Brand Valuation Opportunities Through Circular Economy and Packaging Optimization :

Join our discussion led by Stéphane Crevier, VP of Brand Strategy and Growth at PIGEON, where two sustainability experts will share solutions for reconciling profitability and environmental responsibility.

Geneviève Dionne from Éco Enterprises Québec (ÉEQ) will discuss how their support services and packaging diagnostic tools help companies implement eco-design and recyclability initiatives, especially as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations come into effect in Quebec as of 2025.

STILL GOOD, winner of a major award from the Federal Food Waste Reduction Challenge organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will reveal how they transform food waste-related costs into revenue streams and value. Jonathan Rodrigue will share how the Quebec-based company “ecovalorizes” food by-products for a more circular economy through their proven model.

Del Monte – A campaign to generate value, even in a shopper marketing context. :

Through a case study, PIGEON will share with you the Shopper Marketing strategy specifically designed to support the brand while promoting a new product. By making strategic use of new retailer marketing tools such as loyalty programs and “”pre-shop”” platforms, along with strategic partnerships with retailers, this multi-channel approach has increased visibility for Del Monte to optimize transactions.

Join us for an exploration of this tactical campaign, where Stéphane will share the essence of strategic thinking while Jean-François delves into the creative approach that has brought this brand-centric strategy to life. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how to maximize your marketing investments while navigating an ever-evolving promotional landscape.

Navigating Uncertainty: Marketing Leaders' Perspectives on Industry Challenges :

Join us for a panel discussion moderated by Élyse Boulet, CEO and Partner at PIGEON, addressing the question: What are your challenges for generating more value for your brands by 2026?

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) are currently facing the imperative to generate more sales and value in an ever-evolving landscape. Amid media fragmentation, budget constraints, constant fluctuations in consumer demand, and challenges such as food self-sufficiency and artificial intelligence, the market is characterized by significant complexity, but also promising opportunities.

Join us for a panel featuring two renowned brand leaders from Canada and Quebec. Together, we will explore the strategies they deploy to thrive in an environment where the ability to reinvent regularly is essential for achieving optimal return on investment.

Understanding Canadians’ growing appetite for different meal options :

Between technological trends, strategies, and lessons learned for 2024 :

Food retail and the restaurant industry must diversify their offerings. The trial of technologies progresses at the pace of needs and continues to evolve, even in the face of information that might suggest otherwise. Retail has maintained the same purpose since the beginning of time; only the method of achieving it has changed. Come join a discussion with Carl Boutet and Robert Dion, who will together address the acceptance of technologies and their implementation, both in front of and behind the counter.

Reinventing local food retail: Between tradition and technological innovation :

Discover an alternative vision of local food commerce at our conference hosted by Carl Boutet, a retail expert. We will introduce a unique collaboration between Joseph Sabatier, the owner of Mamie Clafoutis, and Olivier, CEO of Leav. Together, they will discuss a hybrid model that combines the warm welcome typical of neighborhood bakeries with innovative technological solutions. This partnership aims to enhance the customer experience by offering authenticity, convenience, and 24/7 accessibility. They demonstrate that it is possible to integrate technology in a simple and effective way, allowing for experimentation without disrupting the overall business operation, thus balancing tradition and innovation.

(English) Overview of current major food trends in Canada :

Join Jo-Ann as she highlights the Nourish 2024 Trend Report and showcases how some companies are leveraging these blue ocean opportunities.

(English) The future of food manufacturing, retailing, and foodservice :

Join the Canadian Food Innovation Network for an inspiring discussion about the transformative innovations that will unlock new opportunities for the food sector in the near future. From automation and robotics to packaging and supply chain, this panel will introduce business leaders to new possibilities and underline why embracing change is the ideal way to grow their brands.

(French) Sustainability takes center stage: two inspiring business cases :

Meet two daring and innovative Canadian food companies embracing sustainability challenges as tangible opportunities to bring their values to life in the most creative ways.

(English) Challenges and opportunities: navigating global growth in the evolving agri-food industry :

The world’s population is steadily increasing, placing new and increased demand on global food systems. As a result, Canadian agri-food businesses are seeing global demand for their products— presenting both opportunities and challenges.

