au courant
A regular update on issues, events and activities.
Volume 12, No. 2, 2008
Top Stories
Health Canada's Sodium Working Group meets; begins work to shape Canadian approach to sodium reduction
On Friday, February 22, Health Canada's Multi-Stakeholder Working Group convened for the first time to begin discussions about the mandate of the group and next steps for the sodium reduction strategy. The group, comprised of health professionals and representatives from government, health care organizations and industry, will be working toward developing, implementing and overseeing a population-health strategy to reduce the sodium content of the diets of Canadians. On behalf of the industry, FCPC is playing an active role in the Working Group and will be illustrating the effort of Canadian food and beverage companies to reduce sodium levels and that more progress will come. Read the news coverage. For more information, please contact Phyllis Tanaka at phyllist@fcpc.ca or 416-510-8024 ext 2246.
Leading companies unveil commitments for advertising to children under 12
On February 6, 16 leading food and beverage companies published their respective commitments as it relates to shifting their advertising in print, on television, radio and the Internet directed to children under the age of 12, read the release here. This announcement marks a milestone for these companies who represent an overwhelming majority of the food and beverage advertising in children's programming today and is the latest development under the Canadian Children's Advertising Initiative first announced in April 2006. Eleven of the 16 companies have already implemented their commitments which include shifting advertising toward the promotion of healthier dietary choices and healthy active living. It is planned that all of the participating companies will have their commitments in place by the end of this year. For more information, contact Linda Nagel at 416-961-6311 ext 222 or linda.nagel@adstandards.com.
Are you getting the most from FCPC's Education Centre?
As the voice of Canada's food, beverage and consumer goods manufacturers, FCPC is focused on providing its members and business associates with access to great events and resources. Through the "Ed Centre", member companies gain access to key industry personnel, vital resources and other proprietary research conducted by the association or made available to us through an extensive network of companies who service the industry and who belong to FCPC as "affiliate non-manufacturing members". Members of FCPC are encouraged to take advantage of the range of events and resources available online via FCPC's "Ed Centre". Companies who are interested in learning more about the range of services and event discounts available to members and non-members are asked to contact Tom Vandepeer at 416-510-8024 ext 2253 or thomasv@fcpc.ca.
Events Made Easy! FCPC moving to online event registration
FCPC is pleased to inform our members and industry partners that we are changing the way we do business! Beginning this spring, all FCPC events will be processed online. This change will help to make online registration more time efficient for members and non-members looking to attend FCPC events. The new method of payment is easy and safe, using a credit card and our secure web portal. Another communication will be issued to members and information will also be provided online. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Gabby Nobrega, at 416-510-8024 ext 2226 or gabbyn@fcpc.ca.
FCPC organizes Pandemic Session for Industry – Key Government Agencies and Critical Inputs convene to address manufacturing, retailers and foodservice plans
Bringing the industry together to test pandemic plans was the goal of an information session and workshop hosted by FCPC in partnership with CACDS, CFIG, CCGD and CRFA. In addition to working through 'non-competitive' supply chain scenarios delegates heard from a line-up of experts spanning government and private sector working groups, including: Bob Lesser, Public Safety Canada; Fred Jamieson and Dr. Michael Aleong, Canadian Food Inspection Agency; Len Hong, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety; Ron Lennox, Canadian Trucking Alliance; David Baumken, Canadian Electricity Association; Mark Pryce, Canadian Telecommunications Emergency Preparedness Association; and T. Duncan Ellison, Canadian Water & Wastewater Association. A report from the session will be made available to members in the coming weeks. For more information, please contact Gabby Nobrega, at 416-510-8024 ext 2226 or gabbyn@fcpc.ca.
Upcoming Events
Dive into a Sea of Change at 2008 National Conference – REGISTRATION OPEN
Online registration is now open for the 2008 National Conference, "Diving into a sea of change" to be held in Victoria, BC, May 24-26. Register now to ensure you don't miss out on speakers and sessions providing tools and strategies to help you successfully navigate rough waters ahead. Room blocks are available. Emceed by Alan Thicke, the newly formatted Grand Prix Gala promises to be a highlight of the conference and one of many changes incorporated into this year's event. To register online now, click here or for more information, contact Devon Pool at dpool@ccgd.ca.
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 is pleased to present FutureNomics – an economic briefing designed to provide our members with key insights into the issues shaping Canada's economy and particularly the Canadian food and consumer goods industry. On March 27, join leading CIBC economist, Benjamin Tal and Perry Caicco, Managing Director, CIBC World Markets for an in depth look at the new reality for Canada's food, beverage and consumer goods industry. Other key speakers will address topics including Global Sourcing, meeting business objectives in a tight market; Supply Chain, the impact and opportunities of biofuels; and Trimming the Fat, a new recipe for improving profit in a lean manufacturing world. For more information or to register please contact Veronica Rivas at 416-510-8024 ext. 2259 or veronicav@fcpc.ca.
