With over a decade of marketing experience and seven years shaping retail strategy at Flipp, Éloïse Racine combines strategic insight, creativity, and analytics to help retailers connect more meaningfully with consumers. A University of Laval graduate in Consumer Sciences, she’s passionate about advancing digital transformation across the North American retail landscape.

Chef Poyan has been heavily involved in the British Columbia culinary scene since graduating top of his class at Vancouver Community College. Poyan is currently Culinary Director at Ocean Mama Seafood as well as Treasurer and Competition Chair for the Chefs Table Society of BC.

Named 2013 British Columbia Chef of the year and 2009 Canadian and British Columbia’s Culinary Apprentice of the Year, Chef Poyan has spent years competing in the National and International Competitions. He was one of 4 chefs that represented Canada in the World Culinary Olympics in Germany in 2012, placing 4th in the world. He was also honoured with the position of Captain of the Olympic Culinary Team of Chef Poyan Danesh British Columbia where he led them to a gold in their category, and 4th place finish at the World Culinary Olympics in Germany October of 2008. Poyan was also a member of Culinary Team Canada in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2012 competing in Luxembourg twice, Basel and in Chicago, winning a total of 9 gold medals and 2 silver medals in total.

He was also on the Board of Directors as Vice President of the BC Chefs association from 2009 – 2013.

Poyan was featured on the Global series “Canada’s Next Great Chef” as BC’s culinary representative and has won many Grand Gold championships at regional competitions around the city. He has also been awarded the Top in Trades award by the Province newspaper and was named one of Vancouver’s rising stars by the Vancouver Sun and VCC alumni of the year in 2007.

In summary, Valérie is passionate about food, nutrition, and all the research surrounding these topics. She studied consumer sciences at Laval University, with an entrepreneurship profile.

Valérie has 10 years of experience in Grocery and Fresh Merchandising at Metro, plus 2 years as a director for negotiation and product development.

For her, everything is a balance, good food, sport, quality time in family and with her team at the office!

Author of the book “The Complete Arthritis Health, Diet Guide and Cookbook”, Kim speaks and lectures on healthy eating choices, transforming complex scientific information into easy to understand terms to help her clients get results.  Kim is often asked to comment on nutrition issues by local and national journalists and is a guest lecturer at McGill for students in dietetics and medicine. 

A graduate of McGill University, including an integrated internship at several major Montreal hospitals, she is a member of the Ordre Professionnelle des Dietetistes du Quebec, Dietitians of Canada, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and The Canadian Obesity Network.

Akaysha Duchek is a Senior Product Development Specialist at Federated Co-operatives Ltd., where she leads the development and launch of innovative private label products across multiple categories, including baking, deli, dairy, and juice. With over a decade of experience in the food industry, she brings a strong background in food science and has previously specialized in pulse-based, gluten-free, and high-protein products. Her passion for innovation is fueled by global travel where she explores diverse flavours and cuisines to inspire new product ideas that resonate with today’s consumers.

Michael Kinsella is the Vice President of Industry Relations at GS1 Canada, where he spearheads industry initiatives in the away-from-home and foodservice sectors. With a stellar 25-year career, Michael has successfully launched iconic Canadian brands and innovative beverages enjoyed by millions.A passionate advocate for food, fitness, and innovation, Michael is thrilled to lead projects that bring joy to Canadians. As a seasoned CPG and retail brand leader, he excels in foodservice and away-from-home innovations, operational marketing, functional beverage development, and impactful go-to-market campaigns that deeply resonate with consumers.

Michael is known for his clear strategic thinking and effective execution, which have contributed to significant growth. He fosters a dynamic environment that inspires teams to embrace challenges and achieve remarkable results.

Richard Baker is a skilled strategic branding and award-winning marketing professional. His background stems from 25+ years in the consumer-packaged goods sector – working with some of Canada’s largest national brands such as Tabasco Brand Pepper Sauce, Rich Products, and Candle Impressions, in brand development, marketing and business development roles.

Today, Richard is the Founder and President of Food Distribution Guy. He helps ensure their clients success is sustainable in the long-term and to assist them in obtaining products distribution through the appropriate channels (traditional grocery, health stores, mass merchandiser, club, general merchandise, C-stores) available for retailing their product.

Wendy Baker is Vice President of Member Engagement & Events at Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP). In this role, she leads FHCP’s efforts to drive member satisfaction and deliver exceptional member experience. She is highly recognized for building rapport, cultivating strong relationships, fostering collaboration and inspiring teams to succeed. Prior to joining FHCP, Wendy had an accomplished career in retail, including leading events at Retail Council of Canada. She also dedicated nearly 18 years at The Source in various roles administering events and recognition programs for the national retail sales team and store support centre team.

