Exciting News: Join Us for the 3rd Annual FBA Conference & Awards!
We’re thrilled to share highlights from the record-breaking 3rd Annual FBA Industry Conference & Awards! Nearly 170 attendees joined us in Prince Edward Island for our largest conference yet, featuring inspiring keynotes from Danièle Henkel and Matt Symes.
This year’s FBA Awards celebrated outstanding industry achievements, with Saltwinds Coffee taking the Rising Star Award, Pump House Brewery named Mover & Shaker of the Year, The Cultured Coconut honored as Innovator of the Year, Good Robot Brewing awarded Storyteller of the Year, and Nutracelle chosen as Foodies Choice Product of the Year.
Special thanks to FCC, our Presenting Sponsor, and ACOA for their vital support in making this event possible.
We can’t wait to see everyone again next year in New Brunswick!
Interested in getting involved? Contact us for details!
We are so excited to invite you to register for the 2024 Food & Beverage Atlantic Conference and Awards. Themed “Scaling Smart,” we are focusing on effective scaling strategies for the food and beverage industry.
Our dynamic speakers and comprehensive workshops will cover everything from scaling up production, operational considerations, maintaining quality while increasing volume, financing and investment strategies for expansion. We’ll also delve into developing strategic roadmaps, identifying growth opportunities, balancing speed and sustainability, and managing cultural shifts during rapid growth.
This year, we will again place a special emphasis on recognizing and celebrating our local food and beverage processors, highlighting their significant role in shaping the regional sector.
Join us for an unparalleled experience of discovery, networking, and inspiration. Forge valuable connections, expand your understanding, and cultivate growth within the industry.
Together, let’s Scale Smart!
*** Save $100 when you sign in through the Member Login to receive your special member rate of $295! ***
Please email admin@atlanticfood.ca if you require assistance. Non-Member tickets are $395 each.
Date: October 22nd & 23rd
Location: Rodd Charlottetown – 75 Kent St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K4
*** Save $100 when you sign in through the Member Login to receive your special member rate of $295! ***
Please email admin@atlanticfood.ca if you require assistance. Non-Member tickets are $395 each.
Preferred Room Rates for FBA Conference Delegates
Take advantage of our special hotel rates at the Rodd Charlottetown!
Reserve your room at the Conference rate of $165 per night until September 22nd.
CONFERENCE AGENDA / PROGRAMME DU CONGRÈS
OCTOBER 24 OCTOBRE
10:00 AM – Welcome Remarks / Mots de bienvenue
10:15 AM – Lessons of a Brand Manager by Andrew MacGillivray / Leçons d’un chef de marque par Andrew MacGillivray
11:05 AM – Using Digitization and Automation for a Competitive Advantage by David McNally / Utiliser la numérisation et l’automatisation pour un avantage concurrentiel par David McNally
11:55 AM – Lunch / Dîner
12:30 PM – Foodie’s Choice Award Pitches, hosted by Katie Kelly / Présentations des Foodie’s Choice Awards, animées par Katie Kelly
1:25 PM – FBA Masterclass Insight Panel by / Panel d’experts de la Masterclass ABA par Peter Chapman, Norm Purdy and / et Al Archibald with / avec Brad Rideout, Kate Wynn, John Ernst and / et Courtney Schmidt
2:15 PM – Labour Market Insights for Atlantic Canada by Kevin Elder / Aperçu du marché du travail pour le Canada atlantique par Kevin Elder
3:05 PM – Workforce of the Future panel with Jillian Tonet, Tim Brennan, Dr. Wendy Cukier and Wanda Cuff-Young / Panel sur les Effectifs du Futur avec Jillian Tonet, Tim Brennan, Dr. Wendy Cukier and Wanda Cuff-Young
4:00 PM – Interlude featuring performance by Jackson Weldon / Intermède avec la performance de Jackson Weldon
4:30 PM – Awards Celebration with Katie Kelly / Cérémonie des prix avec Katie Kelly
5:15 PM – Cocktail Reception / Réception
OCTOBER 25 OCTOBRE
8:45 AM – Welcome Remarks / Mots de bienvenue
8:55 AM – Key Lessons from International Food Business: A Student Perspective with Dr. Phoebe Stephens / Principales Leçons du Commerce Alimentaire International : le Point de Vue d’un étudiant avec Dr. Phoebe Stephens
9:50 AM – Packaging Innovation: Trends, Solutions, and Cost Reduction by Jon Hanifen / Innovation en matière d’emballage : tendances, solutions et réduction des coûts par Jon Hanifen
10:35 AM – Break / Pause
10:55 AM – Unlocking Innovation Opportunities by Jo-Ann McArthur / Libérer des opportunités d’innovation par Jo-Ann McArthur
11:55 AM – Lunch / Dîner
12:50 PM – Making DEI Work: Real Solutions for Food & Beverage by Tera McDonald / Faire fonctionner DEI : de vraies solutions pour l’alimentation et les boissons par Tera McDonald
1:45 PM – Redefining ‘Realistic’: The Champion Mindset by Heather Moyse / Redéfinir le « réaliste » : l’état d’esprit du championpar Heather Moyse
2:45 PM – Break / Pause
3:00 PM – Ready for Retail by Lauren Luscombe / Prêt pour la Commerce de Détail par Lauren Luscombe
3:45 PM – Closing Remarks / Remarques finales
Become a Featured Presenter at the 2024 FBA Conference & Awards!
