Made in Canada: Strengthening our Food and Beverage Industry for Global Success
We know that Canada’s agri-food sector plays a vital role in both our economy and our communities. But do you know where it ranks on a global scale?
MNP dug into this question in our Global Agri-Food Most Influential Nations Ranking report, a study commissioned through the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. Now, we’ll be taking a deeper look at the key takeaways from this report in an upcoming webinar, Made in Canada: Strengthening our Food and Beverage Industry for Global Success.
Co-hosted by MNP and Food and Beverage Canada, our speakers will be sharing their insights on the report findings, as well as discussing the ways Canada’s agri-food sector can stay competitive.
Why attend
This panel-style webinar will feature speakers from MNP, Dalhousie University, Food and Beverage Canada, and the Alberta Food Processors Association. Together, they’ll be exploring:
- Opportunities for Canada to bridge the gap with other G20 countries
- What our current ranking means for the future of food
- How to better position ourselves against trade challenges and a changing geopolitical context
- Impact on regions
- Impact on innovation and investment
Don’t miss this session that digs into Canada’s global ranking and what it means for entrepreneurialism, innovation, regulations, and our country’s ability to compete.
If you have questions or need help registering, please reach out to Roshanaa Krishnamoorthy at [email protected]
- Opportunities for Canada to bridge the gap with other G20 countries
- What our current ranking means for the future of food
- How to better position ourselves against trade challenges and a changing geopolitical context
- Impact on regions
- Impact on innovation and investment
Register now
Presenters
Matt is MNP’s National Leader of the Firm’s Food and Beverage Processing practice and a Business Advisor, Assurance and Accounting, in Mississauga. Matt proactively helps clients manage their business and set strategic goals for both their personal and professional futures. By leveraging his extensive experience working with family businesses and clients across multiple sectors, Matt helps his clients implement practical business advisory, tax, and accounting strategies, along with strong business fundamentals.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor in food distribution and policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.
Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world's most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.
Kristina Farrell is the Chief Executive Officer of Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC). Before joining FBC-ABC, she worked in government (Global Affairs Canada), as well as in government relations and public affairs, where she supported the advocacy efforts of several organizations in the agri-food sector. Kristina was included in The Hill Times Top 100 Lobbyists list for 2023,2024 and 2025.
She has a Bachelor of Social Sciences in International Development and Globalization, and a Master of Arts in Public and International Affairs, both from the University of Ottawa.
Bianca Parsons is the Executive Director of the Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA), where she promotes the interests of the province's food processing industry and oversees the “Made in Alberta” program, which highlights local food products.
With a lifelong connection to the food industry, Bianca was influenced by her family's involvement in the sector and her husband’s ventures in Alberta's restaurant and distilling businesses. This background has fueled her passion for local food initiatives and community engagement.
Before joining AFPA, Bianca had a successful career as a news reporter and producer, where she honed her storytelling skills and developed a deep appreciation for Canadian brands. Her unique experiences enable her to effectively advocate for Alberta’s food processors, revealing the narratives behind their products and emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses.