July 7, 2025 (OTTAWA) – Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Jean-Emmanuel Poitras as its new Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, effective Monday, July 21, 2025.

Jean-Emmanuel brings a wealth of experience in trade, regulatory assessment, and stakeholder engagement, with a career in both government and industry. He most recently served as Counsellor (Agriculture) and Trade Commissioner in South Korea, where he led initiatives to strengthen Canada’s agri-food presence abroad. Prior to that, he worked at both Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Groupe Export Agri-Food Quebec-Canada where he supported numerous agri-food businesses with export strategies and in overcoming market access challenges.

In his new role, Jean-Emmanuel will lead FBC-ABC’s policy and regulatory agenda, working closely with government, industry stakeholders, and members to advance the interests of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jean-Emmanuel to FBC-ABC,” said Mike Bannister, Chair of FBC-ABC and President and CEO of Atlantic Poultry. “Our efficient and results-driven association has built a strong reputation for its impact. With Jean-Emmanuel’s expertise in trade, government relations, and stakeholder engagement, we’re excited to expand our capacity and do even more to support Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.”

“I am excited to join FBC-ABC as Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs,” said Jean-Emmanuel Poitras. I look forward to engaging with members to learn more about their policy priorities, and to working together to develop strategic actions to advance the interests of the food and beverage manufacturing industry.”

As the voice of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry, FBC-ABC looks forward to continuing to build a strong, solutions-oriented policy environment – one that helps drive competitiveness and growth in the industry – with Jean-Emmanuel now part of the team.