect the agriculture and food sector, offers a future direction for agriculture and agri-business and highlights strategies that can help achieve the proposed direction. CAPI will be making a presentation to federal, provincial and territorial Assistant Deputy Ministers and will submit the paper to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as part of the Next Generation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Policy consultations process currently underway. - Supply chain committee pursues goal to understand human resources needs for supply chain
Supply Chain & Logistics Canada (SCL), formerly the Canadian Association of Supply Chain & Logistics Management, is in the process of trying to advance the logistics and supply chain profession in Canada through a comprehensive program of education, research and networking opportunities. The supply chain profession is growing an estimated 4-5% each year, requiring 86,000 new people every year to fill openings. The government has taken notice and is looking to improve the profile and importance of this profession. As well, Wilfred Laurier University, Université Laval and Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning are offering supply chain degree programs dedicated to the profession. For more information.
FCPC Event Report
Upcoming Events...Don't Miss Out
- State of the Industry: Food & Beverage Benchmarking Forum Brought to you by Guelph Food Technology Centre, FCPC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Deliotte, George Morris Centre and RBC
March 29-30, 2007 at the Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton, ON
The two-day conference looks at Canada's productivity and winning corporate strategies for the Canadian food and agri-products industry in light of Canada's innovation stifling regulatory systems, poor value chain management and resource issues. The program includes Nancy Croitoru, President & CEO, Elaine Smith, Senior VP Industry Affairs, Gemma Zecchini, Senior VP Public Policy of FCPC and members Allan Cosman, President & CEO, Ferrero Canada Ltd., John Pigott, President & CEO, Morrison Lamothe and Fred Schaeffer, President & CEO, McCain Foods Canada. For more information and to register. - Executive Breakfast with Bill McEwan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sobeys Inc., presented in partnership with CCGD
April 19, 2007 at the Mississauga Convention Centre
Join us for Bill McEwan's insight on the Sobeys organization as well as his perspective on key industry issues. Don't miss this chance to hear about opportunities for growth and supplier best practices. For more information and to register. - National Grocery Conference, Presented by FCPC and CCGD
May 26-28, 2007 at the Ottawa Congress Centre
Insight, innovation, international and inspiration are key themes of this year's national grocery conference. The annual conference is well attended by more than 800 industry delegates and features prominent speakers who will focus on key industry issues. For more information and to register.
Hold the date for this upcoming FCPC event
- Technical Briefing: Dietary sodium as a public health issue for Canadians—a collaborative approach to shaping policy
March 27, 2007, location TBD
This briefing is intended to help shape public policy in support of understanding the role of dietary sodium in the prevention and management of hypertension. The briefing will also look at the challenges and potential solutions for successful management of dietary sodium levels in Canadians. More details coming soon.
Upcoming Industry Event
- OMAFRA HACCP ADVANTAGE™ EXPO 2007
March 20-21 at the Doubletree International Plaza Hotel, Toronto Airport
Attend OMAFRA's fourth annual conference and tradeshow devoted to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) training for Ontario food processors. You will: learn how to implement GMPs and HACCP in your operation with hands-on workshops; network with others in the industry to create new business relationships; find solutions to your food safety challenges; and be a leader in food safety by acquiring the skills and resources you need to succeed. For more information and to register.
Welcome to FCPC
FCPC would like to welcome our newest affiliate member Faye Clack Communications Inc.
- Faye Clack Communications Inc. is a niche public relations agency specializing in strategic communications for the food and food-related industries across Canada, from raw commodity to branded product, from growers, retailers, chefs and foodservice organizations to related equipment. Our experience in the food industry has gained us a reputation for understanding every link in the distribution chain, from producer and manufacturer right through to consumer. We influence consumer food and food-related choices through targeted communications programs executed via a variety of tactics/vehicles, including media, promotions, merchandising and trade relations.
FCPC People in the News
- Elaine Smith, Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs to retire after 34 years in the industry
Elaine Smith, Senior Vice President Industry Affairs has made the difficult decision to retire from FCPC after 34 years in the food and consumer products industry and eight years at FCPC.
She has made tremendous contributions to the industry during her tenure at FCPC, first as a member, a board member and most recently in her role as SVP Industry Affairs. Among her many achievements, Elaine played a pivotal role in building collaborative solutions on key industry initiatives to ensure a more efficient and positive business environment for our members and industry stakeholders. She has also been critical in providing forward thinking to the industry and to the Association and has been our member's key advocate to the trade.
Elaine is respected and admired by FCPC members, senior trading partners, stakeholders and FCPC staff. Regarded as a partner, trusted advisor, colleague and friend, by many, Elaine's insight, humor and practical knowledge will be sorely missed by an industry upon which she has left an indelible mark. Elaine will help FCPC transition to the end of June. Please join us in wishing Elaine many wonderful times ahead.
People in the News
- Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages appoints Andy Bayfield to the position of Vice President and General Manager, Canada
In this newly created role, Andy will oversee the entire Canadian beverage business, leading both the sales and marketing teams. Andy joined Cadbury Beverages Canada Inc. in 1991 as a sales representative and has held numerous positions of progressing responsibility, most recently as Vice President Sales for the juice and drinks division.
Member in the News
- McCormick Canada buys Fish Crisp
McCormick Canada has expanded its seafood offering with the purchase of Jacksons Point, Ontario-based Fish Crisp Enterprises Inc. The company is excited about expanding its seafood offering and building on the success of Fish Crisp Enterprises, which generates annual sales of about $1.5 million. - Unilever Canada & Invest in Kids partnership recognized by Imagine Canada
Unilever Canada and Invest in Kids, a national charity helping parents support the healthy development of children from birth to age five, have won an honourable mention in the Imagine Canada's 2006 Business and Community Partnership Awards for the Welcome to Parenting Box program. The awards program was created by Imagine Canada to recognize partnerships between businesses and charitable or nonprofit organizations that strengthen and support Canadian communities. - FCPC members recognized on list of '100 Best Corporate Citizens' for 2007 by US Magazine CRO
Listed on the top 100 for their best practices in corporate responsibility include 3M Co., Colgate-Palmolive Co., Heinz Co., Kellogg Co., Kimberly-Clark, Pepsi Co., Starbucks Coffee Co. and Wrigley Co.
Industry Making Headlines
- Canadian regulations hamper functional food innovation (NutraUSAIngredients.com, February 7, 2007)
A Canadian industry association has singled out functional foods as a potentional savior of the country's manufacturing sector. However, it insists Canada will miss out on this unless its heavy regulatory environment is loosened. - Tax breaks urged to help industry (London Free Press, February 7, 2007)
Business groups yesterday called for the federal government to act quickly on a Commons committee report that recommends tax breaks aimed at boosting industry competitiveness and helping to offset rising costs. - Le secteur manufacturier salue le rapport unanime du comité de l'industrie (Canadian Press, February 6, 2007)
Le secteur manufacturier a salué mardi un rapport unanime du comité permanent de l'industrie, qui recommande notamment de faciliter l'investissement en capital et d'accroître les crédits d'impôt pour la recherche, afin de préserver des emplois dans la fabrication.