Speakers 2023

A.J. Stewart (He/Him) Is the Manager of Business Development For Supplier Diversity at Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). As a subject matter expert for Supplier Diversity, A.J.’s goal is to connect diverse entrepreneurs to a broad network of Canada’s largest corporations with an invested interest in diversifying their supply chains, as well as fellow diverse owned businesses. IDEA is a family business for A.J. and he is excited to be speaking to diverse and allied businesses at this year’s event.

The founder of Audacious Food Marketing and Auralis Botanical Brewing is a seasoned marketer who started his career in London, England. He worked with some of the UK’s finest ad agencies as a Creative Director and Brand Strategist on technology brands including Canon, Cisco, Sony and Xerox.
After moving to Canada, he co-founded Nourish Food Marketing, which became the largest full-service marketing agency specializing in food and drink clients.
After 12 years, he exited Nourish to focus on his drinks startup, Auralis Botanical, bringing to market botanical tonics brewed with functional mushrooms.
He then founded Audacious Marketing to make big client thinking available to small and medium-sized mission driven food and drink businesses. Additionally, he teaches branding and business strategy to food entrepreneurs with the team at Food Ventures.

As COMET’s founder and CTO, Andrew brings expertise in process development and commercialization of new technologies, including the company’s patented upcycling technology. Only COMET has the patented upcycling technology needed to extract naturally occurring arabinoxylan fiber and make it available in a proprietary, high purity and cost-effective form. This simple, yet hard to replicate process, uses only steam, water and pressure for extraction.
Andrew is a recognized expert in the field of biomass conversion, pre-treatment, biorefining and biomass based fuels and chemicals, including cellulosic sugars. Andrew has a successful track record of developing and scaling biomass conversion processes and the production of linerboard pulp from ryegrass straw, including converting cellulose derivatives, ethanol and butanol, into transportation fuels.

BK Sethi, President of BK Sethi Marketing Ltd. with over 35 years of experience in importing, distributing and marketing authentic ethnic food products from around the world, offers his experience as a consultant to many multinationals, trade consulates, exporters and merchants, providing planning, execution, channel selection and communication strategies in the growing Canadian ethnic market.

His practical, hands-on experience is key to short and long term business growth plans for progressive companies who want to enter and grow their business in the Canadian market, a gateway to North America.

Beth Hunter is the executive director of FoodBridge, an initiative that develops bold collaborations for regenerative food and farming. She was program director at the McConnell Foundation from 2010-2021, leading the sustainable food systems initiative (including Nourish: the future of food in healthcare) and working on the Foundation’s Climate and Reconciliation programs. A co-founder of Equiterre, she was previously oceans campaign coordinator for Greenpeace Canada, holds an MSc in rural economics from Université Laval and was a fellow at the Academy for Systems Change. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security and writes at vudici.blog.

Bojan Opsenica covers the foreign investment portfolio at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. As the SelectUSA representative in Canada, he specializes in assisting Canadian companies expanding to the U.S. by providing resources to potential investors. Services offered by SelectUSA include market research, connections to state and local governments, and help navigating the U.S. regulatory system. Bojan also works with State governments to help facilitate investment in their region by organizing investment missions, counselling state representatives, and developing market-specific strategies.

During his time at the U.S. Commercial Service, Bojan has also worked to help U.S. companies find Canadian partners in the IT, Construction and Finance sectors. Bojan has a Master’s in Economics from the University of Toronto and an Honors BA from Western University.

Brian Hanna is a procurement and sustainability professional with 5 years experience across Food and Beverage, Retail, and Hospitality – having worked at companies such as Hellofresh and Wal-mart. In his current role at Accor, he is focused on sustainability and supplier diversity within the procurement office, with the goal of working with suppliers that can help Accor reach its commitments of enabling a sustainable and equitable future.

Passionate about marketing strategy, Camélia Hétu has been the head of content marketing at Braque since 2022. She holds a DCS in business management and BBA focusing on marketing, and through her professional experiences, she has developed social media expertise. Whether it was as a collaborator for a Gardasil 9 vaccine awareness campaign, an influencer marketing specialist, a marketing coordinator, or a social media specialist, Camélia has always contributed to content marketing strategies. Her background has therefore allowed her to become particularly adept on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok.

