WINTER 2025-26 PLEASE SHARE THIS MAGAZINE WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION CANADA POST PUBLICATIONS AGREEMENT NUMBER: 40609661 Driving Alberta’s Food and Beverage Industry ForwardWinter 2025-26 AFPA in ACTION 3 contents The official magazine of the Alberta Food Processors Association Winter 2025-26 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 On the Cover 6Made in Alberta: Alberta in Your Pocket In Depth 8INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS Shifting Trade Winds: What It Means for Alberta Processors 11SECTOR SHIFTS Strengthening Canada’s Food Future: Industry Advocacy in Action 12CELEBRATING SUCCESS Celebrating Alberta’s Finest: The 2025 Alberta Food and Beverage Awards 16SAFETY IN THE INDUSTRY Building a Culture of Safety AFPA Member Profiles 18RIVR Solutions: Relentless Improvement, Verified Results 20Mini Kitchen: Fresh from Our Kitchen to Your Table AFPA Services 21AFPA Corporate Partners 22 Index to Advertisers To update your mailing information, please email info@afpa.com. AFPAWinter 2025-26 AFPA in ACTION 5 It is a privilege to serve as Chair of the Alberta Food Processors Associ- ation (AFPA) at a time when our prov- ince’s food and beverage sector is showing both its resilience and its rising potential. Across Alberta, processors are not only adapting to change — they are also driving it. And at every step, AFPA is there to ensure they have the tools, voice, and visibility to succeed. Over the past year, our industry has faced its share of uncertainty. Global trade volatility, new tariff pressures, and shifting market dynamics have tested even the most established companies. Yet, these challenges have also under- scored the strength of Alberta’s food and beverage manufacturing commu- nity, one built on collaboration, inno- vation, and a shared commitment to feeding our province and beyond. AFPA continues to play a vital role in repre- senting Alberta’s interests nationally, working through our seat on the Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) board to ensure that processors’ concerns — from workforce stability to regula- tory reform — remain part of the federal conversation. Andrew Polturak Chair, Alberta Food Processors Association President, Sunrise Bakery AFPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrew Polturak (Chair) Sunrise Bakery Ltd. Paige Rey (Vice Chair) Wolfe Honey Eric Haak (Past Chair) Sunrise Bakery Ltd. Anton Bellot ATB Louis Bontorin Calgary Italian Bakery Jason Dailey BDC Brian Espiritu Foothills Creamery Scott Exner MLT Aikins LLP Tim Hill Sani Marc Khadija Jiwani Aliya’s Foods Danni Kneeland Food Safety Solutions Joe Swiston Wow! Factor Desserts Kelleen Tait CPA, CA MNP Kent Wang Olaf Packaging Ric Williams ZGM Modern Marketing Closer to home, the Made in Alberta program continues to build remarka- ble momentum under AFPA’s leader- ship. What began as a government ini- tiative has evolved into an industry-led movement showcasing more than 1,400 locally made products through a new website, mobile app, and interac- tive brand activations at major events like the Calgary Stampede, KDays, and the Canadian Finals Rodeo. Whether in-store, online, at major events, or on the app, consumers are discovering and supporting Alberta brands, and Made in Alberta processors are sharing their sto- ries with audiences eager to buy local. That same spirit of pride and inno- vation was on full display at the 2025 Alberta Food & Beverage Awards. With record attendance and participation from every corner of the province, the Awards have become more than a cel- ebration; they are a catalyst for growth, connection, and community. Alongside the Awards, AFPA continues to host impactful events like the AFPA Industry Conference and the annual Golf Clas- sic, creating opportunities for members, retailers, buyers, and service partners to connect in meaningful ways that strengthen Alberta’s food economy. As an AFPA member, you are part of an exclusive network that connects every link in the value chain, from producers to processors, retailers, buyers, and ser- vice providers. Our members are the first to know about new initiatives, funding opportunities, and programs designed to drive business success. We’re committed to doing even more of that in the year ahead and encourage every member to get involved, participate, and make the most of what AFPA has to offer. Looking forward, AFPA’s priorities remain clear: to champion Alberta’s pro- cessors through advocacy, training, and opportunity. We are deepening partner- ships with leading organizations across finance, training, insurance, and industry support to ensure members can access capital, expertise, and guidance at every stage of growth. I am incredibly proud of what our members and partners have accom- plished this year. Through innovation, perseverance, and collaboration, Alber- ta’s food and beverage industry contin- ues to strengthen its position as one of the province’s most dynamic economic drivers. Together, we’re not just navigating change — we’re shaping Alberta’s food future. Andrew Polturak Chair, Alberta Food Processors Association President, Sunrise Bakery OUR AFPA TEAM: Executive Director: Bianca Parsons General Manager: Melody Pashko Project Manager: Meghan Rennick Office/Technical Program Advisor: Sheldon Wolfe Supporting Alberta’s Processors Through Change, Challenge, and Opportunity6 AFPA in ACTION Alberta Food Processors Association Through a redesigned website, an innovative mobile app, and exclusive leadership under AFPA, Made in Alberta is redefining how consumers connect with the food made right here at home, allowing people to scan, dis- cover, and support local. Albertans are hungry for local prod- ucts, and now, they can find them instantly. With the Made in Alberta mobile app, shoppers can scan any product barcode to see if it’s Made in Alberta or find a local alternative when it’s not. The scan app has the potential to completely change the way Albertans discover local products. In seconds, shoppers can find a Made in Alberta option — it’s a simple idea with a huge impact. A STRONGER PLATFORM, A BETTER EXPERIENCE The redesigned Made in Alberta website makes it easier than ever to discover local products. Enhanced search tools and personalized features let users browse by category, region, or company and save their favourites to a virtual pantry, complete