au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 12, No. 1, 2008
Top Stories
Labour crunch, economic storm clouds and shifting consumer loyalty bring together Canada's foodservice industry
The 16th annual Foodservice Interchange (FSI), hosted by FCPC and CCGD, was once again a huge success, with more than 300 delegates from manufacturing, operators and retailers in attendance. With loyalty in both consumers and employees becoming more elusive every year, FSI focused on what the industry can do to maintain allegiance in a fickle marketplace and how companies can identify collaborative opportunities to tackle the growing issue of labour shortage. New this year, FCPC is launching a webinar on February 13, 2008, which will broadcast key speakers from the event to industry across the country to ensure this important information is accessible to all regions. For more information about FSI or to register for the webinar, please contact Heather Spencer at heather.spencer@fcpc.ca.
Heart and Stroke Foundation issues new criteria for Health Check symbol
As a result of the update to Canada's Food Guide, the Heart and Stroke Foundation has revised its criteria to reflect new statements in the Guide. The changes are related to the fat, trans fat, sugar, sodium and fibre criteria. While most products in the program already meet the new criteria, a few companies may have to reformulate their product(s). Companies already participating in the program have been given until December 28, 2009to amend their products to comply with the new standards. All new products entering the program must reflect the revised criteria immediately. To review the guidelines, please click here.
Government releases first round of assessments for substances in CEPA review
On Saturday, January 19, the federal government released the initial results of risk assessments conducted on 15 substances, some of which are used by food manufacturers. The assessments were conducted by Environment Canada and Health Canada under the Chemical Management Plan and can be found here. It is not expected that the food industry will be impacted in a significant way from the results of this assessment as the majority of substances were not used in food manufacturing. In the case of Propylene Oxide, when used as a food additive, the assessment found it is not considered a risk to human health because there is no exposure to humans; it therefore will continue to be approved by Health Canada in this application. For more information, please contact Catherine Abel at 416-510-8024 ext 2228 or catherinea@fcpc.ca.
FCPC meets with Ministry of Education on trans fat school guidelines
In December, just before the Ontario legislature rose for the Christmas break, the Education Minister introduced a new bill directed at primary and secondary schools, that will ban foods containing trans fats beyond allowable limits and will restrict the sales of foods and beverages high in the nutrients of concern. The bill stalled in second reading, but is expected to pass quickly, once the legislature reconvenes in late February or early March because it is supported by all parties. FCPC recently met with Liz Sandals, the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, who is tasked with implementing the bill. We were able to confirm that the trans fat limits will be in line with the Trans Fat Task Force recommendations. Nutrition guidelines defining the criteria for allowable foods sold in schools will be developed by a multi-stakeholder committee, including industry representatives. For further information, contact Catherine Abel at 416-510-8024 ext 2228 or catherinea@fcpc.ca.
FCPC participates in workshop on the Management of Health Claims for Food
On January 28, FCPC participated in a workshop hosted by Health Canada to discuss the consultation document "Managing Health Claims for Foods in Canada: Towards a Modernized Framework". The proposed framework addresses a number of areas that have been subjects of concern to the industry including: the interface between natural health products and food, front-of-pack labeling, the use of function claims, and the scientific substantiation of health claims. Further consultations will be taking place in St. Hyacinthe (Jan. 30, 2008); Halifax (Feb. 1, 2008); Winnipeg (Feb. 4, 2008); Edmonton (Feb 6, 2008); and Vancouver (Feb. 8, 2008). If you would like to attend regional Health Canada workshops, please contact healthclaims-allegationssante@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Upcoming Events
Friends of We Care Corporate and Family Ski Day Fundraiser (February 8)
Enjoy a day of Skiing for a great cause! Friends of We Care will be holding the Corporate and Family Ski Day Fundraiser Friday, February 8 at Craighleith Ski Club in Collingwood. Everyone is welcome for a full day of skiing at one of Ontario's premier private Ski Resorts. To register for the event or for more information, please visit www.friendsofwecare.org.