Driven by new algorithms, the desire to constantly learn and the need to optimize her strategies, Camélia always keeps up to date with the advances and changes in the industry to get the best return on investment. She knows how to adapt her strategies to meet (and exceed!) her clients’ objectives. Paying particular attention to consumers’ psychology and brand attachment, Camélia is interested in building and managing engaged communities on social media.

Carol Zweep has been with NSF International since October 2002. She manages NSF’s supplier management programs. She has been responsible for the Product and Process Innovation and Regulatory Affairs departments. Carol has taught courses, judged competitions, and written articles on packaging for trade magazines.

Prior to joining NSF International, Carol worked for sixteen years at Amcor Rigid Packaging, where she held a variety of positions ranging from managing a quality department to setting up the company’s technical center to research and development.  Carol holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Queens University and a Master of Science degree from McMaster University. Carol is also a Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) through the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP).

Rosanna Caira is the editor and publisher of Kostuch Media overseeing its varied portfolio of print, digital and events products. In her capacity as editor of Canada’s two leading hospitality publications, Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines, Rosanna directs the editorial and graphic content of both publications, and is responsible for the editorial vision of the magazines and its many digital products.

In addition to her editorial duties, Rosanna also serves as publisher, directing the strategic development of the Sales and Marketing, Production and Circulation departments. She is also responsible for the company’s many events, ranging from the Icons & Innovators, to the Pinnacle Awards and the Women in Tourism & Hospitality conference.

Rosanna is well known in industry circles across Canada, representing the magazines at industry functions and has served on various Boards and committees. These include the Canadian Hospitality Foundation, the Ontario Hostelry Institute, and the Canadian Business Press. Rosanna is a recipient of the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Award in the media category, and has served on the Board of Directors of the American-based International Food Editors’ Council. In September 2006, the Italian Chamber of Commerce named Rosanna one of the 32 most successful business women in Canada of Italian Origin. And, in 2016, Rosanna was bestowed with an Honorary degree – the Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality — from Toronto’s George Brown College.

Cristina Carpio is a Canadian Television personality, TV Host, on-air lifestyle and F&B expert and a brand and content creator. She is the host of Season 2’s luxury travel show called Going Global TV launched on CNBC World. A former reporter for Canada’s leading newscast, CTV News, Cristina is also a broadcast-journalism and travel and tourism graduate. She is also an International Columnist for one of North America’s leading industry magazine, Food and Beverage Magazine where she has her column called “Carpio’s Corner”. Most recently, her blog World Table launched on Going Global TV’s website. She also contributes travel and lifestyle content to A Luxury Travel Blog and is also the Canadian Ambassador for Europe’s number one immersive dining platform called Vizeat. The app was voted top 3 in the world in 2016 by Apple. Cristina has worked on several campaigns for many major luxury brands as well as hosted and organized many events throughout her career.

She has also hosted several charitable events and high profile fashion and cultural functions and is very passionate about giving back to her community. Cristina has been recognized for her entrepreneurship and community work, and some of her awards include Top 40 Under 40 and an award of recognition at the 2016 Outstanding Asian Gala in Toronto. She was also given special recognition by a not for profit group for her efforts and contributions to help the victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Cristina came to Canada at 16 years old on her own with nothing but a dream to live a better life. After many years of separation from her mom and siblings, she finally reunited with them in Canada and vowed to help those in need. Cristina knows first hand living in poverty and her lifelong dream is to continue her philanthropic work and help empower women all over the world.

Dana McCauley is a value proposition driven innovator who has successfully launched numerous food products and programs in collaboration with national and international food companies and entrepreneurs.

Beyond her corporate experience in marketing, product development and creative services, Dana brings expertise in the nonprofit and academic arenas to her role. She was the founding Executive Director of Food Starter, a Toronto-based food business incubator and gas pedal, which received the Ontario Premier’s Award for Excellence in Agri-Food Innovation. As Director of New Venture Development at the University of Guelph, Dana has enabled agri-food innovators to turn their inventions into innovations that grow the economy and enhance Canada’s international reputation.

