au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 11, No. 7, 2007
Top Stories
Food and beverage companies in US outline next phase in child-directed advertising commitments: Canadian commitments in development
On July 18, 2007, 11 US-based companies unveiled details of their previously announced commitments to adopt new rules to limit advertising to children under the age of 12. Click here to read the announcement and the individual pledges. Organized through the Council of Better Business Bureaus, the announcement was supported by government officials and consumer interest groups. "These companies have pledged to focus essentially all of their advertising primarily directed to children under 12 on products meeting better-for-you standards or refrain from advertising to that age group," said Steven J. Cole, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus. In Canada, 15 companies are currently preparing their details of their commitments which are slated to be filed in Q1 2008. They will reflect Canadian regulations and build on practices already underway in Canada. Industry has also created a splash page which includes details and live interviews from Advertising Standards Canada, Concerned Children's Advertisers and FCPC http://www.fcpc.ca/issues/hal/splash/index.html.
FCPC maintains focus on the growth of the Canadian supply chain with new Industry and Agriculture ministers
Prime Minister Stephen Harper's recent cabinet shuffle introduces two new Ministers to the food and consumer products industry. Former Minister of Indian Affairs Jim Prentice will replace Maxime Bernier as Industry Minister, with a focus to foster a growing competitive, knowledge-based Canadian economy. Additionally, Gerry Ritz moves to agriculture from his role as secretary of state, small business and tourism, replacing Chuck Strahl. FCPC will continue to work with these newly appointed ministers to advance industry's key priorities, including supporting the ongoing competitiveness of the country's food, beverage and consumer goods manufacturing industry.
Upcoming Events
FCPC's CEOs' Conference: Put Your Marketing Efforts to Work
With less than one month left until FCPC's CEOs' Conference (September 27-28) there are a limited number of opportunities for sponsorship. This by-invitation event has already garnered record-level registrations from senior manufacturing and retailing industry leaders focused on the environment and sustainability. Contact Andrea Holmes at FCPC at andreah@fcpc.ca or at 416-510-8024 x 2236 to find out the unique opportunities to be among the delegates and profile your brand and services with industry leaders.
Do you know what your employees think, and want from you?
Traditionalist, Baby Boomer, Gen X and Gen Y — across the generations there is a national shortage of skilled employees and an increasing divide between what 'makes an ideal employer'. Knowing what employees in our industry think and want is vital to attracting and retaining the best talent. FCPC's 4x4 Summit on September 12 will look at the imminent changes to the Canadian Labour Code, best practices for communicating and developing HR practices with an increasingly diverse workforce. See what you can't afford to miss. Register today by contacting Heather Spencer at heather.spencer@fcpc.ca or at 416-510-8024 ext 2237. A bonus session will include special findings from the FCPC 2007 Management Compensation Study – providing information around compensation and focused reports for the food and consumer products manufacturing industry.
"Driving-In"? "Checking-Out"? Secrets to Customer and Employee Retention to be Unveiled at Foodservice Interchange January 22, 2008
With the "eating out" trend showing no signs of letting up, the opportunities for manufacturers and foodservice operators to create loyalty among consumers are endless. But employee churn becomes a critical impediment to innovation and customer service. Mark January 22, 2008 in your calendars to attend Foodservice Interchange. Hear from experts on the factors that 'drive' customers back and how you can reverse the employee "checking out" to become a brand ambassador. Keep on the lookout for early bird registration and discounts online at the FCPC Ed Centre hub.
Future-nomics: FCPC's Economic Forum
FCPC's Economic forum will help you find the answers for growth and profit in the future. Sessions include the newly released global supply chain study with details on the financial impact of global versus local sourcing; "trimming the fat" to find operational efficiencies; presentations from experts on biofuels; and the future of where the Canadian economy, international currencies and commodity pricing are expected to go. For more information or to pre-register please contact Heather Spencer at heather.spencer@fcpc.ca or 416-510-8024 ext. 2237.
Time to put your Pandemic plans to the test
This fall, FCPC together with retail supply chain partners will be hosting an industry-specific table top and information session focused on identifying and working through industry wide planning for an Influenza Pandemic. The event will provide an opportunity to identify critical issues and possible solutions that are likely to affect manufacturers and retailers including government and other critical stakeholders. More details coming soon. For more information and/or to have your named added to the pre-registration, please contact: contact Lesley McKeever at lesleym@fcpc.ca or 416-510-8024 ext 2231.