Executive Breakfast with Jurgen Schreiber, Chairman & CEO of Shoppers Drug Mart (April 2, 2008) - sponsored by Nielsen
Don't miss out hearing from Jurgen Schreiber, Chairman & CEO, Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. who has been very busy since taking the reins last year. FCPC is pleased to host this industry visionary who will share his views on where he wants Shoppers to go and where the opportunities lie for your business. Information & Registration.
Save April 16 for Competing Fairly – Everything you need to know about Marketing, Privacy, Competition Law & Pricing (April 16, 2008)
In a challenging market under increasing regulator scrutiny, knowing how to compete hard but fairly can add dollars to the bottom line and keep trading relationships productive. Competing Fairly delivers what you need to know about navigating the difficult waters of competitiveness regulations, category management/category captaincy agreements, pricing law, the grey market, consumer and employee privacy and advertising and marketing to ensure your trading relationships bear fruit. Presented by our legal partners Heenan Blaikie and Stikeman Elliott with a special address by Richard Taylor, Deputy Commission of Competition, Industry Canada. Registration opens soon. Contact veronicav@fcpc.ca.
Executive Breakfast with Anthony Longo, President & CEO of Longo's (April 23, 2008) - sponsored by Nielsen
Register now to join Longo's President & CEO, Anthony Longo, to learn more about the company's strategic plans and how they impact your everyday business. Online registration now open.
Save the date: Product Integrity event (April 24, 2008)
Join senior government officials and industry experts to hear more about upcoming regulatory changes and product integrity issues facing both food and consumer products companies. More information to follow but make sure you 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.
Why advocacy matters – an industry white paper from IBM
In both the CPG and Grocery business, the idea of consumer "advocacy" – where consumers demonstrate such loyalty that they become advocates of a brand or retailer – is a powerful and compelling concept to embrace. IBM's latest research discusses the attitudes and behaviors that turn customers into advocates as well as what companies can do to improve the level of advocacy among their consumer populations. It also provides the metrics that support the financial returns resulting from increased advocacy. For more information about IBM Retail solutions, please visit www.ibm.com/ or to read the full white paper, click here for FCPC's Member Resource section.
Welcome to FCPC
FCPC welcomes CHD-Expert Canada Inc. as Affiliate Member
FCPC is happy to announce CHD-Expert Canada Inc. has joined the association. CHD-Expert is the industry's global leader in collecting, managing and analyzing business data in the Away-from-Home market. CHD Expert Group holds four million records across Europe and North America and provides one-stop shopping for marketing programs using the data they collect.
FCPC is also pleased to welcome three new associate members. Advantage Sales and Marketing is one of the country's leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management, and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers, and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co. provides work uniforms, restaurant linens and doormats to more the 80,000 commercial business customers across Canada. Dial One Wolfedale Electric is one of Ontario's leading commercial and industrial electrical contractors and specializes in a vast array of electrical services, including industrial-commercial installations, repair and maintenance, automation and construction.
Member News
New Kraft food formula: tastes fine, kills worms
Kraft Foods is working on a new product line that will kill intestinal worms. Not intended for sale in North America, the product will be aimed at rural Asia, Africa and Latin America, where worms leave millions of children lethargic, dangerously anemic and, sometimes, passing blood. Kraft currently reformulates some foods to be used in poor countries to improve health, such as increased vitamins and iodine fortification. Read the article.
McCain Foods receives national award
McCain Foods (Canada) was recently recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for 2007. The national award, sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking and the National Post, recognizes the 50 Best Managed businesses from a wide range of industries based on a rigorous and extensive interview process designed to assess and examine its management practices. Read the release.
Campbell cuts sodium in children's soups
On February 18, Campbell announced their kid-oriented soups, which feature characters such as Dora the Explorer and Batman on the cans, are getting their second sodium reduction in three years. This time, the 12 soups for kids will have 480 milligrams per serving, which means the company can legally label them as healthy foods for the first time. Read the story.
McCormick & Co buys Bill Bee Honey Products
Billy Bee Honey Products, maker of Canada's leading brand of honey, has been bought by McCormick & Co., a Maryland-based spice and seasonings giant, for $75 million US. McCormick hailed Billy Bee as a well-run business with non-perishable raw materials, a straightforward manufacturing process and a limited number of SKUs. Read more.