PLEASE SHARE THIS MAGAZINE WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION Make the local choice. CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NUMBER: 40609661 Winter 2023-24 AFPA in ACTION 3 contents The official magazine of the Alberta Food Processors Association Winter 2023-24 AFPA in ACTION Published for: The Alberta Food Processors Association 5123 Marian Road NE Calgary, Alberta T2A 2Y1 Phone: (403) 201-3657 Email: info@afpa.com Website: www.afpa.com Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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Up Front 5Message From the Chair Cover Story 6Supporting Alberta’s Producers: The Made in Alberta Program In Depth 11THE WORKFORCENavigating the Storm: Confronting Labour Market Challenges in the Food and Beverage Industry 12FOOD SAFETYElevating Food Safety in Food and Beverage Processing: The AFPA Advantage 14WORKPLACE SAFETYAlberta’s New Occupational Health and Safety Legislation: Improving Workplace Safety in our Industry 16AFPA OFFERINGS:Connecting Alberta’s Food Industry: Introducing AB Food Connect and Investing in the Future of Food AFPA Member Profiles 18 Alberta Craft Distillers Association and Alberta Producers: Building Strong Industry Bonds 20Last Spike Brewery: Supporting the Craft Brewing Industry AFPA Services 22AFPA Corporate Sponsors 22Helping You Create a Custom Safety Plan 23 Index to Advertisers To update your mailing information, please email info@afpa.com. AFPAWinter 2023-24 AFPA in ACTION 5 HELLO AFPA MEMBERS, As we celebrate another successful year, it is evident our association has made significant strides in advancing the interests of our members and the food and beverage processing indus- try here in Alberta. This year, we are excited to celebrate the official launch of our multi-year Made in Alberta pro- gram — a collaborative effort with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation to promote and support locally grown, processed, and produced food and beverage products, all while creating a strong brand identity for food and beverage producers in the province. Made in Alberta has brought with it a renewed sense of energy and enthu- siasm to our association. The program is all about looking forward and shin- ing a positive light on our industry. Since its official launch at our annual general meeting in Calgary in June, our Alberta Food Processing Associa- tion (AFPA) team has been attending events and creating billboards, com- mercials, and ad campaigns to encour- age consumers to look for the Made in Alberta label when shopping at local Eric Haak AFPA Chair Sunrise Bakery Ltd. AFPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS BDC Michael Poynton Byblos Bakery Anis Muhammad Calgary Italian Bakery Louis Bontorin Foothills Creamery Brian Espiritu Honey Bunny Paige Rey (Vice Chair) Kinnikinnick Foods Inc. Jerry Bigam Kuhlmann’s Market Gardens & Greenhouses Ltd. Dietrich Kuhlmann MLT Aikins LLP Scott Exner MNP Kelleen Tait, CPA, CA Sunrise Bakery Ltd. Eric Haak (Chair) Sani Marc Food & Beverage Tim Hill Sunrise Bakery Ltd. Andrew Polturak Wow! Factor Desserts Ltd. Joe Swiston markets and retailers. With more than 300 Made in Alberta partners already signed up — and more being added every day — our efforts appear to be gaining traction. Be sure to look for the label next time you visit your local gro- cery store or farmers market. Despite all the positive work being done, these continue to be challeng- ing times for our industry. The impact of high interest rates and rising costs has had a major impact on consumers and processors alike. Workforce recruit- ment and retention challenges paired with a significant shortage of skilled labour have hit our industry hard. As the representative voice of the largest processing industry in our province — representing an economic impact of over $15 billion annually — AFPA has an important role to play. Whether it’s enhancing collaboration within the food processing ecosystem through our new co-packing portal, tackling ongoing labour market chal- lenges through our Labour Market Survey, or bridging the gap between students and employers with our Food Futures Student Placement Pro- gram, at AFPA we are always finding ways to support our members and the industry. The contributions made by AFPA in the areas of food safety and health and safety have been instrumen- tal in safeguarding the reputation of our industry and the well-being of our members. By providing training, resources, guidance, and advocat- ing for favourable policies, AFPA has demonstrated its commitment to sup- porting members in maintaining the highest standards of safety and qual- ity. Together, we will continue to pri- oritize and promote food safety and health and safety excellence within the Alberta food processing sector. As we look forward to celebrating 50 years as the leading voice of Alberta’s food processing industry, AFPA is poised to build on these accomplishments and propel the food processing sector for- ward. Our focus will remain on pro- moting sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and advocating for favour- able policies that benefit our members. We will continue to invest in initiatives that address industry challenges, sup- port research and development, and ensure our members have access to the resources and expertise needed to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. It is through our collective efforts that AFPA has achieved such remarkable success over the past year. As we cel- ebrate our achievements today, let us also remain steadfast in our mission to promote and advance the Alberta food processing industry. Together, we can create a prosperous future for all. Eric Haak AFPA Chair Sunrise Bakery Ltd. OUR AFPA TEAM: Executive Director: Bianca Parsons General Manager: Melody Pashko Project Manager: Meghan Rennick WHS Consultant: Ed DeGroot IT and Web Services Coordinator: Calvin Switzer6 AFPA in ACTION Alberta Food Processors Association T he Made in Alberta pro- gram, administered by AFPA and made possible by funding from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, is a voluntary labelling program ded- icated to supporting and promoting local food and beverage producers in the province of Alberta. Its goal is to help shoppers identify local products through an easy-to-recognize Made in Alberta label clearly visible on product packaging. To qualify as a Made in Alberta partner, unprocessed products such as vegetables, fruits, and eggs must be raised, grown, or sourced in Alberta. Processed food and beverages may use ingredients from outside the prov- ince, as long as the final substantial transformation takes place in Alberta. The program strives to showcase and celebrate the diversity and qual- ity of products made in our province. AFPA’s Made in Alberta program plays a crucial role in connecting producers with consumers, retailers, and indus- try partners, thus contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of Alber- ta’s thriving food and beverage sector. With hundreds of food and bever- age products already listed in our digi- tal Made in Alberta Product Catalogue — and more being added every day — our website, www.madeinalberta.co, is the go-to source for consumers actively seeking to buy local and sup- port their neighbours. TASTE THE DIVERSITY: ALBERTA’S CULINARY JOURNEY FROM THE PRAIRIES TO THE PEAKS As part of Canada’s western Prai- ries, Alberta boasts a food landscape as rich and diverse as the people who call this province home. Here, culinary innovation thrives, and the fusion of cultures and flavours SUPPORTING ALBERTA’S PRODUCERS: THE MADE IN ALBERTA PROGRAM give rise to a tapestry of tastes that reflects the vibrant diver- sity of Alberta’s population. From the intriguing haskap berry hailing from Eastern Siberia and Japan, to inventive takes on traditional Indian pantry staples and Mediterranean classics, all the way to perfor- mance-oriented chocolate crafted to empower athletes on their journey to new heights, Alberta’s food scene is a testament to the boundless cre- ativity and culinary ingenuity found in this province. Join us on a delecta- ble journey through Alberta’s gastro- nomic mosaic, where every bite tells a story of diversity, exploration, and the shared love of good food. PRAIRIE HILL FARMS LTD: THE SUPERFRUIT OF THE PRAIRIES Prairie Hill Farms Ltd., a food plant manufacturing facility in Picture Butte, Alberta, is on a mission to connect the world with the nutrition and taste of the Prairies — and it all starts with a little-known fruit that packs a big punch: the haskap berry. Aurora, Indigo Gem, Indigo Treat, and Northern Jewel, names that conjure up images of Alberta’s natural beauty, are some of the haskap varieties Prairie Hill Farms processes to create their unique line of barbecue sauces, juices, jams, syrups, and spreads. These unassuming berries belong to the Boreal series of haskap varieties and carry a rich taste and range of health benefits, earning them the title of the “superfruit of the Prairies.” Originating from Eastern Siberia and Japan, these “little presents on the end of branches” were introduced to Alberta by the Vandenberg family in 2013. Recognizing the unique fla- vour profile and super-packed health benefits of the haskap berry, the Vandenberg orchard, Prairie Hill Fruits, expanded into a fully operational food plant manufacturing facility by 2020. Prairie Hill Farms recently took full advantage of AFPA’s Food Safety Pro- gram to complete their Hazard Analy- sis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) training. Vresh Foods is on a mission to educate Canadians on the hidden side of South Asian cuisine.Winter 2023-24 AFPA in ACTION 7 “The hands-on training and knowl- edge gained from that program put our staff years ahead,” says Plant Manager Robert Milojevic. Today, with 17 full-time staff, Prai- rie Hill Farms is an industry leader in bottling, freeze-dried, and frozen food production. Their products can be found in Safeway, Sobeys, and Co-op stores, as well as in local boutiques and markets across Alberta. As proud