2026 FBO Annual Conference
Event Date:
May 27, 2026
Event Time:
11:00 am
Event Location:
Steam Whistle, 255 Bremner Blvd Toronto, Toronto, ON
Event Description
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Location: Steam Whistle Brewery, 255 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, Ontario
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Join Food and Beverage Ontario for our 2026 Annual Conference, bringing together leaders from across Ontario’s food and beverage processing sector for an afternoon of insights, discussion, and networking.
This year’s program will include presentations from:
- Premier Doug Ford
- David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, who will provide an update on the latest developments related to CUSMA negotiations and Canada–U.S. trade relations.
- David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, sharing insights into Canadian public opinion, political trends, and what they mean for the business environment.
- Althia Raj, CBC journalist and political commentator, offering her perspective on the evolving political landscape in Canada.
- Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, providing an economic outlook and analysis of key forces impacting the Canadian economy and the food and beverage sector.
We are also pleased that Minister Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Minister Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, will join us as well.
The conference will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Premier Ford and Mr. Patterson, moderated by FBO Board Chair Michael Burrows, Executive Chair, Maple Lodge Farms. The discussion will explore trade, economic competitiveness, and opportunities for Ontario’s food and beverage sector, followed by a Q&A session.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Premier Ford and Ontario’s Representative in Washington on the evolving Canada–U.S. relationship and what it means for Ontario’s food and beverage sector.
The FBO Annual Conference is one of the sector’s premier gatherings, offering valuable insights and a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and colleagues from across Ontario’s food and beverage community.
The event will begin with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for industry colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to reconnect and build new relationships. Guests will then move into lunch and a dynamic speaker program featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers who will share insights on the economic, political, and consumer trends shaping the future of the sector.
Agenda
- 10:45 AM- Registration opens / networking
- 11:30 AM – lunch
- 12:15 PM – Welcome; Michael Burrows, Executive Chair Maple Lodge Farms; Chair Food and Beverage Ontario
- 12:30 PM – speaker portion begins
- 4:30 PM – networking featuring appetizers, Ontario craft wines and Steam Whistle Pilsner
- 6:30 PM – conference closes
For questions or sponsorship enquiries, contact Jason Crawford at jcrawford@foodandbeverageontario.ca
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Speakers
David Coletto, CEO Abacus Data
David Coletto is one of Canada’s most recognizable pollsters and commentators on politics, consumer behaviour and the workplace.
He is Chair, CEO and Founder of Abacus Data, a full-service market research and strategy firm based in Ottawa and Toronto. David has grown Abacus into one of Canada’s most respected market research firms. He is also the host and producer of “InFocus with David Coletto”, a podcast that explores the intersection of public opinion, politics, public policy, and consumer behavior.
Althia Raj, CBC
Althia Raj is a political journalist and member of CBC’s flagship newscast, The National’s “At Issue” panel.
She’s covered Parliament Hill for 20 years, writing for Sun Media and producing for CTV and CBC. Althia can be seen and heard on CBC, Radio-Canada and CPAC programs, and is the host/producer of the Toronto Star’s podcast “It’s Political”. She has consistently been ranked high in The Hill Times list of top 100 most influential people in Canadian politics since 2015.
Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC
Benjamin Tal is known for his ground-breaking research on labour market dynamics, real estate, credit markets, international trade and economic conditions. He not only contributes to the conversation, but frequently sets the agenda.
He is Deputy Chief Economist for CIBC, and has 20 years’ experience advising clients, industry leaders, corporate boards, and governments. National and Global media regularly seek him out for economic and financial insight and analysis.
David Patterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington
When it comes to tariffs, CUSMA and their potential impact on Ontario businesses, few individuals are closer to the trade discussions now taking place than David Paterson.
He is Ontario’s Agent-General in Washington D.C. and has participated in U.S. trade discussions for crucial sectors in Ontario including food & beverage manufacturing. With the upcoming CUSMA review now on the agenda, David is focused on ensuring U.S. decision makers understand what’s at stake for both countries.
Premier Doug Ford
Doug Ford has served as Ontario’s Premier since 2018, winning 3 majority governments! He has consistently positioned economic growth, job creation and competitiveness at the centre of his government’s agenda.
Premier Ford has emphasized the importance of strengthening Ontario’s domestic food supply chain, investing in and expanding capacity within our sector, and ensuring we remain the #1 economic driver of the province!