State of the Industry Report
Food in Canada is producing a special State of the Industry Report. This invaluable resource will provide up-to-date statistics on sector performance, with expert analysis and commentary on the major trends, technology, consumption patterns and economic indicators currently affecting the food and beverage industry.
With coverage of seven key sectors – bake and snack food, meat, dairy, confectionery, beverage, fish and seafood, and fruit and vegetable processing – this report represents the most comprehensive snapshot of the Canadian food and beverage manufacturing industry available. It will be the source for clear, easy-to-access industry statistics.
Also included in this report will be our exclusive annual ranking of the Top 100 Canadian food companies, with expanded information on company brands, highlights and plans – information that is not regularly available in Food in Canada. This format allows us to explore "up-and-coming" companies that do not yet meet the minimum sales requirements to be part of our Top 100 listing, but which are making significant gains in the food industry.
We plan to have this report available in early 2008 in both printed and online versions.
Please take our poll and tell us what you think.
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Canadian News
Feds set trans fat deadline
Federal Health minister Tony Clement has called upon the food industry in Canada to cut industrial trans fats by 2009, not June 2008 as recommended by the Trans Fat Task Force.
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2007/20/c7053.html
E.D. Smith going south
Winona, Ont.-based E.D. Smith & Sons Ltd. has been sold to U.S.-based TreeHouse Foods Inc. for $217 million.
http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070625.wedsmithstaff625/BNStory/robNews/home
Chip breakthrough
Food scientists at the University of Guelph announced that they've found an enzyme that stops potatoes from turning brown when made into chips, reported the Globe and Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070627.wchips0628/BNStory/Science/home
Trans fats not top issue for Canadians
A report by Health Canada has found that Canadians don't view trans fats as a top health concern and knowledge about the fat is "wide but not deep," reported the Ottawa Citizen.
http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=
95619e58-96b9-4b58-a38a-45768524bb5f&k=4589
Ottawa accountable, says beef industry
A Quebec justice has granted the Canadian beef industry authorization to pursue a class action suit against the federal government. The suit alleges that Ottawa acted incompetently during the BSE crisis, resulting in the loss of billions of dollars.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=77444&m=1FNU618&c=wfkscfinknesscz
Banned cattle entering U.S.
U.S.-based food safety group Food and Water Watch has claimed that banned older cattle from Canada are entering the U.S.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=77444&m=1FNU618&c=wfkscfinknesscz
Recalled chocolate back on shelves
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has advised that recalled Hershey chocolate products may have been distributed to retail outlets. The CFIA has also expanded the salmonella advisory to include three more Hershey products.
http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/06/28/hershey-advisory.html
Molson Coors opening brewery in N.B.
Molson Coors is opening a new US$33 million brewery in Moncton, N.B., reported the Denver Post.
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_6087683?source=rss
Ottawa invests in functional foods
The federal government has invested $721,000 in the Nutri-Net Canada Project, a coalition of functional food and natural health products organizations.
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=
77208-nutri-net-canada-project-canadian-government-agricultural
SIAL Montreal 2008
Organizers have announced that SIAL Montreal will now be an annual event.
www.sialmontreal.com
Allan Candy on the block
U.K.-based Cadbury Schweppes announced plans to sell a number of its non-core businesses including Hamilton, Ont.-based Allan Candy.
http://www.confectionerynews.com/news/ng.asp?n=77087-cadbury-stitzer-australian
Hemp milk takes on soy
Manitoba Harvest has added Hemp Bliss, a hemp-based beverage, to its lineup. It is intended to compete with soy in the dairy milk alternatives category.
http://www.specialtyfood.com/fileManager/26803Manitoba_Harvest_Hemp_Bliss.pdf
LCBO sales soar
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) reported record sales of $3.9 billion, up 6.4% from last year. The LCBO president and CEO Bob Peter credits baby boomers' affinity for premium products for part of the sales boost.
http://www.thestar.com/article/221680
National distribution for Glengrove
Vancouver, B.C.-based Clearly Canadian has announced that HDS Retail will be carrying Clearly Canadian's new line, Glengrove Organics dried fruit and nut products, in its Relay, Great Canadian News and Express stores.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070604/20070604005745.html?.v=1
Cadbury Schweppes closes St. Catharines facility
Cadbury Schweppes closed its St. Catharines, Ont. grape juice processing plant in June and will outsource the production to its other facilities in the U.S. and Europe
http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2007/07/02/daily5.html?from_rss=1
Cott restructures
Toronto, Ont.-based Cott Corporation has announced that it has introduced fully-integrated business units and customer development teams to allow for further cost reduction and improve customer service.
http://www.marketwire.com/2.0/release.do?id=747587
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Prevention during growth
Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service have found that the most effective way of preventing contamination in fresh produce is by intervening while it grows, reported Food Quality News.
http://www.foodqualitynews.com/news/ng.asp?n=77498-salmonella-e-coli-spinach
Cadbury expanding Japanese presence
U.K.-based Cadbury Schweppes PLC has launched a takeover bid for a majority stake in Japan-based Sansei Foods Co., a producer of cough lozenges for the Japanese market.
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/226562
Antioxidant performance
A study by researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that not all fruit antioxidants behave alike in the body, reported Nutra Ingredients USA.
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=77357-usda-ars-antioxidants
Nutritional database for consumers
Atlanta, Ga.-based Nutrition Systems has launched a free online database that features nutritional information for over 50,000 branded food products.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=77447-nutrition-systems-nhanes-nutrition-facts
USDA releases national list
In June the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented its National Organic Program, with regulations that clarify the specific ingredients which can be added to organic products.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=77373-usda-nosb-organic
Bye-bye Toucan Sam
Battle Creek, Mich.-based Kellogg Company announced it is phasing out its marketing campaigns to children under the age of 12 for products that don't meet nutritional guidelines.
http://kelloggs.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=161
Chinese regulators cracking down
Regulators in China announced that they have closed 180 food plants and discovered more than 23,000 food safety violations since cracking down on the food industry in recent months.
http://www.thestar.com/article/230303
U.S. beef recovery
U.S. beef exports are on the rise in 2007 after being banned in several foreign markets since 2003.
http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/2007/06/26/104624/markets-open-to-us-beef-exports.html
Americans concerned about recalls
According to a U.S.-based study by marketing research firm Harris Interactive, American consumers believe that food recalls are becoming "more routine."
http://www.meatnews.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Article&artNum=15224
Med Mark packaging symbol
A symbol identifying foods that meet the nutritional standards of a Mediterranean diet has been launched in the U.S.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=77107-oldways-med-mark-mediterranean-diet
Joint pledge to reduce packaging
Unilever has joined Cadbury Schweppes, Coca-Cola and Nestle's commitment to reduce packaging and food waste in the U.K.
http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/news/ng.asp?n=77406-nestle-unilever-waste-wrap
FDA joins fight on terror
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a downloadable program to help food processors and packagers protect themselves from terrorist and sabotage attacks.
http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=77495-fda-terrorism-tampering Top
Flavour Mavens — food reviews of new consumer products
This month we beat the heat with the help of some yummy treats from Breyers Ice Cream. Our team, with the help of some friends, tested Breyers' new portion-controlled, 100 calories-or-less frozen treats. The line includes Breyers 100 Calorie Cups (available in Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Fudge Brownie), Breyers 100 Calorie Sandwich and Breyers 70 Calorie Fudge Bars. The Cups and Sandwiches are up to 98% and 96% fat-free respectively, while the bars have no sugar added. Each box contains six individually wrapped treats and are available nationally for around $6.49.
Breyers 100 Calorie Cups – Cookies & Cream
Female, 20-something, sales rep:
"I recently sampled the new Breyers' Cookies & Cream ice cream cup. I was pleasantly surprised that it only has 100 calories but still has the great taste I have come to expect from Breyers. It's rich and creamy and definitely tastes like a delicious dessert, not a lacklustre, calorie-wise snack."
Female, 40-something, receptionist:
"It's a bit on the sweet side but that's probably just because I've been cutting back on my sugar intake. But other than that, it was most enjoyable – very creamy for almost fat-free, and the cookies weren't hard chunks of bricks, which added to the creaminess."
Female, 20-something, sales co-ordinator:
"I loved this ice cream. It was very tasty. The only reservation I have is in the packaging. I've been trying to reduce the amount of packaging I collect during my grocery excursions, such as bringing my own canvas bags, buying in bulk, or "whole foods." I would rather buy a 100-g scooper than to buy extra packaging (box + 6 plastic cups = excessive waste) to reduce my calorie intake (not that I ever measure calories). If this ice cream comes in a tub I would consider the tub before the box and plastic combo."
Female, 9
"For starters, it looks really nice how it's swirly when you open the lid. I like how it's in a little cup. It tastes really yummy. I also like how it says all the information on the lid – I've been learning about calories in school, and so it's good that it tells you the calories."
Breyers 100 Calorie Cups – Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Female, 40-something, accountant:
"The ice cream was so very tasty, and wow, it was only 100 calories. I will definitely buy it."
Male, 40-something, editor:
"The most important thing to remember is that this is a low-calorie bar. It's not Haagen-Daz's, or Ben & Jerry's. It is, however, a tasty alternative for people looking for a low-calorie treat. While it may lack the cloying sweetness of a regular chocolate ice cream bar, keep in mind that this is for the calorie-conscious! When you remember that, it's a very tasty treat. And 75 calories? That's less than the standard cup of yogurt you eat for breakfast!"
Female, 7
"I liked the colour, the little cup and the chocolate in this. It tastes good. I'd want to eat this again."
Female, 30-something, IT specialist:
"At first I was skeptical that a low-calorie ice cream would have the chocolate flavour I'd want in a dessert. I don't buy it that often, so when I do I want to indulge. But I was pleasantly surprised. This had a rich, creamy texture without being overly sweet. I especially like the single-serve portions and the recyclable cup. I'd buy these."
Breyers 70 Calorie Fudge Bars
Female, 40-something, sales rep:
"The chocolate fudge was delicious. And with such few calories (price being right) this would definitely make it on my shopping list."
Female, 20-something, sales rep:
"I recently sampled the new Breyers sugar-free fudge bars. I was pleased that they only had 70 calories. However, I have tried other fudge bars with similar calories and I found the Breyers brand to be the second choice. They tasted as though they were missing something."
Breyers 100 Calorie Sandwich
Female, 40-something, sales rep:
"The sandwich I liked. The ice cream part of it was good, creamy and not too sweet, but the cookies were soggy and kind of tasted like blotting paper."
Female, 30-something, editor:
"I love these! These are the perfect summer afternoon snack – creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet cookies and only 100 calories! I also like the fact that they're smaller than most ice cream sandwiches I've tried. At last, something I don't have to feel guilty about eating! I'd buy these for my family, but probably eat most of them myself."
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National Starch Food Innovations – Specialty Starch Technology
National Starch Food Innovation is a leader in specialty starch technology and manufacturing for the food industry. Our technology and ingredients improve texture, shelf stability, flavour and mouthfeel and add other characteristics that translate into marketing benefits. Some of the products include: viscosifiers, texturizers, mouthfeel enhancers, emulsion stabilizers, resistant starches and functional native starches – all used in foods and beverages to improve quality, processing, stability and economics.
Organic solutions
Novation functional native starches and Novation organic certified starches are just two of the initiatives that we have brought to market that respond to consumers in these areas. Novation Prima is redefining low-temperature stability in frozen food applications where clean labelling is required. All of these starches are appearing in a broad range of applications, from baby foods and canned soups to frozen meals and instant beverages.
Textural solutions
Food companies often treat the texture component of a food system as something of relatively minor importance unless the texture was wrong in the consumer eating experience. Consumer palates are becoming more sophisticated and food companies now recognize the opportunities to use texturization – the deliberate modification of texture – to differentiate their offerings.
Consumer-driven, science-based solutions
Our ingredients help meet consumers' health needs through traditional foods and beverages. We have expertise in the areas of dietary fibre, weight and energy management and digestive health.
Delivery system technology
We have a broad range of delivery system technology – starting with food emulsions and encapsulation – that offer the food formulator the opportunity to engineer in exciting new benefits to packaged foods, functional foods, beverages and nutritional supplements.
For more information, visit www.foodinnovation.com
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Institut Canadien de Science et
Technologie Alimentaires Section du Québec
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Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO)
CESO is a volunteer-based, non-profit organization set up to reduce poverty and strengthen economies in Aboriginal and other communities in Canada and in developing countries in the Americas, Asia and Africa, and in countries in transition in Eastern Europe. It does so by improving individual businesses and organizations and enhancing self-sufficiency and sustainability by building governance and economic development capacity. This is accomplished by its Volunteer Advisers, over 3,000 altruistic individuals who share their professional talents by serving as mentors, advisers and trainers. CESO volunteers have senior executive and technical experience and knowledge gained in a wide range of industries. CESO celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2007.
www.ceso-saco.com
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Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo
Ethnic & Specialty Food Expo including The All Things Organic pavilion scheduled for September 30 - October 1, 2007 at the International Centre, Mississauga, Ontario is a highly-interactive, focused trade event for retail and foodservice buyers to source new products. Please visit www.ethnicandspecialtyfood.com for more information, or contact Donna Wood, Event Director, at 888-443-6786 ext, 231 or by email at dwood@divcomevents.com.
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Calendar of Events
July
July 8-10: 53rd Summer Fancy Food and Confection Show. New York, N.Y. www.specialtyfood.com/do/Home
July 8-11: International Association for Food Protection 94th Annual Meeting. Buena Vista, Fla. International Association for Food Protection: (800) 369-6337. www.foodprotection.org
July 9-10: HACCP I: Documenting Your HACCP Prerequisite Program. Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca
July 11-13: HACCP II: Development of Your HACCP Plan. Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca
July 16-17: HACCP IV: Validation & Verification of Your HACCP Plan. Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca
June 17-21: VinExpo: The International Wine and Spirits Exhibition. Bordeaux, France. www.vinexpo.fr
July 18-19: HACCP V: Effective Auditing of Your HACCP Plan. Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca July 23-25: Certified HACCP Auditor (ASQ). Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca
July 24-28: International Bison Conference. Rapid City, S.D. The National Bison Association and Canadian Bison Association: www.ibc2007.com
July 26: Accelerated Shelf-Life Studies. Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca
July 28-August 1: Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting + Food Expo. Chicago, Ill. Institute of Food Technologists: (312) 782-8424. www.ift.org
July 29: Canadian Breakfast at the IFT Annual Meeting. Chicago, Ill. Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology. www.am-fe.ift.org/cms/
August
Aug. 1-2: Effective Training for the Plant Floor. Guelph, Ont. Guelph Food Technology Centre: (519) 821-1246. gftc@gftc.ca www.gftc.ca
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Canadian Breakfast at the IFT ANNUAL MEETING in Chicago, Ill., Sunday July 29, 2007
When you fill out your registration form please remember to sign up for the CIFST Canadian Breakfast to be held on Sunday July 29, 7:15 a.m. at the Headquarters Hotel, The Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan Avenue.
This is an excellent opportunity to meet up with old and new friends with connections to Canada. Please be aware that the tickets for this event can only be obtained with advance registration and will not be available on-site, so pre-ordering is essential to enjoy this must-attend event. As well as excellent networking opportunities there will be the annual Canadian quiz with prizes.
Attending the IFT Annual Meeting + FOOD EXPO is the most effective way to keep current with the industry and to do business. Visit www.ift.org frequently for updates.
See you in Chicago July 28 - August 1 and at the Canadian Breakfast on Sunday July 29 at 7:15 a.m.!
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New Products
OCEAN SPRAY ITG AT IFT
Ocean Spray ITG will be showcasing its innovative range of BerryFusions Fruits at this year's IFT. Allowing manufacturers to include process-tolerant fruit pieces in a variety of natural flavors, BerryFusions Fruits can be used in a wide range of applications, including baked goods, cereal and trail mixes. Also on display will be Ocean Spray ITG's range of sweetened dried cranberries (SDCs), including the less-sugar, high-fibre SDC, suitable for low-calorie and light applications, and the cost-effective diced and double diced SDCs. These allow manufacturers to choose the format they require to optimize cranberry piece count in items such as baked goods and granola bars.
Ocean Spray ITG. Booth 3713. www.oceansprayitg.com
METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES
CPS Technologies has launched new metal matrix composites for structural applications, such as end effectors for automated wafer fabrication machinery and other robotic components. Made from CPS' metal matrix composite, A1SiC (aluminum silicon carbide), structural material has the strength and stiffness of steel at one-third the density. A1SiC composites offer lower inertial response, higher stiffness and higher strength than more traditional structural materials such as stainless steel, molybdenum, graphite composites and ceramic.
CPS Technologies. Tel: (508) 222-0614. www.alsic.com
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New Job Opportunities
Guelph Food and Technology Centre (GFTC) is Canada's only not-for-profit, non-subsidized food technology centre. GFTC provides creative, confidential technical solutions, training, consulting and auditing to the Canadian agri-food industry in the areas of R&D, product development, packaging, shelf life, food safety, quality, and productivity improvement. Each year, GFTC assists over 500 companies and organizations, and provides training to more than 3600 people.
Vice President - Training Services & Strategic Projects
If contributing to the success and advancement of the food industry in Canada and nutritional health excites you, this is an opportunity to lead a high profile division that delivers revenue and profitability to the organization. The scope of this position is national and the breadth encompasses all training issues required to produce safe, quality, environmental, sustainable and affordable food.
Reporting directly to the to the President & CEO, you will be responsible for:
- Developing strategy and directing all services, quality standards, and collaborative arrangements relating to the Training Services Division which include public seminars, customized training, strategic symposia, and E-Learning.
- Developing new or enhanced services that grow revenues and meet market and industry needs. Participate in the marketing and growth of GFTC services through representation on industry boards, presentations, and/or lectures at industry events and government communications.
- Managing the Training Services Managers and their direct reports and external consultants that provide training.
- Setting quality standards and ensuring systems are in place to effectively manage quality and meet customer and partner needs.
- Preparation of business plans and budgets and timely and efficient execution, monitoring, and control of these plans.
Qualifications
- Leadership, management and team-building skills for the development of staff and external consultants.
- Well-developed project management skills, business acumen, political acumen, and market and strategy development skills. Ability to build coalitions and participate in collaborative training networks.
- Bachelors or Masters in Marketing, Business Administration or Food Sciences or related field ideally combined with an understanding of adult learning and training techniques.
- Knowledge of the technical, regulatory, management, and human resource aspects of the food industry.
- Solid networking skills with contacts in food industry sectors and government.
- Negotiation skills that can be applied to franchise development and other business requirements.
- Excellent oral and writing and communication skills.
- Savvy with computer technology and the ability to bring this technology to bear on new and innovative training services.
GFTC is an equal opportunity employer. This position is based in Guelph, Ontario.
To further explore this opportunity, please forward your resume quoting File # 70507 before June 4th, 2007 to Lori Litherland at LL@litherlandco.com.
Cargill Texturizing Solutions is looking for an Account Manager. Qualifications include: a minimum of 3 years work in the Canadian Food Industry and 5 years of Sales experience, plus a Food Science or other related Science post-secondary degree. A bilingual candidate will be preferred. You must have a clean driving record and be legally able to travel internationally (a valid passport is required). This position requires that you are technically sound and have knowledge working with food ingredients. You must have experience working with Tier 1 and 2 level accounts, from upper management, to procurement, to R&D. This position is located in the GTA or MTL area. Territory coverage is coast to coast, and involves roughly 25 to 30 established accounts. This position will require 50% travel. The compensation package includes a competitive base salary, bonus plan, company car and expenses. You will be responsible for about 12 product lines like starches, specialty sweeteners, hydrocolloids and functional blends. Please send resume to mark_brewster@cargill.com ("underscore" between first and last name)
For more information on placing your employment classifieds, contact Ingrid Eilbracht at 416-764-1503 or e-mail: Ingrid.Eilbracht@food.rogers.com
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The ShareGoods program is based on the National Food Sharing System, a national logistics system that distributes donations to food banks across the country. Only food banks that are members in good standing of the CAFB are eligible to receive products through this system. To qualify, a food bank must adhere to a code of ethics and meet strict food handling standards. When food companies donate product or cash to ShareGoods they know that their contributions will go to those in real need of assistance. Participants in the program earn the right to use the ShareGoods name and logo on corporate materials. ShareGoods supporters can be confident that their products and brand images will be treated with integrity, care and respect.
Companies interested in joining the ShareGoods program should contact
Toni Amato, communications officer for the Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC; www.fcpc.ca). Tel: (416) 510-8024, ext. 2238. tonia@fcpc.ca
To donate food and/or products, call (877) 535-0958 or e-mail: sharegoods@cafb-acba.ca
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