2026 Annual Conference

Planting the Future: Growing Together

May 5, 2026

Registration is now open for the 2026 Plant-Based Foods of Canada Annual Conference — a full-day gathering that brings together leaders from across Canada’s plant-based food ecosystem, including PBFC members and the broader community of manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, retailers, service providers, and innovators shaping the sector.

A day focused on insight, collaboration, and meaningful connection.

This year’s conference continues to evolve alongside the sector, with expanded participation formats and new opportunities for visibility and engagement across the value chain.

What to Expect

  • New venue supporting increased attendance and enhanced networking

  • Table-top display opportunities for associate members and ingredient companies

  • Ready-to-serve product showcase highlighting member innovation throughout the day

  • Corporate tables — a new option for organizations wishing to attend as teams

  • Sponsorship opportunities for partners seeking increased visibility and engagement

An exciting speaker line-up will be announced in the coming weeks, featuring perspectives from retail, manufacturing, ingredients, research, and policy.

The PBFC Annual Conference is designed to foster practical dialogue, share timely insights, and strengthen collaboration across Canada’s growing plant-based foods sector.

register now

Sponsorship Opportunities

PBFC recognizes the organizations supporting the 2026 Annual Conference and contributing to the continued growth of Canada’s plant-based foods sector.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain for organizations wishing to align with the conversations shaping the future of plant-based foods in Canada and engage with stakeholders from across the value chain.

For sponsorship information, please contact us.

2026 Conference Agenda

Registration, continental breakfast and networking begins at 8:00 am

  • Sponsored by Bel Canada

    Peter McGuinness CEO of Bel North America.

    Peter brings extensive experience leading purpose-driven food companies and scaling brands in evolving markets. Prior to joining Bel North America in 2026, he served as CEO of Impossible Foods and previously as President & COO of Chobani.

    Drawing on that experience, Peter will help frame the conversation around the next phase of the plant-based sector and what it will take for companies to move from early momentum to durable, mainstream growth.

  • Sponsored by Metro

    Francis Parisien SVP Sales SMB Canada at NielsenIQ

    An overview of the current state of Canada’s plant-based food market, grounded in the latest retail and consumer data. This session will highlight category performance, key consumer segments, and where growth is and isn’t materializing.

  • Sponsored by Metro

    Innova Market Insights - Ty Kane 


    Focus:     Building on the current market picture, this session looks ahead to the global trends and innovation signals shaping the next phase of plant-based foods. From evolving ingredients and product formats to shifting consumer expectations, Innova will highlight where the market is heading and where opportunities are emerging for companies ready to adapt and lead.

  • Sponsored by Danone

    Moderator: Michael Lines - Chairman & CEO Simply Protein

    Panelists:

    • Angie Balian - SVP, Marketing, e-commerce and Digital at Danone Canada 

    • TikTok - Lauren Kahansky, Head of Industry: Food & Beverage TikTok Canada

    • LCL Advance - Leanne Gibson SVP Loblaw Advance

  • Sponsored by Maple Leaf Foods

    Moderator: Izabella Shaker, Vice President Indigo Natural Products 

    Panelists:

    • The Healthy Planet - Monica Walker, Head of Food & Grocery 

    • Loblaws - Stephanie Sheveluk, Category Director, Natural Value LCL Supermarket Division 

    • FreshCo. - Amanda Labuckas, Head of Fresh and Multicultural Category Management and Merchandising 

  • Sponsored by: MNP

    Moderator: Eric Sunbulian, Director of Corporate Finance, MNP

    Panelists:

    • Jim Orlando - Managing Partner Wittington Ventures

    • Jason Berenstein - Partner & CFO District Ventures Capital

    • Farzad Mukhi - Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions, Kroll

    • Cora Xiao - Partner, Investico

  • Sponsored by Protein Industries Canada

    Panelists:

    • Margaret Hughes, VP Sales and Marketing - Avena Foods

    • Richard LaBonté, Head of Marketing, Americas - Roquette

    • Aamir Malkani, Founder and CEO - Plant Up

  • Andreas Duess CEO 6 Seeds Consulting

    Andreas will discuss how data and AI are helping companies make better decisions in today’s food market.

  • Sponsored by AGT Foods

    Moderator: Leslie Ewing

    Panel Participants: 

    • Murad Al-Katib, President & CEO AGT Foods

    • Adam Grogan, President & COO Maple Leaf Foods to be announced

Insight Series

Insight Series

Virtual Town Hall | 2025-2028 Strategic Plan & Year-Ahead Outlook

January 28th 12:00 - 1:00 EST

PBFC members who were unable to attend the recent Town Hall can access the recording through the member-only portal.

 

Partner Events

Plant-Based Foods of Canada, Protein Industries Canada and Pulse Canada

Plant Forward brings together international leaders, innovators, and partners to spark collaboration and highlight Canada’s growing plant-based food ecosystem on the world stage.