2023 Industry Day

On April 19 MPO held our 2023 Industry Day and AGM in Guelph. Over 90 members attended the conference, which featured a variety of informative sessions including topics on consumer trust, meat industry economic conditions and demand, and the latest innovations and technology for the meat industry.

Attendees had the chance to network and connect with other industry professionals and leaders, gaining valuable insights and inspiration from their peers.

We want to thank all of our attendees, sponsors, and speakers for making this event such a success. We look forward to seeing you all again at our Meating Place Conference October 20-21 in Muskoka!

Agenda

9:30 AM – Registration & Networking
10:00 AM –  Annual General Meeting | Meat & Poultry Ontario
10:45 AM – Networking & Coffee Break
11:00 AM – Economic Update for the Canadian Meat and Poultry Processing Sector | Kevin Grier , Sponsored by FCC
11:45 AM – LUNCH
12:05 PM – Keynote: Your Story Matters | Andrew Campbell , Fresh Air Media
1:05 PM – Building Consumer Trust  | Ashley Bruner, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity
1:50 PM – Networking & Coffee Break
2:05 PM – Panel Session – Innovation & Technology in the Meat Sector | Moderated by Luis Garcia, Centre for Meat Innovation & Technology

Meet Our Speakers

Kevin Grier, Market Analyst and Economic Researcher

Kevin Grier is a respected and connected market analyst and economic researcher. Particular focus is on the meat, poultry, livestock and grocery product sectors. With over 25 years of experience he has a solid understanding of Canadian and U.S. agriculture and food industry issues from farm to retail. Two key competitive advantages include an extensive network of high level contacts throughout the industry and an exhaustive data base. He is a sought out expert to the media — National Post, Globe and Mail, CBC Radio, Business News Network, Global News, and CTV.

Proudly sponsored by Farm Credit Canada

Ashley Bruner, Canadian Centre for Food Intergrity

After completing a Master of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University, Ashley joined one of Canada’s largest market research companies – Ipsos. For the past six years, most recently as a Senior Research Manager in Public Affairs, she has worked on hundreds of research projects for clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Ashley has experience with a wide range of research methodologies ranging from online, telephone, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and town halls.

Ashley understands that every single data point represents a real person’s opinions and views. With this, she is excited to leverage CCFI research findings into actionable insights to help Canada’s food system stakeholders better understand and meet the needs of the public they serve.

Panel Session – Labour Saving Technologies for SME’s in the Meat Sector | Moderated by Luis Garcia, Centre for Meat Innovation & Technology

Implementing technology may be perceived as a daunting project by many small and medium size operations. Owner/operators may think, “this is not for me, can I afford it? Where would I find the money? it’s too expensive, it’s only for the big guys, it’s too complicated”. However, many of your peers have successfully implemented different types of technology and now enjoy the benefits that come with automation.
During this panel discussion you will hear from MPO members about their experience in the journey towards implementing technology, the challenges and the victories, the do’s and don’ts.

Invited panelists:
Betty Dikeos – Vice – President Sales & Marketing | D&D Poultry
Jeff Miedema – Owner – Townsend Butchers Inc.