About FHCP:

FHCP is the voice of Canada’s leading food, health, and consumer products manufacturers. Our industry employs more people than any other manufacturing sector in Canada, across businesses of all sizes that manufacture and distribute the safe, high-quality products at the heart of healthy homes, healthy communities, and a healthy Canada.

Tammy Barrett has been working within the CPG industry for 24 years and is currently the Director of Marketing and Trade Development for Carlton Cards – the number one greeting card company in Canada. Carlton Cards purpose is to make the world a more thoughtful and caring place. every. single. day. Tammy and her team work closely with the best retail partners in Canada to create dynamic and highly profitable greeting card departments selling the brands Canadians love – Carlton Cards, Papyrus, Recycled Paper Greetings and Cartes Carlton.

Independent consultant, passionate about food, Josée Bédard cumulates nearly 20 years of experience as senior manager in public affairs with recognized companies operating in the food retail and distribution sector in Canada (as LCL and Sobeys Qc). Oriented towards achieving targeted objectives, Josée has accumulated relevant expertise to elaborate and plan successful communication strategies and effective action plans. In planning and supporting change, played a leading role in coordinations internal and external communication activities supporting management strategies, as well as government and industry relations. She lead the launch of new products, managed the production of publications while assuming the role of spokesperson. Accustomed to work within short deadlines, has developed a great ability to manage issues in a demanding context with flexibility and creativity. Foodies, member of the Gourmet Press and Wine Clubs, Josée is always interested by new products.

Robin Bradley is an Associate Publisher with Mercury Publications in Winnipeg. She has over 15 years of experience working with food and beverage manufacturers with Western Grocer and Health & Wellness Retailer Magazine.  Robin has worked closely with large and small food manufacturers launching new products in the grocery and health food business. Her specific areas of expertise include: marketing and communication strategies, advertising and sales. Grateful for working in such an exciting, ever changing industry, Robin enjoys working closely with food and beverage clients to help them get their products on shelves in retailers across Canada.

Nithya Caleb is the editor of Food in Canada, the national magazine dedicated to Canada’s food & beverage processing industry. She loves experimenting with new ingredients, and giving a contemporary twist (thanks to inspiring food bloggers) to traditional South Indian recipes. When not working or cooking, Nithya enjoys reading, meditating and going for walks. She loves volunteering and prior to the pandemic, was a Scouts Leader.

Paula Deane is the Director of Product Development for Corporate Brands at Metro Inc. Paula has a unique combination of product development and business expertise from over 20 years combined experience in the manufacturing, retail and supply sectors. After graduating from the University of Guelph, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Paula combined her passion for science and food to start her journey in creating innovative products for the Canadian market. Paula started her career at one of North America’s largest food manufacturers as a product development scientist, developing products from concept to commercialization.  Several years later, Paula moved to a major grocery retailer as Director of Product Development, where she launched a new 3-tier, 5 sub-brand programs reflecting a good, better, best strategy. Afterwards, as Director of Corporate Brands Convenience for a major retail drug chain, Paula managed the private label Convenience portfolio where she developed and launched new brands and revitalized the seasonal programs.  Prior to joining Metro, Paula worked with local and international suppliers to bring innovative new products to Canadian retailers.  Now at Metro, Paula and her team are focused on developing great tasting, quality products to deliver the best product experience for their customers and earn their long-term loyalty.

Cumulating over 35 years of trade and generic marketing with retail experience in organizations like Dairy Farmers of Canada, Launch and Best Brands as well as CPG companies like Colgate-Palmolive and Cadbury (now Mondelez), Gilles works for his own consulting firm, GMD Consultant, focused mainly on the retail market, helping small and medium companies, with their brands, their route to market and managing their social media across Canada. His firm also handles many translations for companies in Quebec and Ontario.

Nicolas Diard is the Senior Director of Product Development at Loblaw Companies Limited with 20 years of experience in the food and grocery industry, specializing in private label development and innovation. He has a proven track record of success leading international teams and driving growth for major retailers like Casino and Loblaw. Nicolas is passionate about identifying new trends, creating high-quality, affordable food and non-food products that surprise and delight consumers.

Nate has spent a career reimagining and executing the possibilities for brands, primarily across retail and food service. Working for global companies, McCain and Lactalis (Parmalat), Nate brings a deep understanding of consumer insight mining, integrated communications, brand & innovation development, and P&L improvements in the CPG space. Nate now plays a key role leading Crew and their efforts to grow emerging and maturing brands across North America with data and creativity.

A distinguished CPA and Chartered Accountant with over three decades of expertise in finance and software, Moe Dostmohamed exemplifies strategic leadership and a fervent passion for innovation. As the Head of Sales and Development at Pur-logic Solutions Inc., he leads initiatives to provide MRP and ERP consulting services specifically tailored for food processors.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Moe is deeply committed to community service, serving as the Board Chair for the Toronto Waldorf School Foundation. His dedication to both his career and community underscores his multifaceted approach to leadership.
Outside of his professional life, Moe is an avid traveler, culinary enthusiast, and wine connoisseur. He enjoys exploring the world, indulging in the culinary arts, and refining his palate with various wines.