The opportunity to explore new export markets and grow Canada’s footprint globally is undeniable. However, so are the challenges on the road for Canadian agri-food businesses to get there, like logistics bottlenecks, transformation capacity, financing constraints, market knowledge and quick access to the necessary resources to scale.

Join this thought-provoking session as Export Development Canada’s industry expert, Mr. Fazal, Regional Director – Agri-Food for Québec, discusses how Canadian business can navigate this changing landscape, seize global growth opportunities, and overcome challenges using strategic insights to unlock their global growth potential.”

(English) Canadian Organic Market: Data-Driven Strategies for Growth :

Canada is the fifth largest organic market globally, and there is plenty of room to grow. Learn from research data that can help your organic business uncover opportunities. Please join the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA), the leader in Canadian organic data, for a presentation of current insights into the organic market. Participate in a lively question and answer session to explore what’s next for organic in Canada.

(English) Navigating the Growth of the Ethnic Market in Canada :

Explore the dynamic landscape of the Canadian Ethnic Market—a sector burgeoning with both challenges and potential. According to Statistics Canada, this market is projected to encompass over 30% of the national population by 2030. With over 500,000 newcomers each year and a thriving second generation of ethnic population, ethnic food is fast becoming favourite alternative to regular diet for over 50% of Canadians.

Join our esteemed panel, moderated by industry veteran B K Sethi, President of B K Sethi Marketing Ltd., with over 40 years of experience in introducing and cultivating the Ethnic Food Category in Canada. Alongside Jamie Nelson, COO de Pattison Food Group, and Sarab Hans, President of Hans Dairy, engage in a comprehensive discussion. This session is a unique opportunity to gain valuable perspectives and strategies to navigate and thrive in Canada’s evolving ethnic landscape.

(French) Agri-Food: Navigating the Future of Agriculture with Artificial Intelligence :

Embark on a visionary journey with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University as he delves into the transformative realm of artificial intelligence in the agri-food sector. Uncover the nuanced landscape of AI, exploring its beneficial impacts, potential drawbacks, and the vast array of remarkable opportunities it presents. Gain insight into how AI is reshaping every aspect of the food supply chain, from production and distribution to consumer engagement, offering a glimpse into a future where technology and agriculture converge to create a more sustainable and efficient food system.

(French) Betting on Digital Transformation for Growth: The Winning Strategy of La Petite Bretonne :

Maximizing your return and ensuring the profitability of your agribusiness is imperative, isn’t it? Digital transformation for your SME is no longer an option, but a necessity. But how to proceed? What pitfalls to avoid?

We are delighted to welcome Audrey Laurin, Vice-President of Finance and Administration at La Petite Bretonne, an iconic figure in the industry for her delicious Viennese specialties. A Quebec pioneer in digitization, this SME embarked on the digital adventure 10 years ago and continues to modernize. With what results? One example: the mechanization of their madeleine production line in 2021 allowed them to quadruple their sales.

Join our conference if:
– You are ready to embark on or advance on the digital path.
– You are looking for practical recommendations from a pioneering company in its market.
– You are curious to know the real impacts and tangible benefits of digital transformation.

To explore the successes of La Petite Bretonne and benefit from Audrey’s valuable advice, join us!

(English) Technological Horizons in Vertical Farming: Advancing Sustainable Agriculture :

Shawn Woods, Farm Manager at GoodLeaf Farms, will present an overview of cutting-edge technologies that are redefining vertical farming. His talk will delve into the latest developments in environmental control systems that optimize growing conditions, innovative hydroponic setups that maximize water efficiency, and the integration of automation and machine learning to streamline crop management and improve yields. Additionally, Shawn will explore how these technologies help reduce the reliance on pesticides and minimize water usage, contributing to more sustainable farming practices. A significant focus of his presentation will also be on the benefits of local food production, which not only supports local economies but also enhances community health and wellness by providing fresher, more nutritious produce. This session aims to provide a deep understanding of how advancements in vertical farming technology are not only elevating agricultural productivity but are also crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and improving health outcomes.