Have Foodservice Interchange 2008 delivered! Webinar available (February 13)
The first ever Foodservice Interchange webinar puts highlights from the premier conference developed for industry by industry at your fingertips. The 2008 Foodservice Interchange was among the best in the conference's 16 year history, delivering the latest on building customer loyalty and optimizing your labour strategy. Register today for access to leading experts and key presenters from the conference, including Linda Nazareth, author, economist and broadcaster, Giselle Kovary, demographic and organizational performance expert, and Stephen Kalil, culinary innovatory and President of the Research Chefs Association.
Sustainability Workshop for Canadian food, beverage and consumer products companies (February 21)
Sustainability performance (environmental stewardship, social responsibility in combination with financial excellence) is an increasingly important driver for business success. The food and consumer products industry is regarded by major retailers, policy makers, consumers and stakeholders as a key player in improving supply chain sustainability, particularly with respect to environmental issues. Is your company ready to meet sustainability challenges head-on? Join thought leaders from government, non-government and industry organizations to learn about the key drivers, retail trends, risks and opportunities facing the CPG industry at this one-day workshop designed to investigate key sustainability needs and priorities of our members. Information garnered from the workshop will inform development of an FCPC sustainability strategy and action plan designed to meet the diverse and emerging needs of member companies. Information and Registration.
Live Through an Industry-Wide Pandemic (February 26)
Your company may already have a crisis plan, but is it in synch with the plans of critical sectors and partners? Register Online Now for a hands-on pan-industry experience on Tuesday, February 26, 2008. Supported by FCPC, CRFA, CACDS, CCGD and CFIG, "Live through a Pandemic" will highlight the organizational plans of important support sectors, while testing the planning assumptions of companies across the supply chain. Hear from private sector groups impacting your business - including transportation, finance, telecommunications, water and more about critical, industry-specific information to identify common triggers for pandemic plans and processes at a company level and to open a window into how key government and private agencies are currently structured to provide support. Spend the rest of the day testing or building your plan through a live, pan-industry table-top simulation exercise. For further information, please contact, Heather Spencer at 416-510-8024 ext 2237 or heather.spencer@fcpc.ca or click here to register.
**Note to members registered for Pandemic**
A technical issue with online registrations for 'Live through an Industry-Wide Pandemic' was detected and resolved on January 2, 2008. Online registrations made before January 2 may not have been processed. If you registered prior to January 2, please contact Heather Spencer to confirm your registration at heather.spencer@fcpc.ca or 416-510-8024 x 2237 as soon as possible.
Dietitians of Canada host Nutrition Month Symposium (March 5)
Dietitians of Canada, Central & Southern Ontario Region, are hosting the third annual Nutrition Month Symposium on March 5 at the Sam Sorbara Auditorium, St. Michael's College, Toronto. This year's event is titled "Spotlight on Food & Nutrition: Tools for Your Success" and focuses on how to effectively communicate nutrition and provides an overview of the latest resources for dietitians. For more information or to register for the event, please contact Frances Scovil at 416-642-9308 or fscovil@dietitians.ca.
Future-nomics: FCPC's Economic Forum (March 27)
FCPC's Economic forum will help you find the answers for growth and profit in the future. Planned sessions include a key note address from Benjamin Tal (CIBC), 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.
Save the Date - Executive Breakfast with Jurgen Schreiber, Chairman & CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart (April 2, 2008) - sponsored by Nielsen
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
Reader's Digest launches Best Health Magazine
On March 24, 2008, Reader's Digest Magazines (Canada) Limited is launching a new healthy lifestyle magazine, Best Health. Aimed at Canadian women aged 35-55 who recognize the importance of taking care of themselves and their family through healthy living, Best Health will focus on four main editorial pillars: Look Great, Get Healthy, Eat Well, and Embrace Life. Larry Thomas, VP and Publisher of Reader's Digest Canada, says the launch of the magazine is in response to a strong demand for healthy living publications that is not being addressed in the current market. Best Health will be available at over 7,600 locations across Canada including Shoppers Drug Mart, Great Canadian News, Loblaw, Wal-Mart, London Drugs, Costco and Chapters. Reader's Digest is projecting a guaranteed rate base for the first issue of 100,000. Advertising spaces are still available for the premiere issue. For more information, contact Larry Thomas at 416-927-3180 or larry_thomas@readersdigest.com.