Shellee Fitzgerald been on the Canadian Grocer team for more than 15 years and is currently Editor-in-Chief of the magazine. Read coast to coast, Canadian Grocer has been serving the grocery industry for more than 130 years. Prior to joining Canadian Grocer, Shellee, a graduate of Queen’s University, worked in communications at the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (now Restaurants Canada).

George Guidoni is the editor-in-chief of the Canadian Packaging magazine, published 10 times a year in Toronto by Annex Business Media.

George has been the editor of Canada’s only professional magazine serving the country’s packaging and related industries for the last 20 years. 

Prior to joining Canadian Packaging, George has also served in various chief and/or senior editorial capacities at other prominent trade magazines, is a past recipient of several awards and award nominations in various competitions dedicated to recognizing journalistic excellence and achievement.

Juliana Henao has over 15 years of experience in marketing and strategic leadership in multinational companies across retail and consumer goods. Currently, she is the Private Brands Marketing Manager at Pattison Food Group. Her experience includes key marketing roles at Spectrum Brands, Bosch, and General Motors.

Vanessa Martin began her love for food working as a part-time student at the Longo’s store in the bakery department. Fast forward upon graduating university, Vanessa began working in the Private Label department, working alongside her director and mentor, Jenny Longo 13 years later, where her passion for food and creativity were given the platform to excel by bringing value added and high quality products to guests.

My name is Sandra Mirkovic, I am a wife and a mother to two wonderful teenagers. I am also the Chief Communications Officer for Chopsticks+Forks Food Tour Company In Toronto. As an immigrant to Canada, I loved landing in Toronto, the most multicultural city in the world. I have a passion to share the diversity of our amazing city through the culture and food of all the different ethnic groups that live together in Toronto. When I’m not working, I love traveling with my family exploring new cultures and having culinary adventures.

Eddy Morassutti is a Quality Assurance professional with over 30 years Quality Management experience across all consumer product disciplines. As part of senior management teams in companies such as Nestle Canada Inc, Loblaw Companies Ltd, Sobeys, he has developed an expert level in quality management utilizing expertise in supply chain targets and key performance indicators in the food manufacturing industry. Eddy has a comprehensive knowledge of food technology and demonstrated experience in auditing manufacturing facilities, HACCP, application of Good Manufacturing Practices and Regulatory expertise. Through his career, he has successfully managed and led a large geographically diverse international vendors

Susie Erjavec Parker is the owner of SPARKER Strategy Group, Winnipeg’s first and only social media and public relations agency. Susie is a frequent speaker and media commentator on the current and future state of social media having been featured on CBC, CTV, Global News, The Globe and Mail, Moneysense Magazine, Corus Radio, and more. She consults on public relations, marketing trends, and how these intersect with consumer behaviour. Susie is also the founder and managing editor of WinnipegMom.ca, a lifestyle site for Winnipeg parents and the businesses and brands that serve them.

Joann Perron is a Senior Analyst for the food and beverage processing industry, which is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in Canada. Focusing on the economic development of the sector, one of her major responsibilities is coordinating the Food Processing Industry Roundtable, which is the primary engagement mechanism for the department with respect to the food and beverage processing industry. Joann has been working with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for 18 years; she has also served the public as a Senior Policy Analyst and as an Economist. Joann has a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from the University of Manitoba.

Mary Scianna is editorial director of Grocery Business Magazine and vice president of Zedcom Media Inc., a Canadian publishing company. She has more than 25 years of experience working with business-to-business trade publications and has a passion for food, fitness, and health and wellness.

Cooking teacher at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) in higher education (FSC), in Montreal, then a graduate of the ITHQ and trained at the University of Neuchâtel, in Switzerland. Samuel held several years of experience as a chef, consultant and teacher. His numerous travels in Europe, particularly in France, have allowed him to always keep his horizons and his mind open to other cultures, to different and avant-garde ways of doing things. Passionate about cooking at just the right temperature, gastronomy and the art of the French table, his research and his love for the profession and transmission make him a chef in constant evolution. In recent years, Samuel Sirois has participated in several international culinary competitions. On February 26, 2019, he won the Canadian qualifiers for the 2021 Bocuse d’Or. Due to the exceptional circumstances that the pandemic has created, it will be him and his team who will represent Canada at the Bocuse d’Or of the Americas, in July 2022 Having won second place in the American selections, Samuel and the Canadian team had the chance to go to Lyon, in January 2023, to compete in the Bocuse d’or world final.