Dana has been a food media personality and keynote speaker. She is the chair of the SIAL Canada Innovation Awards jury. In 2017, Dana was recognized by WXN as one of Canada’s most powerful women in the category of Trailblazer and Trendsetter.

Debra Quade has served as the Supplier Diversity Manager at Kellogg Company since 2011. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served as Supplier Diversity Specialist at Toyota Boshoku America in Erlanger, Kentucky and Magna Donnelly in Holland, Michigan. Debra serves as Vice Chair for the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and represents Kellogg Company on the Corporate Advisory Council for the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council Programs Committee, the Food Marketing Institute Supplier Diversity Committee and both the National Minority Supplier Development Council CPG and Food & Beverage Industry Groups. She leads the WEConnect International Food, Beverage & Agricultural Industry Group and provides ongoing support for the Michigan Diversity Connections (MiDiCo) module that meets monthly to offer support, training and networking to the West Michigan supplier diversity community.

Devin Powell is a seasoned business professional with experience in the food and beverage industry.
Currently serving as the General Manager of Pulp and Press Juice Co, he has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success since joining the team in 2018.
Devin began his career in the logistics and home services industry working in various roles, including operations and marketing, before eventually moving into senior management roles.
He has a strong track record of delivering results, and is known for his strategic thinking and ability to build rewarding relationships.

In his role at Pulp and Press Juice, Devin has overseen all aspects of the business, from production and distribution to sales and marketing. Devin now spends the majority of his time on Sales and Strategic Development of both the US and Canadian sides of the business.

Both Devin and Pulp & Press are committed to delivering high-quality, organic products to customers, and are passionate about promoting healthy living through nutrition and wellness.

Outside of work, Devin enjoys staying active with wife Marija, and his two sons, Niall and Callan by enjoying time outdoors at their cottage in Northern Ontario.

Chef Erica Karbelnik began cooking at a young age with her mom by her side, hosting weekly dinner parties and recipe testing. It was there, in her home kitchen, that sparked her passion for culinary arts.
 
At 17, chef Erica started cooking professionally. She worked as an apprentice under chef Mark McEwan at ONE Restaurant, which led to a full-time position.
 
Since, chef Erica has travelled across the globe, bringing flavours from each country into her cooking. She has gone back and forth from Toronto to Vancouver, working alongside some of Canada’s most recognized chefs, training in French Italian cuisine and specializing in handmade pasta.
 
Chef Erica competed alongside her husband and fellow chef, Josh Karbelnik, in Food Network Canada’s Top Chef Canada, where she took home the title and grand prize. During this competition, she honed into her Moroccan Israeli background bringing those flavours to the table and finding her stride in her cooking style.
 
Recently, Chef Erica represented Canada in the V1 Campeonato Mundial De Tapas in Spain against 15 of the world’s best for the chance to earn the title. She has also been named the Culinary Ambassador of NBA Courtside Restaurant where she will oversee its globally inspired menu created by Executive Chef Myles Sam.
 
Instagram: @ChefEricaK
Facebook: @ChefEricaK
TikTok: @ChefEricaK

Professionnelle de la nutrition, du marketing alimentaire et de la communication cumulant plus de 20 ans d’expérience, Isabelle Marquis possède un savoir-faire multidisciplinaire unique acquis à la fois en agence-conseil et en entreprise de transformation alimentaire. Reconnue pour sa grande rigueur, sa passion contagieuse ou encore sa créativité stratégique, Isabelle est aussi une communicatrice hors pair qui sait inspirer autant que mobiliser.

En tant que directrice marketing, Grande distribution et HRI au sein du Groupe Première Moisson Inc., elle fut responsable de nombreux projets d’innovation et de lancements de produits, en plus de contribuer activement au développement des affaires sur les marchés canadien et américain. Aujourd’hui à son compte, madame Marquis accompagne des entreprises de toutes tailles du secteur alimentaire québécois et canadien en stratégie de communication, de marketing et d’innovation. Ambassadrice Innovation pour SIAL Canada depuis 2018, elle collabore également auprès de magazines spécialisés et à l’émission L’épicerie sur Ici Radio-Canada Télé.

