A LOOK BACK AT THE HIGHLIGHTS OF SIAL CANADA 2025!

SIAL DAIRY DISCOVERIES & TALKS

SIAL Dairy drew strong interest on April 30 and May 1, with a program that combined flavor discovery and forward-looking insights. The “Dairy Discoveries” workshops, led by Gurth Pretty (Cheese Master) and David Beaudoin (Dairy Farmers of Canada, DFC), offered visitors guided tastings of yogurt, ice cream, lactose-free cheeses, and a unique “Whisky & Flambéed Cheese” session.

Two “Dairy Conversations” panels, moderated by Gilles Froment (International Dairy Federation, IDF and SIAL Dairy Expert), brought together renowned experts to discuss key issues in the sector. Mathieu Frigon (Dairy Processors Association of Canada) and Annie AcMoody (DFC) analyzed the impacts of inflation, trade tensions, and bilateral policies on Canada’s international competitiveness. Meanwhile, Nichola Forsyth (Lactalis Canada), Mahdi Hachana (Fontaine Santé), and Sarab Hans (Hans Dairy) shared concrete strategies for adapting dairy products to multicultural and emerging markets.

Amid global economic uncertainty and evolving consumer behaviors, speakers emphasized the urgent need to innovate, adapt culturally, and leverage digital tools to enhance the nutritional and cultural value of dairy products. At the intersection of tradition and transformation, Canada’s dairy sector stands out more than ever as a key player in building a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food system.

Find out the winners of the International Cheese Competition

Over the course of three action-packed days, the Inspire Drink space became a must-visit destination for discovery and reflection on the world of beverages, specially curated for the foodservice industry.

Mornings were led by Gail Gastelu (The Tea House Times) and Birendra Perera (Mlesna Ceylon Ltd), featuring a series of immersive workshops on coffee and tea designed for HRI professionals. Through guided tastings — including the popular “Flights” — and discussions on consumer preferences, these sessions highlighted the potential of hot beverages in HRI, their rich cultural background, and current trends focused on wellness, inclusivity, and convenience.

Afternoons were curated by Jean-Sébastien Michel (Alambika), with a program dedicated to mixology and innovative bar service practices. Toronto cocktail scene icon Andrew Toplack kicked things off with a presentation on how spirits enthusiasts are driving changes in industry practices. The lineup continued with “Clear Ice” workshops led by Daniel Tavares (Nice Ice), where participants not only learned the basics of precision ice but also had the chance to try their hand at carving raw ice themselves. One full day was dedicated to alcohol-free products, spotlighting the growing importance of this segment in the beverage offering. These hands-on, immersive workshops provided HRI professionals with concrete ideas to elevate their customer experience.

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Presented by FCC, the SIAL Canada 2025 conference program featured 10 thematic forums: Canada’s Evolving Trade Landscape (supported by MNP), Navigating North American Trade, Global Markets Opportunities, Sustainable Supply Chain (supported by Generix), Foodservice & Ready-to-Eat (supported by WeCook), Technology & AI, Health, Trends & Innovation, Marketing, and Packaging.

Renowned experts shared their perspectives on the future of the North American agri-food sector, including Keith Currie (CFA), Erin Gowriluk (CGC), Michael Graydon (FHCP), Carlos Joaquín González (Ambassador of Mexico to Canada), Brian Choi (The Food Institute), Caitlin Colegrove (PepsiCo), Francis Parisien (NielsenIQ), Jo-Ann McArthur (Nourish Food Marketing), Jake Karls (Mid Day Squares), and many more.

A key takeaway from the program was that the agri-food industry is undergoing major strategic transformation. Faced with inflationary pressures, complex tariff barriers, and demographic shifts, companies are actively diversifying their markets, strengthening interprovincial trade, and betting on innovation to maintain a premium position. More than ever, they rely on data and digital technologies to drive growth both nationally and internationally. Notably, several speakers emphasized that despite an increasingly digital environment, long-term business relationships remain essential, especially for successful export strategies and building long-term resilience.

The conferences will soon be available for viewing on SIAL Canada’s YouTube channel—stay tuned!

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INTERNATIONAL VIP COCKTAIL & SoSIAL Program

As part of Canada being the country of honour this year, the SIAL Canada 2025 International Cocktail, presented by FCC, gathered several hundred professionals to celebrate the richness and diversity of Canadian food culture. This memorable evening took place at the Hotel X of Toronto, bringing together industry leaders in a spirit of connection, celebration, and generosity.

As part of the SoSIAL initiative, a cheque of $12,000 was presented to Daily Bread Food Bank, an amount doubled thanks to our partnership with FCC‘s Drive Away Hunger campaign—bringing the total to $24,000. This strong gesture of solidarity reflects our commitment to supporting food security across Canada.