From all of us at Food & Beverage Atlantic, thank you for making the 2025 Annual Conference—Leading Evolution—a true celebration of Atlantic Canada’s vibrant food and beverage community.
Over three inspiring days in Moncton, we witnessed the innovation, resilience, and collaboration that define our industry. From bold ideas to practical insights, every conversation reflected our shared commitment to growing a stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable sector.
A special thanks to our presenters, partners, exhibitors, and attendees for your energy and support. You are the reason this event continues to thrive year after year.
We’re already looking ahead to next year’s conference in Nova Scotia—where the conversations, partnerships, and momentum will continue.
Together, we are leading evolution.
Mark your calendars… Food & Beverage Atlantic’s Annual Conference is back! Join us October 19-21, 2026 at the the Old Orchard Inn, Wolfville, NS, for inspiring days of learning, networking, and celebrating Atlantic Canada’s dynamic food and beverage industry.
This year’s theme, Think Big, challenges Atlantic Canadian food and beverage companies to design their businesses for growth and scale. Through bold ideas, practical strategies, and real-world insight, the conference will help prepare leaders to compete, expand, and succeed in dynamic economic times at home and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation and the momentum.
FBA’s Annual Conference is committed to fostering Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in all aspects of our programming. We believe a stronger food and beverage industry is one where all voices are heard, celebrated, and supported.
Be the first to know of early bird offers and registration announcements!
Early Bird Tickets Are Officially SOLD OUT! 🎉
But there’s still time to join us!
Regular registration is now available for the 2026 FBA Conference & Awards, taking place October 19–21, 2026 at the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
Join processors, retailers, suppliers and industry leaders from across Atlantic Canada for three days of practical learning, meaningful connections and conversations about what’s next for our industry
Dates: October 19–21, 2026
Location: Old Orchard Inn, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Non-Member Tickets: $595 | Member Tickets: $395
*Membership starts at just $275 per year.
Become a member and save $200 on your ticket, click here.
To receive member pricing, please sign in through the Member Login before registering. Contact admin@atlanticfood.ca if you require assistance accessing your account.
Watch our video from the 2024 edition below to get a taste of what to expect!
Preferred Room Rates for FBA Conference Delegates
Take advantage of our exclusive rates at the Old Orchard Inn!
- Reserve online via the Old Orchard Inn website.
- Enter dates required Click on ‘Add Code’ & select Code Type ‘Group Code’: *Type Code Here* = 2610FOODAN
- Screen will then display rooms available in the block for you to reserve.
If you want to add additional nights to your reservation (outside the block dates of Oct 18th, 19th & 20th ’26) you will have to call the hotel to book directly.
While availability lasts.
To Reserve with Hotel Directly:
Please call the toll free reservation 1 (800) 561-8090 and refer to the group code/block name (Food & Beverage Atlantic) & date when making the reservations.
What past attendees have to say...
📆Conference Agenda
Troy Lenihan | Eden Valley Poultry
Troy Lenihan is Senior Director of Business Operations at Eden Valley Poultry, bringing more than 28 years of industry experience and deep expertise in operational excellence, Lean Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
In Driving Operational Excellence Through Culture and Innovation, Troy will explore how manufacturers can reduce waste, improve yield, strengthen accountability, and build high-performing teams by making continuous improvement part of everyday operations. He’ll also share practical lessons on performance metrics, employee engagement, automation, and creating sustainable change from the production floor up.
Connect with Troy on LinkedIn.
Marie-Chantal Milette | Kryptonie
Marie-Chantal Milette is an internationally recognized colour expert and founder of Kryptonie, where she helps organizations turn colour into a strategic driver of brand performance, consumer connection, and well-being. She has studied colour psychology with Leatrice Eiseman of the Pantone® Color Institute and has worked with brands including Costco, Formica, and Artopex.
In The Power of Color, Marie-Chantal will explore how colour influences emotions, perceptions, and purchasing decisions. Through practical examples and case studies, she’ll demonstrate how brands can use colour to build trust, stimulate appetite, shape perceptions of value, and create stronger emotional connections with consumers.
Claudio Rojas | National Angel Capital Organization
Claudio Rojas is CEO of the National Angel Capital Organization (NACO), leading a national network of 4,000 angel investors supporting Canada’s innovation economy. With experience spanning law, entrepreneurship, finance, and governance, Claudio brings a unique perspective on the capital needed to help ambitious businesses grow.
In Closing the Gap: Angel Investing and the Capital Continuum in Atlantic Canada, Claudio will explore how angel investment and risk capital can support scaling companies through patient capital, mentorship, and valuable connections. He’ll also examine gaps in Canada’s funding continuum and what a stronger investment ecosystem could unlock for Atlantic Canadian businesses.
Joel Kaastra
Designing the Next Chapter: A Practical Framework for Succession
Hannah Chisholm
Facilitator: Certified to Stand Out: B Corp, Halal and Beyond Panel
Conference App
Registered attendees will receive access to the official Food & Beverage Atlantic Conference & Awards App prior to the event, making it easier than ever to plan your experience and connect with industry peers.
The Conference App includes:
- Complete Conference Agenda
- Attendee, Partner & Speaker Directory
- Personalized Schedule Builder
- Session Presentations & Resources
- In-App Messaging
- B2B Meeting Booking
- Live Event Updates
- Gamification & Interactive Activities
Maximize your time at the conference by scheduling one-on-one meetings with fellow attendees, partners, and industry leaders before you even arrive.
