au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 11, No.6, June-July 2007
Top Stories
Trans fat timelines announced: Industry progress continues toward reduction
In response to the Trans Fat Task Force recommendations Health Canada announced timelines and specifics around the voluntary reduction of Trans fats in processed foods sold in Canada. The new guidelines, announced June 20, 2007, set forth a two-year window for industry to voluntarily complete the removal of industrial trans fats to no more than two per cent of the total fat content for vegetable oils and soft, spreadable margarines and five per cent of the total fat content for all other foods). Health Canada's announcement acknowledges the strides industry has made to voluntary reduce and remove Trans fats from the Canadian food supply. These efforts are chronicled in the FCPC report: Committed to Healthy, Active Living.
Industry works with BC Government to implement Vending Machines regulations
Effective immediately, new guidelines have been announced with respect to what foods and beverages may be placed in vending machines located in provincially owned or leased buildings including hospitals, universities and colleges in the province of BC. On behalf of the industry, FCPC and Refreshments Canada have met with the responsible Ministers to determine the new policy's scope and timing. FCPC continues to work with government regulators on behalf of industry to help bring to Canadians proactive solutions supporting healthy active living.
Elaine Smith to receive Golden Pencil Award
Elaine Smith, who recently retired from FCPC as Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs, has been selected to receive the Golden Pencil Award. Established in 1957, the award is one of the industry's highest honours, and as a recipient, Elaine joins a distinguished list of leaders in Canada's manufacturing and retail industry. Elaine is also only the sixth person from an association or trade magazine within the industry to receive the award. Presented in November by the Food Industry Association of Canada, the award honours individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Canadian food industry.
Upcoming Events
FCPC's CEOs' Conference sponsorship available
FCPC's CEOs' Conference will take place September 27-28. This by-invitation event provides excellent sponsorship opportunities. Among the sponsorship benefits are two complimentary tickets to the by-invitation only event. Please contact Andrea Holmes at FCPC at andreah@fcpc.ca or at 416-510-8024 ext 2236 to find out about available opportunities.
FCPC's 4 x 4 Summit at Mississauga Convention Centre (September 12)
"Four generations and four key issues" — If you're not sure what the hot key issues are in HR for the consumer products, food and beverage industry, you'll want to be sure to attend FCPC's upcoming HR Summit. Authors of "Loyalty Unplugged: How to Get, Keep & Grow All Four Generation's" Giselle Kovary, & Adwoa Buahene, will join Managing partners of n-gen People Performance Inc., along with leading experts in the field of recruitment and human rights. Take advantage of the early bird registration and contact Heather Spencer at heather.spencer@fcpc.ca or at 416-510-8024 ext 2237.
FCPC to host industry Table top Pandemic Session
Industry preparedness is critical beyond having a pandemic plan; it requires sharing of issues and solutions by industry stakeholders. This process needs to take place well ahead of any potential pandemic as solutions require significant advance planning. This October, FCPC will host a Pandemic Planning executive table top exercise for members and retailers to identify critical issues and possible solutions in the event of a pandemic. For more information, contact Lesley McKeever at lesleym@fcpc.ca or at 416-510-8024 ext 2231.
International Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo (July 28-Aug 01)
The IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo is the only event that brings together professionals from the many disciplines involved in food science and technology for scientific education, networking, and career development. This summer, more than 23,000 top food science and industry professionals from around the world will convene in Chicago to learn about the latest sound science, trends, and product developments in the food industry. For more information.
Save the Date for Foodservice Interchange 2008
Canada's premier foodservice event, Foodservice Interchange (FSI), will take place January 22, 2008 at the Pearson Convention Centre. This not-to-miss event brings together more than 350 foodservice manufacturers, distributors and operators to discuss industry issues, trends and opportunities.
Industry Stories
CME President and CEO steps down
After eight years of service, Canadian Manufacturers & Exports President and CEO Perrin Beatty will be resigning effective August 12, 2007. As an integral part of the manufacturing industry, FCPC has worked with CME as part of the Canadian Manufacturing Coalition. Formed with 27 othermanufacturing industry associations, the coalition presents a proactive resource, ensuring issues and challenges facing our sector are acknowledged and addressed at all levels of government. We wish Perrin Beatty the best of luck in his new role. His successor has not yet been announced.