There are thousands of self-proclaimed “foodies” out there, positioning themselves as health and wellness experts…Jane Dummer RD (www.janedummer.com), is a true professional!

She is a respected thought leader in the food industry and holds qualifications as a dietitian and a degree in nutritional science from one of the world’s leading food universities.

For more than two decades, Jane and her team have been advising medium and large food, beverage and nutrition companies in North America. An author, writer and speaker, Jane is frequently quoted in the media, with over 100 interviews. Jane speaks to strategic audiences including key industry clients, health professionals and consumers.

She is the author of The Need for Seeds: How to Make Seeds an Everyday Food in Your Healthy Diet, and is also a writer for the Bakers Journal and a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Jane has served on the scientific advisory boards of Danone Canada and the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research.

A passionate businessman, Jean-Marc Demers is the president of the Braque full-service advertising agency, which he founded in 1992 in Montreal while still a student. Since then, he has contributed to the development of reputable brands such as Cordon Bleu, Johnsonville, Vachon, Wong Wing, Riviera and Naya, amongst others. His work with food processors and producers has earned him numerous distinctions in branding, multi-channel marketing strategies and digital marketing. Over the years, he has positioned Braque as the go-to marketing agency for any businesses in the food sector.

With his clients, Jean-Marc favours an approach based on a deep understanding of their business reality. His mission is to support entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized processors in all stages of their product marketing, from product development to consumer communication, through shopper marketing.

Jean-Marc has chaired the board of directors of the Taan Worldwide international association of independent advertising agencies, and the board of directors of the leading perinatal nutrition organization, the Montreal Diet Dispensary. He is a recognized speaker and has extensive experience giving talks during national and international conferences.

Jean-Philippe Gervais is Vice-President and Chief Economist at FCC. His advice helps guide strategy and monitor risk across the corporation. In addition to acting as FCC’s spokesperson on economic issues, Jean-Philippe provides commentary on the agriculture and agri-food industry in videos and on the FCC Economics blog.

Prior to joining FCC in 2010, Jean-Philippe was a professor of agribusiness at North Carolina State University and Laval University. Jean-Philippe is past president of the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society. He received his PhD in Economics from Iowa State University in 1999.

Jean-Sébastien Michel is a Quebec entrepreneur born in Sept-Iles in 1981 who specializes in cocktail ingredients, glassware and bar accessories, wines and spirits. After graduate studies at Concordia and UdeM in political science with a focus on alcohol prohibitions and discourses, he decided to combine his passion for liquids and human behavior by working in the retail sector. First managing the oldest wine accessories store in Montreal, he launched Alambika in 2012, a precursor to the current cocktail trend.

Today, the company, with boutique and online presence, supplies hundreds of bars and restaurants across Canada and the US, has a national distribution line representing some 50 artisanal houses and develops original accessories and glasses with various Quebec trades. Described as the “secret weapon of the Montreal cocktail scene” by Eater magazine, it now promotes the Quebec offer through partnerships with the wine and cocktail world, SIAL, La Grande Dégustation de Montréal, event support, educational workshops and a cocktail column in Le Devoir.

Helming the kitchen at EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace, Chef Jeff Crump, is a Canadian slow-food pioneer and founder of Earth to Table Organic Farm and Earth to Table Bread Bar. Crump has authored two cookbooks based on the ‘eat local’ concept. Earth to Table and Earth to Table Everyday.

The EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace menu is a culinary homage to our Chef’s earth-to-table philosophy, and his roots in the UK Gastrobar scene from The Fat Duck and it pub the Hind’s Head. Thoughtfully-sourced ingredients and an emphasis on seasonality is of paramount importance to his menu concepts. Chef Crump’s is currently inspired by his multi-ethnic team and continues to cook with the seasons.

Jo-Ann has spent her career building consumer and retail brands at Molson, Procter and Gamble, Unilever and Cadillac Fairview.

