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.

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.

Jen Faith is a Senior Product Development Specialist at Federated Co-operatives Ltd. in the Food Department.  She has several years of experience in sales and marketing working consumer packaged goods and liquor companies.  Jen is always on the hunt for new new flavours and new things to create at home and for her role at FCL.  When not at work or in the kitchen, Jen enjoys travelling , camping and entertaining friends and family.

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.

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.

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

Manisha Nagar is the Private Brands, Product Development Manager for Consumables, Health & Wellness for Walmart Canada.  She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemistry degree and has over 14 years of experience in Private Label Product Development.  She has worked on the development of over 5000 Private Label products over the span of her career and is very passionate about Product Development.  In a very competitive environment where Private Label strives to be the leader with all retailers, the ability to differentiate Walmart brands by offering a value-added proposition without compromising quality is what makes Manisha shine as a Product Developer. Save Money Live Better!

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.

Marcus VonAlbrecht is a diversified specialist in the culinary and hospitality industry with over 35 years of professional experience working with clients and students from across Canada and internationally.  As a Chef, he has the depth of knowledge in front and back of the house operations and has an active role in the education and development of standards in the culinary profession.  He lectures in both management and professional culinary training at colleges in British Columbia. As an international ambassador of the profession, Marcus is frequently taking delegations of Chefs to other countries to showcase exportable products on trade missions for Canada and or in world culinary competitions events where he is a judge and coach for the Canadian team. He has three food publications under his name, coordinated a cookbook for the BC Chefs Association and is a featured monthly writer for several magazines. March 2003, Marcus received the “Chef of the Year for Western Canada” and in 2005, “Chef of the Year for British Columbia” and in 2016, inducted to the Culinary Hall of Fame in Ottawa. Currently he owns a food manufacturing plant, MAVA Foods Ltd and a distillery operation, XFour Vodka Company. These companies provide products for over 4000 stores in Canada.

As a consultant, his experience and understanding of the industry has enabled him to set up the VIP Chalets for the Molson Indy, establish a condiment line, “Eat Fresh Eat Local Eat Healthy and Food for Life and successfully bring these Retail Meal Solutions to the BC marketplace. 

With over 18 years experience developing food industry category strategies in Canada and Europe, Melissa Weiskopf is passionate for incorporating new trends through new retail product retail assortments. Through her 11 years working with Metro Inc. Private Label Team, she continues to perfect the delicate art of balancing the best quality, at the best price, to always satisfy the largest consumer base.

I have a degree in nutritional and food science and have worked in the food industry for over 18 years. My experience ranges from Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, to Product Development in both the foodservice and retail sectors. My area of specialty is beverages but also have a lot of experience with snacks and confectionery. In my spare time I love to mountain bike, downhill ski, and ride horses. And of course, I love all things food! Cooking new recipes, reading food magazines, watching the food network, and trying new restaurants.