Have you attended any food or beverage industry conferences yet? If your answer is no, and you’re not sure where to devote your time (and money), allow us to help.
Food Marketing | August 16, 2019
Top Canadian Food Industry Conferences in 2019 & 2020
By Brad Marshall
Last Updated: August 2019
We’ve scoured the web, reviewed comments, and browsed social media posts in an effort to round-up what we think are some the best food conferences in Canada.
Our list is organized by date (soonest to farthest).
2019 EVENTS
CFHA East
In 2019, CHFA East’s theme is about “Driving connections. Delivering innovation.” If you want to make some new connections, this is a great place to do it. That’s because with over 1000 exhibitors and industry leaders running about, it’s easy to rub shoulders with someone who just might change your business for the better.
WHEN: September 12 – 15, 2019
WHERE: TORONTO, ON
MORE INFO:
https://chfa.ca/en/Events/chfa-east
Grocery Innovations Canada
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) puts on Grocery Innovations Canada. Organizers bill the event as the premier and must-attend B2B grocery & specialty food show of the year. Leading grocery and specialty food suppliers, equipment, food-service, and technology providers attend and showcase their latest innovations and services.
WHEN: Oct 22-23, 2019
WHERE: TORONTO, ON
MORE INFO:
groceryinnovations.cfig.ca
Food Regulation & Quality Assurance Summit Canada
Hope to see you all again at #FoodReg18 taking place in Toronto October 24-25, 2018. Get your Media Kit here: https://t.co/9KttUrdKbf pic.twitter.com/SWgTSGBd6L
— Food Regulatory & QA (@FoodRegQA) April 19, 2018
This two-day summit includes topics like labeling requirements, traceability, importing and exporting, and defining ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ — More than 60% of the attendees at this event are food manufacturers, processors, or are in the retail and distribution field.
WHEN: Oct 23-24, 2019
WHERE: TORONTO, ON
MORE INFO:
foodregulationcanada.com
2020 EVENTS
Restaurants Canada Conference
The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA) rebranded as Restaurants Canada, and puts on Canada’s largest foodservice trade event with over 18,000 hospitality professionals, restaurateurs & buyers under one roof. Over 1,00 exhibits and 115 presentations, demos & seminars. Become inspired while you shop, taste, learn, connect and grow your business.
WHEN: MARCH 1-3, 2020
WHERE: TORONTO, ON
MORE INFO:
rcshow.com
Grocery & Specialty Food West 2020
How cool is this Cauliflower Pizza Crust? A deserving #Top10 winner at this year’s show. So awesome to be seeing more GF and Vegan choices! #GSFShow18 @TreeLifeCan 🌱 pic.twitter.com/i7GcxVVGYD
— CFIG (@CFIGFCEI) April 24, 2018
If you live on the west coast (or can find your way here with relative ease) then Grocery Specialty Food West is a must-attend. This event is a two-day conference & Tradeshow held annually in Vancouver. Amongst the more than 2500 attendees, you’ll find representatives from supermarket chains, food manufacturers, independent grocers and more.
WHEN: April 27-28, 2020
WHERE: Vancouver, BC
MORE INFO:
gsfshow.cfig.ca
SIAL Canada 2020
In 2020, the SIAL International Food Show will be in its 17th year. Visitors from over 50 countries attend this show and mingle with 1000 exhibitors. It’s a popular event for those in the retail, food service and food processing industries.
WHEN: Apr 15-17, 2020
WHERE: Montreal
MORE INFO:
sialcanada.com
CPMA Annual Convention & Trade Show 2020
Day 2 of the the #CPMA2018 and Chef Carla is serving up POTATO smoothies! Stop by booth 845 to try one 🥔 pic.twitter.com/bkf9ek9dMd
— Earthfresh (@EarthfreshFarms) April 26, 2018
This year, the show attracted over 3700 visitors from 23 different countries. If your company believes in living healthy and eating fresh, then you might want to join some of the over 275 exhibiting businesses at this event.
WHEN: May 12-14, 2020
WHERE: Montreal, QC
MORE INFO:
www.convention.cpma.ca
Food & Beverage Ontario 2020
The food and beverage is big business in Ontario, generating over 40 billion annually. FBO’s 6th annual conference is chance for leaders and entrepreneurs to learn about changes in their industry and meet other movers and shakers.
WHEN: Yet to be announced (We predict May or June, 2020)
WHERE: TORONTO, ON
MORE INFO:
foodandbeverageontario.ca
Food Pro West 2020
If you’re producing food in BC, then you’re probably aware of BCFPA’s Food Pro West. It’s one the best places to see all the innovations and quality products coming from BC’s food processing entrepreneurs.
WHEN: June (Date TBD), 2020
WHERE: Vancouver, BC
MORE INFO:
bcfpa.ca/foodprowest
National Sales & Marketing Symposium – Future Forward: Revolution of an Industry
FCPC (Food & Consumer Products of Canada) is Canada’s largest industry association representing food, beverage and consumer product manufacturers. Future Forward is an event they brought to Canadians in 2018. 140+ senior sales leaders, marketing leaders, and key account managers in CPG connect to share best practices, discuss and learn tactics, trends, and insights from key influencers in business & community.
WHEN: TBD
WHERE: TBD
MORE INFO:
www.fcpc.ca
Have you been to one of these conferences? What did you think? Did we miss an event? Information out-dated? Let us know!