As Division President of Molson Coors and a member of its North American Management Board, Jo-Ann led the charge to sell more beer more profitably.
As founding partner and president of Nourish Food Marketing, Jo-Ann now builds powerful food and beverage brands in Canada, the United States and Europe, developing marketing strategies that help move products from the shelf to the consumer’s shopping cart, to their plate and to their heart.

She has worked with entrepreneurs to launch award-winning products and with municipal, provincial and federal agencies to create programs that support the Canadian food industry. She has also been an instructor at the Schulich Executive School of Business, FoodStarter (a food incubator), and the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada and the Association of Canadian Advertisers.

Jo-Ann is the Founding Chair of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada, Past President of the Empire Club of Canada, where she has hosted leaders from around the world, and Past President of ABC Life Literacy Canada. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Chapter of the Dames d’Escoffier.

With over 20 years in the organic food sector, Kim brings a wealth of supply chain and non-profit experience to the role of Member Relations & Business Development Manager at the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA). Honoured with the 2016 Canadian Health Food Association Organics Achievement Award, Kim continues to diligently strive to bring value to the organic sector. Kim serves COTA members through an array of benefits programs and funding opportunities which assist members in strengthening their organic businesses.

COTA is the national membership-based association for organic agriculture and products in Canada. Members include growers, processors, handlers, certifiers, provincial organic associations, distributors, importers, exporters, manufacturers, brokers and brand management companies, consultants, retailers, and all points along the organic value chain.

The COTA mission is to promote and protect the organic sector and encourage the universal adoption of organic. To achieve this mission, COTA works on regulatory affairs, government relations, trading relationships, market research, market access, organic integrity, and builds public trust in organic through a variety of consumer-facing programs. Through industry task forces, webinars, or buyer missions, COTA assists businesses, whether in start-up phase or established players, to navigate the organic marketplace to discover ways to optimize their organic business portfolios.

With over 20 years of marketing research experience, Lisa started at Leger in 2003 and is a highly respected professional. As a senior vice-president at Leger, Lisa manages the Communications and Public Affairs practice and is a senior member of the Toronto office. Her clients include government, most of the top PR agencies in Canada, and communications practitioners at several corporations, food associations and pharmaceutical companies.

She focuses her practice on public affairs and research for media attention across numerous industries. She also conducts research with associations, not-for-profits, government, and financial institutions. She is well-versed in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. With nearly 300 studies completed each year, Lisa’s team regularly assesses advertisements, public opinion, attitudes, behaviour, and key satisfaction metrics across various industries.

An experienced entrepreneur with a proven track record for negotiating sophisticated transactions and maximizing shareholder value, Marc has been involved in numerous businesses and industries. Marc is currently an equity investor and strategic advisor to several fast growing companies in the Health food, Marketing and High tech sectors.
As a vice president of Sweets from the Earth, Marc advises on all aspects of strategy, finance, marketing and operations. Sweets from the Earth was founded in 2002 with a passion for and a dedication to creating all-natural vegan baked goods. As a small family-owned bakery, our products are crafted in small batches using only the finest 100% plant based ingredients in either our DAIRY, EGG, SESAME, PEANUT & NUT FREE OR DAIRY, EGG, WHEAT & GLUTEN FREE bakeries. We offer a sinfully delicious assortment of cakes, cookies, bars, squares, breads and muffins available at natural food stores, grocery stores, cafes, schools and restaurants across Canada. All created without the use of refined sugars or artificial flavours / colours. Sweets from the Earth has been ranked one of Canada’s fastest growing companies the last 9 years by Profit Magazine & The Globe & Mail and is in the process of rolling out the Treats from the Earth brand across the US and Middle East. Sweet. Natural. Sinfully delicious, ethical baked goods. www.sweetsfromtheearth.com
Additionally, Marc has also co-founded and/or co-owned and subsequently sold several companies in numerous industries, including: an international data services company, a printing company specializing in Direct Marketing campaigns; a publisher of consumer based software applications; a letter shop, fulfillment house and computer service bureau; and a leading Quebec based commercial barter exchange.
Marc holds a B.Comm from McGill University, and an M.B.A. from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.

