au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 11, No. 10, 2007
FCPC to join Health Canada's Working Group on sodium reduction
FCPC is pleased to be invited to participate in the Health Canada Multi-Stakeholder Working Group on Sodium Reduction. Announced by Minister Clement late in October, the Working Group will be made up of organizations including government agencies, the scientific community, health professionals, and health-focused non-governmental organizations. The food industry has already made significant progress in reducing sodium. Industry is looking forward to being an active participant in the Working Group, which will develop and oversee the implementation of a strategy to lower the sodium content of Canadians' diets. There has been acknowledgement by many that reducing sodium in the diets of Canadians is a long-term initiative involving consumer education and research. FCPC has conducted a number of media interviews supporting the announcement including with the Globe and Mail (subscription required) and CTV News.
FCPC continues to respond to competitive pressures
FCPC continues to respond on behalf of the industry to media inquiries about the affect commodity pricing pressures combined with the rapid ascent of the dollar is having on consumer packaged goods manufacturers. Read a recent interview with le Journal de Montreal. The association continues to work with the Manufacturing Coalition in addition to its own outreach to government to support ongoing competitiveness issues on behalf of its membership.
Food safety remains a focus for regulators and industry
Last week, Health Minister Tony Clement signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China's Minister of the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) to enhance cooperation on issues related to consumer product safety. Recognizing the importance of this issue to all Canadians, FCPC, on behalf of its members, continues to work closely with stakeholders and government to look at best practices within Canada and within global markets.
FCPC's CEOs' Conference on the environment profiled in Canadian Grocer
This September, FCPC helped paved the path for industry on the vital issue of the environment and sustainability when it held the industry's first sustainability summit tied to its annual CEOs' Conference. Click here to read the feature story in November's issue of Canadian Grocer.Hot on the heels of this event, the association hosted David Vincent from The Carbon Trust, a leading UK-based group involved in carbon footprint analysis for many sectors including CPG. The association continues to work with its members as well as supply chain partners to explore future opportunities, which will build on the stewardship programs already in place.
Foodservice Interchange (FSI) sponsorship opportunities available
Build your profile at the 16th annual FSI event and take advantage of one of three sponsorship packages now available. Sponsorship includes the opportunity to network and host Deans and graduate students from key tourism, hospitality and dietetic programs from across Ontario as well as profile in a new FSI Exchange newsletter which will connect industry with these schools starting Spring 2008. Take advantage of this sponsorship opportunity before it's gone. Contact Andrea Holmes at 416-510-8024 ext 2236 or at andreah@fcpc.ca.
FCPC encourages companies to Ride to Conquer Cancer
The Ride to Conquer Cancer, a fundraiser for the Princess Margaret Hospital, is a unique, two-day cycling event to take place June 20-22, 2008 where riders will journey over 200km from Toronto to Niagara Falls. FCPC recognizes that a large number of employees, customers and stakeholders have personal cancer stories or are supporting others with cancer. So we want to help. FCPC will be entering a team in the Ride to Conquer Cancer and is encouraging member companies to do the same. The Ride is an excellent team building event and promotes a healthy lifestyle within the organization, while raising money for a great cause. For more information or to register YOUR team, visit to08.conquercancer.ca or call Nancy Croitoru at 416-510-8024 ext 2224.
Upcoming Events
MaRS Landing hosts first Marketing Health Functionality Seminar (December 10)
FCPC would like to make you aware of an outstanding seminar for the functional food and ingredient sector to be held in Toronto on Dec 10, 2007, at the MaRS Centre. We highly encourage you to consider registering for this event, as it will provide strong insights into capturing opportunities in the U.S. market. FCPC supports this conference as an effective learning opportunity to gain insights into Canadian success stories and also have the ability to connect with potential partners in the U.S. and Canada. For registration and more information, please visit www.marslanding.ca/events.
Foodservice Interchange 2008 (January 22) Focus on critical issues of labour and consumer loyalty
Time is money. This is exceptionally true for companies operating in the foodservice arena. So how then balance innovation and building customer loyalty when trying to find talent? Attend 2008 FSI to get the answers that will help you find and retain your staff today and how to position your company based on the culinary and technological innovations in development by the world's leading chefs. The conference also includes bonus sessions and new research on labour, sales training and the relationship between manufacturers and operators in Canada. View the full program online and Register Now!
Pandemic Table top postponed to February 2008
Please be advised that FCPC's event Live through a Pandemic has been postponed to February 2008, to take advantage of new opportunities for an enhanced event with a more comprehensive overview of key private sector groups' plans. As a further value-add, the February timeframe enables participation from more industry groups, meaning delegates can test their crisis planning assumptions against colleagues from a broader representation of the supply chain. Live through a Pandemic is so far proving to be an exceptionally popular event. We hope you will join us in February to reap the benefits of this latest enhancement. For further information, please contact, Heather Spencer at 416-510-8024 ext 2237 or heather.spencer@fcpc.ca.