Are you passionate about the food and beverage industry? Do you have expertise to share? We invite you to take the spotlight at the upcoming 2024 Food & Beverage Atlantic Industry Conference & Awards, happening in Charlottetown, PEI, on October 22-23, 2024. This year, our theme is ‘Scaling Smart’, and we’re seeking dynamic presenters like you to inspire and educate our attendees.
As a presenter, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share your knowledge, and contribute to the growth and innovation of the food and beverage sector. If you’re ready to make an impact and showcase your expertise, we want to hear from you! Submit your proposal today and join us in shaping the future of the industry.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JUNE 7th!!
Interested in being an Event Sponsor?
The FBA Awards celebrates Atlantic Canada's Leaders in the Food and Beverage Industry
The prestigious FBA Awards are back, honouring the leaders who shape the future of our industry. It’s our chance to recognize those remarkable individuals and businesses who push boundaries, redefine standards, and set new benchmarks of excellence. These awards not only highlight outstanding achievements but also acknowledge the collective efforts driving progress in our industry.
Nominations are now open! Whether it’s a colleague, a client, or your own company, we encourage you to nominate deserving candidates. Nominees must be Food & Beverage Atlantic members in good standing, and self-nominations are welcome.
Join us at the FBA Conference on October 22-23, 2024 in Charlottetown PEI, where the FBA Award Winners will be revealed. Let’s come together to celebrate our sector’s achievements and inspire future innovation.
This year’s categories include Mover and Shaker, Innovator of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Story-teller of the Year, and the Foodie’s Choice Award.
2024 WINNER: Saltwinds Coffee
2024 Finalists: The Shed Coffee – Saltwinds Coffee – Annapolis Fine Cheese
2024 WINNER: The Cultured Coconut
2024 Finalists: RFINE Biomass – The Cultured Coconut – Bioteem40
2024 WINNER: Pump House Bewery
2024 Finalists: Crosby Foods – Pump House Brewery – The Halifax Honey Company – The Handpie Company
2024 WINNER: GOOD ROBOT
2024 Finalists: Good Robot – Sum Good Food – The Kilted Chef
2024 WINNER: NUTRACELLE
2024 Finalists: Axe to Grind – Nutracelle – Saltwinds Coffee – The NS Cookie Company
FOODIE’S CHOICE APPLICATIONS ARE STILL OPEN TILL AUGUST 30!
WATCH FOR THE 2025 AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCEMENT
The Awards
The ‘Rising Star of the Year’ recognizes an FBA member who has demonstrated strong market growth and expansion. The ‘Rising Star of the Year’ has clearly demonstrated how they have grown from start-up to a successful business with plans for future growth.
Eligibility:
Nominees must:
- Be an FBA member in good standing.
- Be in business for less than 5 years.
- Demonstrated strong market growth and expansion.
The ‘Mover & Shaker of the Year’ recognizes an FBA member who has successfully demonstrated their growth and accomplishments within the industry as a mature business. The ‘Mover & Shaker of the Year’ has clearly demonstrated a strong go-to-market strategy and has plans on building on this regarding growth, markets, and/or products.
Eligibility:
Nominees must:
- Be an FBA member in good standing.
- Be 4+ years in business.
- Demonstrate strong market growth and expansion.
The ‘Innovator of the Year’ recognizes an FBA member who has demonstrated initiatives to achieve growth through innovation. The ‘Innovator of the Year’ has clearly demonstrated how they challenge the status quo and have developed an innovative solution that successfully enables positive change to occur.
Eligibility:
Nominees must:
- Be an FBA member in good standing.
- Demonstrate innovation in any of the following: processes, technology, ingredients, human resources, culture, engagement, sales and marketing, product development, health and safety, research and development.
The ‘Storyteller of the Year’ recognizes an FBA Member who has demonstrated their brand’s narrative in a compelling and engaging way. The ‘Storyteller of the Year’ has clearly demonstrated a strong marketing strategy and execution plan to build their brand.
Eligibility:
Nominees must:
- Be an FBA member in good standing.
- Utilize a variety of consumer facing media to build brand awareness. This can include, but is not limited to, traditional and digital media and/or in-store activity.
- Demonstrate how their marketing initiatives and campaigns have been successful.