Michi Furuya Chang is Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP). In this role Michi works with FHCP’s manufacturing member organizations to bring industry’s voice, expertise and insights in providing evidence and science-based solutions to government’s food, health and consumer products public policy and regulatory initiatives.
Michi brings a unique and multi-sectoral perspective to all regulatory and policy development work. Prior to joining FHCP in 2016, Michi spent a combined 25 years working in public health, Sobeys Incorporated, and 15 years with Kraft Heinz. Michi currently sits on the government’s Agile Regulations Roundtable (ARRT) and is a previous member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research (CFDR) and CFDR’s Scientific Review Committee. As a Registered Dietitian she always ensures keeping the needs of the consumer at the forefront, and by having first-hand experience in the public and private sectors, she is able to help identify optimal solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders. Michi obtained both her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Health Science in Public Health degrees from the University of Toronto. She is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the College of Dietitians of Ontario and Dietitians of Canada.

Nikolas is a Senior Research Director at Leger, specializing quantitative and qualitative research. He has a Master of Arts degree in Political Studies from Queen’s University and completed the Research Analyst Post-Graduate Program at Georgian College in May of 2017, which equipped him with the necessary skills to manage complex research projects.

With a wealth of experience working at various research and consulting companies, Nikolas has honed his research skills by leveraging technology to produce actionable insights for his clients. He has successfully moderated focus groups on topics such as ad testing and public opinion on social issues. He has a deep understanding of how to use data to provide valuable insights and recommendations. Nikolas is a lead presenter for Leger’s annual Youth Study. He was also recently named to the Peak’s Class of 2023 Emerging Canadian Leaders list.

Paul Bravi joined METRO in 1999 in Merchandising with the Loeb division. He then moved to the Super C banner in 2005, as Senior Director for Merchandising, and in 2007 was promoted to Vice President for grocery merchandising for both Metro and Super C banners. In 2013, Paul moved from Montreal to Toronto when he transferred to the Ontario division working for Food Basics, as Vice President and General Manager. In 2016 he was promoted to Senior Vice President, Food Basics which is the position he currently holds. In this role, Paul is responsible for both Merchandising and Operations for the Food Basics banner. He oversees over 10,000 employees in 142 stores across Ontario, as well as the team of merchandisers.

Paul Bravi brings over 40 years of Canadian food retail experience and success to METRO. He has worked across all segments of the food industry having experience in gourmet foods, C stores, conventional and now discount.

Paul was born in Italy and immigrated to Canada at a young age, settling in Montreal. He graduated from McGill University with a bachelor’s degree. He is married with two children.

Paul is a retired executive with over 40 year’s global retail experience specializing in brand creation, food product development and sourcing. During his 25 years at Loblaw Companies he headed their “own brands” product development & innovation departments, and in his latter days spearheaded its sustainable procurement initiatives. After retiring from Loblaw, he became Director, External; OAC at the University of Guelph. He is currently Co-Chair of Canada’s Agri-food Sustainability Initiative (CASI). Internationally, he is a Trustee on the Board of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). He is recently retired from the “International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Foods” (iPES-Foods).In 2014 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Laws by the University of Guelph in recognition of “Innovation brought to the Canadian Food Supply System & acknowledging leadership in Sustainability “.

As a Senior Program Manager, Paul works with clients within PUR’s Diversified Crop portfolio — designing and implementing programs that have a positive impact on ecosystem services and livelihoods within their value chain. With a BSc. in Biology, Paul has more than 10 years of experience developing projects in ecosystem restoration, regenerative agriculture, and species-specific intervention.
Prior to joining PUR, Paul worked with Parks Canada to implement environmental initiatives that integrated farming communities within park landscapes. He has worked alongside farmers, businesses, governments, Indigenous groups, and other key stakeholders to design and manage successful projects.

Renata McGuire is a highly experienced food safety consultant and trainer based in Guelph, Ontario. With over 20 years of experience in the food industry, Renata has become a trusted advisor to clients in both the public and private sectors.
Renata’s knowledge of food safety regulations and standards, combined with her practical experience in implementing food safety management systems, has made her an invaluable resource to her clients. She has a proven track record of developing and implementing food safety programs that not only meet regulatory requirements but also exceed industry standards.
In addition to her technical expertise, Renata is known for her exceptional communication and training skills. She has a passion for educating clients on the importance of food safety and empowering them to take ownership of their own food safety programs.
Renata holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Toxicology from the University of Guelph, and is a lead instructor for FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food.
Whether working with large food manufacturers, small businesses, or government agencies, Renata is committed to helping her clients achieve their food safety goals and ensure the safety of the food supply.