with direct links to websites and online stores. With 1,400+ products from more than 600 Alberta companies and over 11,000 monthly visits, www.madeinal- berta.co continues to grow as a trusted destination for shoppers, retailers, and food lovers alike. For Made in Alberta companies, it means greater visibility, stronger brand recognition, and a direct connection to consumers eager to buy local. Made in Alberta: Alberta in Your PocketWinter 2025-26 AFPA in ACTION 7 STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT Being part of AFPA’s Made in Alberta community means access to events and promotions that raise your profile and connect you directly with decision-mak- ers across Alberta’s food industry — without the high costs of going it alone. Every Alberta food and beverage company is encouraged to sign up and list their products on the Made in Alberta website. A basic listing ensures your products can be discovered by consumers searching for local options and helps showcase the depth of Alber- ta’s incredible food community. To take things further, industry opportunities and marketing access are reserved for Made in Alberta Showcase companies and AFPA members. These companies receive priority visibility and are promoted through digital, retail, and event spotlights, including radio, print, and online campaigns, and participation in marquee events such as the Calgary Stampede, KDays, Farmfair International, and more. For businesses ready to elevate their profile, the Showcase Tier offers the ultimate visibility, helping your brand get noticed, featured, and connected across Alberta’s growing food community. For just $199 per year, Showcase members gain exclusive access to: • Shared marketing and social campaigns; • Opportunities to participate in major events and promotions; and • Priority features in Made in Alberta spotlights and seasonal campaigns. AFPA membership includes full Made in Alberta Showcase Participant perks. JOIN THE MOVEMENT Discover, support, and celebrate Alberta’s food and beverage makers. Learn more or upgrade to Showcase at www.madeinalberta.co.8 AFPA in ACTION Alberta Food Processors Association Tariff volatility continues to impact Alberta’s food and beverage manufacturers. Earlier this year, the United States implemented a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, driving up costs and creating uncertainty across supply chains. Even with most Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUS- MA)-covered products excluded, these shifting trade winds have created volatility for food and beverage producers, dis- rupting ingredient sourcing, delaying shipments, and under- mining confidence in supply stability. The repeal of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs in September 2025 brought welcome relief but also underscored the need for greater trade stability and diversification. Many Alberta processors continue to rely on cross-border ingredients, packaging materials, and export markets, making predict- able trade conditions essential to business growth and competitiveness. Since the tariff threat emerged, AFPA has been actively advocating for Alberta’s food and beverage industry, warning of the potential impact on both businesses and the broader economy. We recognize the impor- tance of reliable access to key inputs and international markets — particularly the U.S. — and continue to work with government and indus- try partners to protect our members’ interests. AFPA Executive Director, Bianca Parsons, now serves on the Food and Beverage Canada (FBC- ABC) Working Group on Canada–U.S. Relations, ensuring Alberta’s processors are represented in key trade and policy discussions, advocating for fair access, reduced red tape, and stable conditions that support growth. With over $2 billion in monthly sales, Alberta’s food manu- facturing sector remains one of the province’s strongest eco- nomic drivers. As Alberta’s economy adapts to these chang- ing global conditions, the outlook for the province’s agri-food sector reflects both challenges and emerging opportunities ahead, reinforcing the importance of strong advocacy, resil- ient supply chains, and continued investment in innovation and market diversification. Shifting Trade Winds: What It Means for Alberta ProcessorsWinter 2025-26 AFPA in ACTION 9 As we close the third quarter of 2025, trade diversification and the strength of food sales in Alberta are the biggest trends driving great opportunities for the sector in 2026. ALBERTA’S STRENGTH IN AG AND FOOD PROCESSING Sales numbers showcase Alberta is the leader of Western Canada ag and food processing. Alberta leads the way in food manufacturing sales in Western Canada, with roughly $2 billion in sales per month on average. TRADE DIVERSIFICATION Canada’s agri-food exports are less diverse than those of its key competitors. According to a report from Farm Credit Canada (FCC), Canada could redirect about $12 billion in food manufac- turing products currently exported to the US to Asia, Europe, and domestic markets to boost our diversification. An Economic Outlook for Alberta Food Processors As Alberta’s economy adapts to these changing global conditions, the outlook for the province’s agri-food sector highlights both challenges and emerging opportunities on the horizon. By Anton Bellot, BComm. Director, Agribusiness & Agri-Food Sector ATB Business- Agriculture 2025 Western Canada Food Manufacturing Sales $2,500,000 $2,000,000 $1,500,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $- Jan-25Feb-25Mar-25Apr-25May-25Jun-25July-25 Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1610004801 – Statistics Canada. Table: 16-10-0048-01 Manufacturing sales by industry and province (dollars unless otherwise noted) ■ Manitoba unadjusted ■ Alberta unadjusted ■ Manitoba Seasonally adjusted ■ Alberta Seasonally adjusted ■ Saskatchewan unadjusted ■ British Columbia unadjusted ■ Saskatchewan Seasonally adjusted ■ British Columbia Seasonally adjusted ■ USA ■ Netherlands ■ China ■ United Kingdom ■ Japan ■ Germany ■ Mexico ■ Belgium ■ Indonesia ■ France ■ Canada ■ Italy ■ Korea ■ Other Canada’s Exports Are Less Diverse Compared to Key Competitors Select top exporters and the distribution of their top 5 agri-food export destinations 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% CanadaUSABrazilAustraliaNetherlands Source: UN Comtrade, RBC Thought LeadershipNext >