The Foodie’s Choice Award recognizes an FBA member’s product that goes beyond conventional norms, breaking new ground in taste, quality and presentation.
Utilizing a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style format, the competition will take place on the first day of the conference. Three application winners will have exactly five minutes to pitch their product to a panel of judges. In addition to listening to the pitches, the judges will taste the product and ask questions. The winner will be announced later that day during the awards ceremony. This is sure to be an exciting portion of the conference and not to be missed!
Criteria:
- You must be an FBA member in good standing.
- You must be a registered attendee on-site for the presentation and judging.
- You must be prepared to present your product within a 5-minute window to a panel of judges.
- Your product will be judged on:
- Taste/Flavour
- Presentation
- Innovation
- Packaging
The Nomination Process
The Nomination Process
- An individual can only be nominated for one award category, with the exception of the Foodie’s Choice Award – that is open to everyone regardless of whether they have applied for another award or not.
- If an individual is nominated for more than one award, they will be contacted to choose only one to apply for.
- Nominations are welcomed for any food processor within the Food and Beverage Industry.
- Nominees must be a member of good standing with Food and Beverage Atlantic.
- If you are nominating someone other than yourself, the person you are nominating must be aware of the nomination.
- The Judging Panel may contact members of the nominee’s organization to corroborate or obtain additional information.
- Closing date for nominations is August 16, 2024.
- Nominations to be approved by the committee.
- Approved nominees will be notified of their nomination August 19, 2024 and asked to complete an application.
- Closing date for applications is August 30, 2024.
- Winners to be selected by the judging panel the week of September 9, 2024.
- Awards will be presented at the FBA Conference on October 22, 2024. Awards will not be presented if nominations received aren’t suitable.
- All decisions of the Judging Panel and Awards Chair relating to the awards will be final.
You may name yourself, or another individual, as the nominee. If you are nominating someone other than yourself, the person you are nominating must be aware of the nomination. Please be sure they are advised before completing the nomination form.
A complete nomination has the following components:
- Nominator Name/Contact Information
- Nominee Name/Contact Information
- Summary of how nominee meets the listed criteria (500 words or less)
- One reference letter (one can be written by the Nominator) in support of the nominee & Reference Contact Information
Use this form to complete your nomination. Once a nomination has been submitted it will be considered final and no changes may be made.
FBA Award Finalists and Winners
● Up to four finalists will be selected in the Storyteller of the Year, Mover & Shaker of the Year, Innovator of the Year and Rising Star Award categories. Three finalists will be chosen for the Foodie’s Choice Award.
● 1 award will be presented in each category.
● All award winners are requested to attend the FBA Conference & Awards to accept their award.
● All award winners will be asked to deliver a short acceptance speech during the Awards ceremony.
Award Nomination Form
Contact Us
Any questions regarding the submission or the FBA Awards general rules and regulations should be directed to: Food & Beverage Atlantic at admin@atlanticfood.ca
The Foodie’s Choice Award recognizes an FBA member’s product that goes beyond conventional norms, breaking new ground in taste, quality and presentation.
The contest will take place on Day 1 of the Conference in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ format style. The three selected applicants will have exactly 5 minutes to pitch their product to a love panel of judges. The judges will be able to then taste the product, deliberate, and choose a winner who will be announced later that day at the Awards Ceremony. It will be an exciting moment of the event and not to be missed!
Criteria:
- You must be an FBA member in good standing.
- You must be a registered attendee on-site for the presentation and judging.
- You must be prepared to present your product within a 5-minute window to a panel of judges.
- Your product will be judged on:
- Taste/Flavour
- Quality of ingredients
- Value of product
- Innovation (New ingredient, redesigned shape/size, new formula, etc.)
- Packaging (Sustainable, eco-friendly, etc.)
Submission Guidelines:
- You must complete the application form by Friday, September 29th.
- The approved three applicants will be notified the week of October 2nd.
- The winner will be announced in real time at the Conference & Awards. who
“Attending the FBA conference was a great reality check for us. We left with valuable insights on how the industry is doing as a whole as well as key points to focus on (or not focus on) moving forward. It was a great opportunity to network, discuss challenges and successes for other manufacturers in the region.”
Robert van Waarden, Cider Maker – Red Island Cider
Our 2024 Winners
The conference featured powerful keynote presentations from Danièle Henkel and Matt Symes, inspiring participants with actionable insights and strategies on this year’s theme, “Scaling Smart.” These sessions equipped attendees with tools to drive their businesses forward with both ambition and sustainability.
We’re proud to look back on the success of our first two FBA Industry Conferences, where we celebrated some of Atlantic Canada’s brightest food and beverage innovators. Each year, our awards highlight the outstanding finalists and winners who drive excellence in our industry. We invite you to explore our past award finalists and get inspired by the remarkable talent and innovation within our community.