Rosanna Caira is the editor and publisher of Kostuch Media overseeing its varied portfolio of print, digital and events products. In her capacity as editor of Canada’s two leading hospitality publications, Foodservice and Hospitality and Hotelier magazines, Rosanna directs the editorial and graphic content of both publications, and is responsible for the editorial vision of the magazines and its many digital products.

In addition to her editorial duties, Rosanna also serves as publisher, directing the strategic development of the Sales and Marketing, Production and Circulation departments. She is also responsible for the company’s many events, ranging from the Icons & Innovators, to the Pinnacle Awards and the Women in Tourism & Hospitality conference.

Rosanna is well known in industry circles across Canada, representing the magazines at industry functions and has served on various Boards and committees. These include the Canadian Hospitality Foundation, the Ontario Hostelry Institute, and the Canadian Business Press. Rosanna is a recipient of the Ontario Hostelry Institute’s Gold Award in the media category, and has served on the Board of Directors of the American-based International Food Editors’ Council. In September 2006, the Italian Chamber of Commerce named Rosanna one of the 32 most successful business women in Canada of Italian Origin. And, in 2016, Rosanna was bestowed with an Honorary degree – the Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality — from Toronto’s George Brown College.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Professor of Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculties of Management and Agriculture at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-Food Analysis Laboratory, also located at Dalhousie University. Prior to joining Dalhousie, he was affiliated with the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, which he co-founded. Known as the “Professor of Food”, his current research focuses on the broad area of food distribution, safety and security. Google Scholar ranks him as one of the most cited researchers in the world on food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability.

He is the author of five books on global food systems, most recently “Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking” published in 2017 by Wiley-Blackwell. He has also published over 500 peer-reviewed journal articles in several academic publications. In addition, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, including The Lancet, The Economist, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, BBC, NBC, ABC, Fox News, Foreign Affairs, The Globe & Mail, The National Post, and The Toronto Star.

Dr. Charlebois serves on the board of directors of a number of companies and supports many organizations as a special advisor, including some publicly traded companies. Dr. Charlebois is also a member of the Scientific Council of the Business Scientific Institute, based in Luxembourg. Dr. Charlebois is a member of the Advisory Board of the Global Food Traceability Centre, based in Washington DC, and a member of the National Science Committee of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), Ottawa.

Tamara, industry advisor of The NPD Group, Inc., is an expert in Fashion and Retail in Canada. She has over 15 years of experience in the Canadian fashion industry, working across functions such as design, product development, merchandising, sales, planning and strategy. Tamara joined NPD in 2015 as part of the Fashion practices and assumed the role of industry analyst in 2016. She keeps a pulse on the fashion and retail industries, presenting market and consumer trends to manufacturers, and retailers. Tamara shares her expert insight and analysis on The NPD Group Blog and is also a regular contributor to many major media outlets. She is often quoted in publications such as The Globe and Mail, BOF, Financial Post, Canadian Business News, Elle Canada Magazine, and WWD. As well as seen on CBC The National and BNN Bloomberg.

Vince has been a foodie since long before that became a fake word, developing his passion for food and cooking, in his Italian mama’s kitchen. Since graduating university with a business degree, he has succeeded in numerous roles across the food and foodservice industry. From sales to marketing, distribution to product development, from manufacturers to operators. Currently, as Director and Foodservice Industry Analyst at The NPD Group, Canada, he shares his unique perspective on food and the foodservice industry, and helps clients improve their business. When not keeping busy analyzing the business, you can find him preparing meals for family or friends, or out in the neighbourhood trying out the latest new restaurant. And analyzing the menu of course. Vince is a frequent presenter at foodservice industry events, and provides industry insights to media such as CBC News, The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, Yahoo Business, Menu Magazine and Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine.