Two Premier Events

An exclusive event tailored for PBFC members.

Welcome to Plant-Based Foods of Canada's Second Annual Conference! This exclusive event is open to members only, offering a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of plant-based foods. Join us as we delve into the ever-evolving consumer demand, effective product development, and adapting to the changing marketplace.

Our conference features a stellar lineup of engaging speakers, including thought leaders and experts in the plant-based industry. They will share their insights and recommendations, helping you stay ahead of the curve in this growing sector of the food industry.

At this event, you'll have the chance to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the constantly changing Canadian market. Connect with like-minded industry leaders who are as passionate as you are about navigating this evolving environment and ultimately getting more consumers to eat more plant-based foods.

Join us for our Annual Conference, where we'll be "Navigating a Changing Landscape" together.

Want to attend? Become a member of PBFC and take advantage of this and all the other benefits that membership provides.

2024 Conference Agenda

  • Description text goes here

  • Conference Emcee: Melinda Zoccoli, VP Marketing &. Supplier Services, UNFI Canada

  • MIchael Graydon, CEO Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP)

  • Joe Jackman, Founder and CEO of Jackman | Author of The Reinventionist Mindset

    Follow - up discussion with Adam Grogan, President Greenleaf Foods

  • Francis Parisien, SVP Sales SMB Canada Nielsen IQ

    Kristine Churchward, VP, Marketing & E-Commerce BritOn Solutions Group Inc.

  • Moderator:

    Leslie Ewing, Executive Director, Plant-Based Foods of Canada

    Panelists:

    Dinah Martinez, Director of Demand Science Canada and International, Conagra Brands

    Rafael Davila, Category Insights Advisor, Metro

    Erin Thomson, Head of Marketing, The Hain Celestial Group

    Andre Manuel, General Manager Canada, NotCo

    Kyle Marsham, National Business Development Omnichannel, Marsham International Food Brokers / Founder & President Greenfresh

  • Ashleigh Wiggins, Senior Scientific Project Coordinator, Bureau of Nutritional Sciences, Health Canada

    Jay Holmes, Director, Consumer Protection and Market Fairness, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

    Moderator: Michi Furuya Chang, Executive Vice President, Public Policy, Regulatory Affairs & Head, Divisional Strategy, FHCP

  • Leslie Ewing, Executive Director, Plant-Based Foods of Canada

  • Panelists:

    Dave Dzisiak, COO Botaneco

    Amy Jones, Vice President R & D North America, Griffith Foods

    Ivan Gonzales, Marketing Director, Dairy & Plant Based Dairy, Ingredion

    Alphonsus Utioh, Chief Technology Officer, Lupin Platform

  • Moderator:

    Michael Lines, President & CEO SimplyProtein (Wellness Natural Inc)

    Panelists:

    Perry Caicco, Senior Advisor, Origin Merchant Partners

    Ben Gibbons, Founder & Managing Partner, Waterpoint Lane

  • Moderators:

    Jen Wilkinson, VP, Operations & Client Management, Propel Natural Brands

    Matt LeBeau, President LeBeau Excel Sales & Marketing

    Panelists:

    Charles Buhagiar, Category Manager, Health & Wellness and OTC, Metro

    Faith Sobey, National Category Manager Natural & Organic, Frozen & Alternative Milk, Sobey’s

    Sabrina McManus, Former Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives & Natural Health Loblaw Brands, Loblaw Companies Ltd.

  • Conferene Emcee: Melinda Zoccoli, VP Marketing & Supplier Services, UNFI Canada

    Michael Lines, President & CEO Simply Protein (Wellness Natural Inc.)

Plant-based food & ingredient conference for an international audience.

Plant Forward is an international conference that serves as a pivotal platform for advancing innovation and promoting the widespread adoption of plant-based foods on a global scale and highlighting Canada as a choice partner in this transformative journey.

Co-sponsored by Plant-Based Foods of Canada, Protein Industries Canada, and Pulse Canada, this semi-annual event opens its doors to a diverse international audience, welcoming industry professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders all committed to advancing the plant-based food movement.

The conference will feature keynotes, panel discussions, and more to encourage discussions and insights into the global food system's transformation. Speakers and thought leaders from around the world will share their expertise and experiences to foster collaboration and innovation within the plant-based food sector.

Register for Plant Forward here.