Book meetings directly through the app and connect in our dedicated networking area—making it easier than ever to build valuable business relationships and create new opportunities.
Stay tuned for award nominations!
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.
🏆 The Awards Finalists
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.
Finalists:
- Shivani’s Kitchen
- Tiffany’s Table Inc. | Bebe
- The Station Food Hub Company Ltd.
Thank you to Canadian Food Innovation Network for their partnership of this award.
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.
Finalists
- Sai Krishna Foods Services Corporation
- Hope Blooms
- Dunn Right Sauce Inc.
Thank you to Levership for their partnership of this award.
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.
Finalists
- RFINE Biomass Solutions Inc.
- Bramble Hill Farm
- Infusd Nutrition
Thank you to Innovation PEI for their partnership of this award.
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.
Finalists
- Work Water Inc.
- Hope Blooms
- Port Rexton Brewing Co. Ltd.
Thank you to Food in Canada for their partnership of this award.
This award recognizes a company that consistently goes above and beyond in supplying exceptional products, services, or support to Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage industry. The Supplier of the Year demonstrates outstanding reliability, innovation, and commitment to building strong partnerships that help our sector thrive. Their contributions have had a significant impact on the success and growth of their clients and the broader industry.
Finalists
- Navigate Food Safety Solutions
- Good Robot Brewing Company
- Maritime Labels & Packaging
This award celebrates a food and beverage company that has achieved remarkable success in exporting Atlantic Canadian products beyond our borders. The Exporter of the Year demonstrates excellence in market development, international growth, and overcoming the challenges of competing on a global stage. Their efforts not only expand their own reach but also elevate the reputation of Atlantic Canadian products worldwide.
Finalists
- G. E. Barbour
- Benson Lobster Co Ltd.
- Cooke Inc.
The Foodie’s Choice Award recognizes an FBA member’s product that goes beyond conventional norms, breaking new ground in taste, quality and presentation.
In 2025, the winner of the Foodie’s Choice Award will also win a $10,000 credit for NeilsenIQ, the world’s leading consumer intelligence company.
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!
Finalists
- Dunn Right Sauce
- Afishionado Fishmongers
- Distillery NB
Thank you to the Province of New Brunswick – Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries for their partnership of this award.
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.
This award recognizes a company that consistently goes above and beyond in supplying exceptional products, services, or support to Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage industry. The Supplier of the Year demonstrates outstanding reliability, innovation, and commitment to building strong partnerships that help our sector thrive. Their contributions have had a significant impact on the success and growth of their clients and the broader industry.
Eligibility:
Nominees must:
- Be an FBA member in good standing.
- Be 4+ years in business.
- Demonstrates outstanding reliability, responsiveness, and customer support tailored to the needs of Atlantic Canadian food and beverage businesses.
This award celebrates a food and beverage company that has achieved remarkable success in exporting Atlantic Canadian products beyond our borders. The Exporter of the Year demonstrates excellence in market development, international growth, and overcoming the challenges of competing on a global stage. Their efforts not only expand their own reach but also elevate the reputation of Atlantic Canadian products worldwide.
Eligibility:
Nominees must:
- Be an FBA member in good standing.
- Be 4+ years in business.
- Shows significant achievement in expanding into new markets outside Atlantic Canada, with measurable growth in export sales.
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 winner of the Foodie’s Choice Award will also win a $10,000 credit for NeilsenIQ, the world’s leading consumer intelligence company.
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.
- The company’s head office must be located in Atlantic Canada
- 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
- 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 July 20th, 2026.
- Nominations to be approved by the committee.
- Approved nominees will be notified of their nomination by August 11th, 2026 and asked to complete an application.
- Closing date for applications is August 25th, 2026.
- All finalists and winners to be selected by the judging panel the week of September 4th, 2026. Finalists will be notified after selection via email. Winners to be announced at the awards October 20th, 2026.
- Awards will be presented at the FBA Conference on October 20th, 2026. 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)
- 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, Rising Star Award, Supplier of the Year, and Exporter of the Year 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
Nominations are now closed.
👏 Thank You to Our 2026 Partners!
Thank you to our Product Partners
🤝Interested in Being a Partner?
Partnering with the FBA Annual Conference is more than brand exposure; it’s a chance to connect directly with the movers and makers of Atlantic Canada’s thriving food and beverage sector. Align your brand with innovation, growth, and community, and showcase your support for the people who power our industry. If you’d like to join as a partner for the 2026 edition click below for more info.
“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 2025 Winners
(L to R, Katherine Lanteigne, Distillerie New Brunswick Distillery; Lauren McKelvey, Cooke Inc.; Abhishek Asthana, Shivani’s Kitchen; Maureen Hanley, Navigate Food Safety Solutions; Tammy Brideau, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Atlantic; Marc Brown, Work Water Inc.; Kolade Boboye, Makye Clayton, Hope Blooms)
The 2025 Conference & Awards featured dynamic keynote presentations from Graham Sherman, Mike Fata, and Suzie Yorke, who inspired participants with forward-looking strategies and real-world insights on this year’s theme, “Leading Evolution.” Their sessions empowered attendees to embrace change, lead with purpose, and scale their businesses with both ambition and sustainability—driving growth across Atlantic Canada’s thriving food and beverage industry.
We’re proud to look back on the success of our first three 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.