February 10, 2025 (OTTAWA) – Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its recent Board of Directors meeting held in Ottawa in advance of Canadian Ag Day.
We were delighted to welcome Mariza Gattuso, Olymel to her first in-person Board meeting. We also extend our sincere gratitude to departing Board member Sylvain Fournaise, Olymel, for his invaluable contributions to our association since its inception.
Discussions during the meeting focused on the association’s growth and strategic initiatives, including the Policy and Advocacy Committee’s recommendations to support the food and beverage manufacturing industry, especially in light of the evolving trade relationship with the United States (US). A significant focus of the meeting was on FBC-ABC’s engagement through its newly established Working Group on Canada-US Relations, which includes participation from all six of the provincial and regional food and beverage manufacturing associations, as well as companies with manufacturing in Canada. The Board also emphasized the importance of unified messaging on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs.
We were pleased to have representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada join the Board for a roundtable discussion. The conversation focused on boosting competitiveness, reducing regulatory burdens, and fostering innovation to meet both domestic and international food demands.
“Our industry plays a fundamental role in Canada’s economy, and ensuring its long-term growth and competitiveness requires strong collaboration between industry and government,” said Kristina Farrell, CEO of FBC-ABC. “This Board meeting reinforced our shared commitment to advancing solutions that will strengthen the industry, enhance productivity, and ensure Canada remains a global leader in food and beverage manufacturing.”
Gabrielle Fallu, Exceldor and FBC-ABC’s Corporate Secretary, added, “The discussions we had, particularly around Canada-US relations and regulatory challenges, highlight the importance of a united industry voice. The participation of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in our meeting reaffirmed the government’s recognition of our industry’s contributions and the need for policies that enable us to remain competitive.”
Since its establishment in 2018, FBC-ABC has growing into an influential voice advocating for the national interests of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. The Board of Directors plays a vital role in shaping policies that benefit both members and Canadians at large.
For media inquiries or to learn more about the benefits of being a member of FBC-ABC, please reach out to Kristina Farrell.
Executive Committee:
Mike Bannister, President and CEO, Atlantic Poultry Inc. – Co-Chair, FBC-ABC
Robert Eiser, President, Aliments LUDA Foods – Co-Chair, FBC-ABC
Chris Conway, CEO, Food and Beverage Ontario – Vice-Chair, FBC-ABC
Kathleen Sullivan, Vice President Government and Industry Relations, Maple Leaf Foods – Treasurer, FBC-ABC
Gabrielle Fallu, Head, Public Relations and Government Affairs, Exceldor Cooperative – Corporate Secretary, FBC-ABC
Ted Lawson, Chief Commercial Officer, Nortera –Director at Large, FBC-ABC
Michael Burrows, CEO, Maple Lodge Farms – Past-Chair, FBC-ABC
Directors:
David Anyanwu, Director, Federal Government Relations, Cargill Limited
Tammy Brideau, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Atlantic
Charles Bergeron, Manager, Government Relations, Bimbo Canada
Sylvie Cloutier, President and CEO, Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ)
Flavia Dolan, Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs Canada, Ingredion Canada Corporation
James Donaldson, CEO, BC Food & Beverage
Mariza Gattuso, Senior Director R&D and Laboratory Services, OLYMEL S.E.C./L.P.
Marie Ly, Senior Director, Industry & Government Affairs at Gay Lea Foods
Michael Mikulak, Executive Director, Food and Beverage Manitoba
Bianca Parsons, Executive Director, Alberta Food Processors Association
Del Rollo, VP, Industry & Government Relations, Arterra Wines Canada