participants in the Made in Alberta program, the team at Prairie Hills Farms has embarked on a jour- ney to introduce this extraordinary berry to the world, aiming to estab- lish it as a global nutritional staple while preserving the genuine prairie flavours in every delectable product they produce. To learn more about this inspir- ing Made in Alberta company, visit www.phfhaskap.com. VRESH FOODS: A FRESH TAKE ON AN INDIAN CLASSIC In the heart of Alberta, a culinary revolution is underway, and it’s all thanks to the innovative spirit and entrepreneurial passion of the team behind Vresh Foods. This remarka- ble Made in Alberta company is on a mission to educate Canadians on the hidden side of South Asian cuisine. At the core of this culinary experience is ghee, an ancient cooking ingredient often described as “liquid gold.” But what exactly is ghee, and why is it gaining so much attention? Ghee is a type of clarified butter that has been used in Asian and Afri- can cooking for over 3,500 years. To make ghee, butter is slowly simmered until the moisture evaporates, leaving behind pure butterfat. The remain- ing milk solids are then caramelized and strained out, resulting in a golden, nutty, and brown-buttery liquid with a unique flavour profile. The flavour notes are reminiscent of butterscotch, movie theatre popcorn, and even caramel. One of the most remarkable fea- tures of ghee is its incredible shelf life. The absence of moisture prevents spoilage, especially when refriger- ated. Moreover, ghee is an excellent Prairie Hill Farms processes haskap berries to create a unique line of barbecue sauces, juices, jams, syrups, and spreads.8 AFPA in ACTION Alberta Food Processors Association alternative for individuals with dairy issues, as it contains no lactose, whey, or casein. Unlike regular butter, which can burn easily due to its milk solids, ghee boasts a high smoke point, making it suitable for various cooking methods. Ghee is exceptionally versa- tile and can be used for general frying, baking, and spreading. Starting out as a small meal kit delivery service run out of a com- munity kitchen in Calgary during the COVID-19 pandemic, this proudly Made in Alberta company is now sourced, packaged, and sold in major retailers and markets all over the province as well as British Columbia and Saskatchewan. “The challenge now is to get people to try it,” says company co-founder and Chief Ghee Officer, Vreshin Naga. “If you know how to use cooking oil or butter, you know how to use ghee.” In a world where the cost of dairy has skyrocketed and many tradi- tional ghee companies have shuttered their doors, Vresh Foods is thriving. The company has taken a different approach, focusing on educating con- sumers and delivering a high-quality product. Through concept selling and continuous education efforts, Vresh’s line of contemporary Indian pantry products has grown from modest beginnings to becoming a staple in Canadian kitchens. The journey involves getting people to try it, buy it, and buy it again. Winner of Avenue magazine’s Made in Alberta Awards for Best Savoury Food Product and named on their “31 Best Things to Eat and Drink in Cal- gary” list, Vresh Foods is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit embodied by so many Made in Alberta brands. Their uniquely quirky and fresh spin on traditional Indian pantry prod- ucts is sure to elevate any cooking experience. To learn more about this inspir- ing Made in Alberta company, visit www.vreshfoods.com. INFUSED MEDITERRANEAN FOODS: A DELICIOUS JOURNEY INSPIRED BY TRADITION Ruba Alqishawi, a trained Red Seal chef with a background in nutrition and business management from NAIT, is the driving force behind Infused Mediterranean Foods. Since 2017, she’s combined her expertise with her pas- sion for Mediterranean cuisine to pres- ent a range of products that capture both tradition and modern tastes. Alqishawi’s products are a fusion of authentic flavours from her Pales- tinian heritage merged with a con- temporary Western touch. Central to her brand is a commitment to quality, ensuring ingredients are sourced in Alberta, free from preservatives, oils, sugars, and artificial colours. Infused Mediterranean Foods is a proud Made in Alberta company known for crafting unforgettable taste experiences by combining fresh ingre- dients and authentic flavours with a unique twist. Rooted in traditional family rec- ipes passed down through genera- tions, Alqishawi emphasizes the har- mony of flavours, noting the symbi- otic relationship with a simple phrase: “Hummus and falafel are a married Infused Mediterranean Foods has a lineup that includes traditional hummus and four original, chef-inspired hummus flavours, as well as heat-and-eat authentic falafel. “I know every supplier and understand the impact my business has on them.” — Ruba Alqishawi, Infused Mediterranean Foods couple.” Every product is crafted with premium, gluten-free, plant-based ingredients without any additives. Infused Mediterranean Foods quickly became a favourite at the St. Albert Farmers’ Market. When the summer market ended, loyal cus- tomers actively sought her products, underscoring their quality and appeal. Throughout her journey, Alqisha- wi’s mother, Dalal, has been a con- stant pillar of support, playing a cru- cial role in the company’s growth and operations. The company’s dedication to the local community is evident. Alqishawi prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local farmers and family-owned gro- cers. Additionally, the packaging is locally designed and printed. “I know every supplier and under- stand the impact my business has on them,” Alqishawi says. Beyond her culinary endeavors, Alqishawi has a significant presence in the entrepreneurial community. Since 2020, she’s served as a business instructor and mentor at the Anderson Career Training Institute (ACTI) and as a mentor and guest speaker at Action for Healthy Communities. Further- more, she’s an active member of Made in Alberta and AFPA. Currently, Infused Mediterranean Foods products are available in 20 retailers across Alberta, featuring tra- ditional hummus, four distinct chef-in- spired hummus flavours, and ready- to-eat falafel. For a taste that seam- lessly combines tradition with inno- vation, Infused Mediterranean Foods stands out.Winter 2023-24 AFPA in ACTION 9 Alqishawi’s unyielding commitment to innovation continues to introduce Canadians to evolving Mediterranean flavours. For more about this standout Made in Alberta company, visit www. infusedmediterraneanfoods.ca. THE RISE OF 7 SUMMITS SNACKS, CANADA’S #1 ENDURANCE CHOCOLATE BAR In the world of outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, conquering the Seven Summits challenge — an elite moun- taineering feat where climbers aim to conquer the highest peak on each of the seven continents — is the ultimate achievement. But every adventurer knows that success is not only about reaching the summit; it’s also about fuelling the body with the right snacks. Enter 7 Summits Snacks, a proudly Made in Alberta brand that has become synonymous with adventure, providing athletes with the energy they need to reach new heights. Kristyn Carriere’s passion for adventure began at the age of 19 when she joined Disney on Ice as a figure skating performer and set off to travel the world. After earning a degree in nutrition and food science from the University of Alberta, she headed to Europe where she worked as a chocolate scientist for globally renowned chocolate brands Cadbury and Godiva. Back home in 2018, Carriere’s sister, Leanna, a personal trainer and tri- athlete, posed a simple yet profound question: can chocolate be a part of an endurance athlete’s diet? This ques- tion sparked an idea that would soon become the cornerstone of 7 Summits Snacks — creating a nutrition bar that not only tasted delicious but also pro- vided the ideal balance of fats and sugars for athletes. Carriere, armed with her background in food science, understood the impor- tance of using high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients. 7 Summits Snacks’ mission was clear: to craft a high-per- formance sports nutrition bar that was unlike anything else on the market. Today, 7 Summits Snacks produces Canada’s number one endurance chocolate bar. This Edmonton-run com- pany is proud to create their products locally, sourcing Alberta-made honey and using a co-pack facility in Cal- gary. Their commitment to quality is unwavering, with real chocolate as a primary ingredient, a stark contrast to other energy bars that rely heavily on cocoa powder. Their dedication to sus- tainability extends to their eco-friendly packaging, a reflection of their contin- ued passion for the great outdoors and everything their brand stands for. As 7 Summits Snacks continues to grow, Carriere and her team envision a future where their products are avail- able throughout Canada and around the world. So, next time you plan an outdoor escape, remember to pack a bag of 7 Summits Snacks. You’ll be fuelling your body with the energy it needs while supporting a brand that’s Made in Alberta. To learn more about this inspir- ing Made in Alberta company, visit www.sevensummitssnacks.com. CELEBRATING LOCAL Our province’s food industry thrives as it embraces the diverse culinary traditions of its people. The Indian-inspired delights of Vresh Foods, the classic taste combinations of Infused Mediterranean Foods, the farm-fresh goodness of Prairie Hill Farms, and the adventure-driven offerings of 7 Summits Snacks are examples of Alberta’s food producers’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you’re a local or a visi- tor, take a journey through the many tastes and flavours of Alberta. Dis- cover the hidden gems that make Alberta’s food scene a true culinary adventure. Visit www.madeinalberta.co for these and hundreds of other uniquely local Made in Alberta prod- ucts. And next time you visit your local farmers market or grocery store, be sure to look for the Made in Alberta label! 7 Summits Snacks produces endurance chocolate bars made from locally sourced products.Next >