FCPC annual CEOs' Conference to focus on sustainability
Environmental sustainability continues to increase in prominence around the globe. This year's FCPC CEOs' Conference will provide FCPC members the opportunity to hear from Canadian and international thought-leaders representing consumers, NGOs, retailers on this critical global issue. CEOs' Conference is open exclusively to members of the association. To find out more about membership in FCPC, please contact: Gabby Nobrega at gabbyn@fcpc.ca or at 416-510-8088.
OMAFRA encourages Ontario-based plants to consider HACCP Advantage certification
The majority of Ontario's estimated 3,500 food processing plants consider food safety an important issue. In recognition of this, OMAFRA has developed the Advantage Series of Food Safety Programs – a food safety management system built on internationally accepted standards, but designed for Ontario food processors and encourages companies to continually upgrade and improve their food safety processes. Companies interested in learning more about the Advantage Series of Food Safety Programs, call 1-866 641-3663 or visit the Advantage website.
New ACNielsen reports available
ACNielsen recently released two new reports about the industry: the Organic Insights Report, and the Nielsen Market Review Report. The Organic Report details growth, market share and consumer trends in the organic industry. Key highlights from the report include statistics about the growth of the industry (31 per cent since 2005) and consumer awareness (87 per cent of Canadian households are aware of organics). The Nielsen Market Review report indicates that Canadian consumer packaged goods has grown by 4%, reaching over $51.6 billion in sales in 2006. Over 470 categories are tracked across all channels, and the report is the definitive tool for marketers to understand sales performance about their own products, how they compare to competitors, and where their product classification rate among the retail channels.
For more information. [ Members Only ]
Welcome to FCPC
FCPC welcomes Europe's Best Inc. as new member
Europe's Best Inc., packages and distributes frozen fruits and vegetables throughout Canada and in a growing number of American states. In less than three years, Europe's Best has become the most popular brand of frozen fruit and vegetables in Canada. FCPC is pleased to welcome Europe's Best to the association.
Nalley's Canada Ltd., also joins FCPC
FCPC is also pleased to announce Nalley's Canada Ltd has also joined the association. Nalley's is the Canadian distributor for Snack Alliance, a premium snack food manufacturer committed to "Helping Build America's Best Brands" through quality, value, and innovation. Snack Alliance manufactures for some of the largest food service distributors, delivering special packs, sizes and products designed specifically for unique needs.
FCPC partners with News Canada
FCPC is pleased to announce the association has signed a partnership agreement [FCPC Members Only] with News Canada offering special rates to FCPC member companies. For over 27 years, News Canada has been providing packaged goods manufacturers with a unique, strategic and effective editorial marketing service. As the media’s primary source for ready-to-use editorial content, News Canada guarantees that your brand messaging will reach consumers through Canada’s newspapers, radio and television stations and major online portals.
FCPC is also pleased to announce Palette PR www.palettepr.com as an associate member. Palette PR has expertise in media relations, product launches, brand-building and reputation management.
FCPC in the News
"There's been a fair bit of research to develop an alternative oil that is healthy"
After Health Canada's Trans fats announcement, FCPC was asked to comment on the Industry's perspective about the new plan and the provided timelines. Phyllis Tanaka, Director of Food and Nutrition Policy at FCPC, commented on behalf of the industry to the Ottawa Sun about the ongoing research into healthier alternatives to Trans fats and the realistic timelines set by the government. For more information.
Member News
E.D. Smith bought by TreeHouse Foods
In late June, E.D. Smith sold the income trust to US pickle maker TreeHouse Foods. Now 125 years old, E.D. Smith started selling jam in 1882 and was eventually sold by the founding family to a private equity fund 120 years later. TreeHouse Foods is a major food services supplier of pickles, coffee cream and soup in the United States.