Executive Breakfast with Wal-Mart Canada Corporation (January 7, 2008) at the Pearson Convention Centre - sponsored by The Nielsen Group
Three of Wal-Mart Canada's movers and shakers in one room - you may never have a chance like this again. Hear from Mike Huffaker, Chief Merchandising Officer, Jim Thompson, Sr. V.P. Merchandising and Don Swann, Regional V.P., Supercentres, Wal-Mart Canada Corporation, as they share their perspectives on current industry issues, growth opportunities for suppliers and supplier best practices. Information & Registration.
Save the Date - Executive Breakfast with Jurgen Schreiber, Chairman & CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart (April 2, 2008) - sponsored by The Nielsen Group
Don't miss out hearing from leading retailer, Shoppers Drug Mart, on where the company is going and where opportunities lie for your business. More information to follow but make sure you save the date. Information & Registration.
Save the Date - 32nd National Nutrient DataBank Conference (May 12-14, 2008)
In 2008, the National Nutrient DataBank Conference, Nutrient Databases Without Borders, will be hosted for the first time outside of the US. Join us in Ottawa where well-known researchers and authorities will present lectures and updates on issues and challenges related to nutrient databases. This event is an excellent opportunity to both familiarize Canadian health professionals with the issues surrounding the generation and use of nutrient data, as well as a chance to explore the differences and similarities in Canada and the US. For more information, visit www.healthcanada.gc.ca/32nndc.
Industry Stories
Consolidated industry research at members' fingertips
FCPC has recently redeveloped its Members Only section of the association's website, with a renewed focus on the Member Research Centre. This site acts as a hub for industry information across a range of categories, providing national and international research and updates at the click of a mouse. Visit the Industry News and Data Hub for the latest global retail information, brought to you by PlanetRetail. In addition to member alerts, updates and news releases, get the most from your membership by accessing any one of the following newly posted reports:
ACNielsen releases beverage study puts performance metrics in hands of members
The Nielsen 2007 Beverage Study provides the beverage industry with an unparalleled view of Canadian consumer purchase behaviour and beverage sales in Canada. The study reports key performance metrics and trends across 31 beverage categories across ACNielsen's All Channel market to help answer questions including: What is the total size of the market? What items/categories/segments are the key contributors? For more information, please visit www.acnielsen.ca.
NPD provides insight into consumer "needs state" and impact on Foodservice Ready Food Solutions from Grocery
The NPD has recently published a syndicated study of commercially prepared meals/snacks, gathered through the CREST (Consumer Reporting of Eating Share Trends) database. Highlighted in this study is a new question looking at consumer behaviour. This study helps enable industry understand consumers' key drivers for choosing Ready Meal Solutions from grocery or Quick Serve Restaurants, and includes data broken down by a 'Need State'. Click here.
New insights on slotting allowances and category management under Canadian Competition Law from Heenan Blaikie
A new white paper recently released by Heenan Blaikie considers, in summary form, the potential application of Canadian competition laws (and in particular the Canadian Competition Act) to Category Management and slotting allowances. To review this paper, please visit the Members' Resources section of the FCPC website.
FCPC Submissions
On November 13, 2007 FCPC submitted a letter to the Manitoba Government about the proposed Hazardous or Prescribed Household Material Stewardship Regulation and Guidelines under The Waste Reduction and Prevention Act. To review the submission, please click here.
Member News
A. Lassonde Inc. purchases McCain Foods ready-to-drink fruit juice and fruit drink business
On November 2, Lassonde Industries Inc. announced that its subsidiary A. Lassonde Inc. has completed its purchase of the business of manufacture and distribution of ready-to-drink fruit juices and fruit drinks of McCain Foods (Canada), a division of McCain Foods Limited. The purchased assets include McCain's juice plant in Calgary, Alberta; production equipment currently located in Toronto, Ontario and in Grand Falls, New Brunswick; and certain trademarks as well as a three-year license to use the McCain and other trademarks on specified products. Read the release.
Campbell Company of Canada earns award
Campbell Company of Canada was recently recognized by Blood Pressure Canada at its annual general meeting, with the Blood Pressure Canada Certificate of Excellence, awarded to commend Campbell for the company's continuing sodium reduction efforts and industry leadership. Read the release.
Parmalat Cheeses take top honours at the 2007 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Parmalat Canada announced recently that several of the company's cheeses took top honours at the 2007 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair's Dairy Products Show in Toronto, Ontario. This marks the second consecutive year that Parmalat's cheeses have been recognized as best-in-class. Read the release.