A Quality Assurance ‘must have': Orkin releases white paper on Integrated Pest Management Best Practices
FCPC members now have access to Orkin Canada's "Manufacturer's Playbook to Pests and Food Safety: Steps to a Better Integrated Pest Management Program." This detailed paper provides an overview to the important role of food safety in food manufacturing and an easy seven-step process to implementing an IPM program in your facilities. To review this paper, please visit the FCPC Members Resource website or click here.
Get the latest HR Insights for 2008: Watson Wyatt releases Government Benefits Update
Watson Wyatt has recently released its 20th issue of the government benefits update, an informative and easy-to-use summary of information you can refer to year-round. This year's edition contains some important new material about the rules governing compassionate care leave, the Québec Parental Insurance Plan and a summary of the varying statutory holidays observed across Canada. To review this document, please visit the FCPC Members Resource website or click here.
"Can I have your attention?"
Effectively utilizing public relations as a method of getting consumer attention through positive media coverage for your products and services can determine the success and longevity of your brands. The FCPC-News Canada Partnership provides FCPC members with a strategic and unique public relations service that includes program development, media relations, media monitoring, guaranteed audience reach and valuable return on investment. To learn how your organization can maximize brand recognition and add public relations to its marketing mix, contact Charlene Nadalin at 1-888-855-6397 ext. 203 or by clicking here (cnadalin@newscanada.com).
Member News
Kellogg Company acquires the United Bakers Group
Kellogg Company announced mid-January that it has acquired The United Bakers Group, one of Russia's largest cracker, biscuit and breakfast cereal producers. United Bakers' products, marketed primarily under the Yantar and Lyubyatovo brands, are a strong strategic fit with the Kellogg portfolio. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition includes United Bakers' six manufacturing facilities located throughout Russia as well as its large sales and distribution network. The business will continue to be headquartered in Voronezh, Russia, and will report into Kellogg Company's European business unit. Read the press release.
Cadbury invests in sustainable cocoa production in Ghana
Chocolate maker Cadbury Schweppes announced recently an investment in sustainable cocoa production in Ghana, a move intended to guarantee a long-term supply of the most important ingredient used in its signature bars and candies. The investment will affect an estimated 1 million cocoa farmers located primarily in Ghana, but also in India, Indonesia and the Caribbean, all nations where Cadbury sources its cocoa. The initiative will work to improve cocoa yields as well as invest in quality of life measures, including building schools, libraries and wells, all intended to attract the next generation into cocoa farming. Read the release.
Clorox aims to show that 'Green Works'
Early in January, The Clorox Company announced that it is launching its first new brand in twenty years: Green Works, a line of cleaning products that are, in the company's words, "at least 99 percent natural" — made from coconuts and lemon oil, formulated to be biodegradable and non-allergenic, packaged in recyclable bottles, and not tested on animals. The initial launch includes five products: an all-purpose cleaner, a glass cleaner, a toilet bowl cleaner, a dilutable cleaner, and a bathroom cleaner. Read the article.
Food and drink companies pledge to reduce water use
Twenty-one of the UK's leading food and drink manufacturers recently launched a new initiative to cut down on water usage and improve efficiency across all areas of their businesses. Working with Envirowise, a resource efficiency expert, companies will review their current water use and develop site-specific action plans to significantly cut water use and costs within six months of signing up to the commitment. They will report annually to Envirowise on water and cost savings made on site. The initiative will be central to achieving the industry-wide target in the food industry sustainability strategy to reduce water use - outside of that embedded in products themselves - by 20% by 2020 compared to 2007. Read the article.