RFID Journal LIVE! Canada – November 26-28
There is only one event where companies doing business in Canada can learn how to leverage RFID and EPC — the second annual RFID Journal LIVE! Canada, produced by RFID Journal in partnership with EPCglobal Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of GS1 Canada. The event will be held in Toronto on November 26-28, 2007 and is designed specifically to address the unique needs of Canadian companies. This year's program features three main conference tracks: Supply Chain/Inventory Management, Distribution/Logistics and Manufacturing/Operation. Speakers include representatives from Wal-Mart Canada, McKesson Corporate and Handleman Company of Canada and will detail where RFID can improve the way companies do business. For more information regarding this event, visit www.rfidjournalevents.com/livecanada/.
Industry Stories
Weighing the Options: Industry Management Compensation Study soon to be released, order yours today
This September, FCPC clears away the guesswork around compensation with the results of our annual survey. For more than 20 years, this survey has delivered focused reports for the food and consumer products manufacturing industry. Key features of the 2007 survey include: availability to non-FCPC members, custom reports and data on more than 80 roles. The Management Compensation Study will be available this September, order your copy today. Contact Heather Spencer at heather.spencer@fcpc.ca or 416-510-8024 ext. 2237.
OMAFRA Business Development Branch names new Director
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced that George Borovilos has been named Director of the recently formed Business Development Branch. George will lead the Business Development team as it works to keep, get and grow Ontario's food, bio-product and rural businesses and to influence business to invest in Ontario.
California Walnuts launches product development contest
The California Walnut Commission is challenging Canadian food processor companies to put their culinary ingenuity and marketing genius to the test. To find out more information about their contest click here or contact rbrown@fayeclack.com.
New study on social media: Do people actually read blogs?
Social media, including blogs and online forums, continues to have an impact on consumers' lives and how they interact with companies and brands. A recent study by NPD shows over one-third of the Internet population is reading this material every two to three days. Readers view this new medium as a more trusted information source than many traditional communications outlets available to marketers, adding further gravity to the size of this audience. While the opinions of friends, neighbors, and family have always played a role in consumers' decision making, blogs and forums are amplifying the voice of customers with an opinion – whether justifiably or not. To find out more about the NPD study on blogs and forums, click here. NPD is an affiliate of FCPC.
Generating Positive Press for Your Brands – GUARANTEED
More than ever before corporations recognize public relations plays an integral role in overall marketing strategies. Having a story featuring your brands published in newspapers, broadcast on the six o'clock evening news or showcased on the homepage of MSN or Google Video is invaluable and builds credibility. News Canada provides a unique and strategic approach to pubic relations that guarantees your brands will appear in Canada's newspapers, radio and television networks and on major portals and websites. For more information click here or contact Charlene Nadalin cnadalin@newscanada.com.
Welcome to FCPC
FCPC welcomes Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages as new member
FCPC is pleased to announce Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverage has joined the association. Cadbury Schweppes is the country's leading manufacturer of sugar and functional confectionery. It is also the second largest distributor of gum and the world's third largest soft drinks group.
Global Learning Initiatives joins FCPC as Affiliate Member
Recently joining FCPC is Global Learning Initiatives, a full service Consulting and Training organization that provides in-depth expertise in total HR solutions to help organizations meet and exceed business objectives. Since 1990, the company has worked with public and private organizations to identify, assess, and resolve organizational issues, specifically in the human resources areas.
FCPC also welcomes Nealanders International Inc. as an associate member. Nealanders is a technology-based manufacturer with an extensive range of products and a world-class supplier of ingredients and additives to the food industry.
FCPC is pleased to recognize two members who have upgraded their membership: Mosaic Sales Solutions (from Affiliate to Partner) and Casco Inc. (from Associate to Partner). Mosaic provides "people-facing" solutions in consumer and business-to-business environments. Casco Inc is the principal producer and supplier of corn-refined starches, sweeteners, oil, and feed products in Canada.
Member News
McCain Foods names new Vice President, Research & Development
Melanie Budicky has been named Vice President Research & Development and Quality with McCain Foods (Canada). Ms. Budicky joined McCain Foods (Canada) in July 2006 as Vice President Quality after working for Frito-Lay Canada in increasingly responsible positions, including Division Quality Enabler.
Dole Food in "carbon neutral" push
Dole Food Co. recently made public its goal to make its supply of bananas and pineapples from Costa Rica into North America and Europe "carbon neutral". With the industry's ever-increasing focus on environmental sustainability, Dole's plans for more efficient transportation and changes to agricultural processes are aimed to help cut CO2 output.