Start your morning with an interactive session designed to strengthen inclusion and connection across the natural, organic, and wellness community. Whether you lead a team, collaborate across departments, or are just starting your career, you’ll explore how courage, curiosity, and connection can transform the way we work together.

Through hands-on activities, shared insights, and real-world examples, you’ll discover how small shifts in language, awareness, and behavior can create workplaces that champion well-being, embrace diverse perspectives, and build authentic connections.

Leave inspired, energized, and equipped with practical tools and fresh ideas you can bring back to your organization immediately. This is where inclusion moves from theory to action—and where meaningful change begins.

With over 25 years of experience across North America, Marie-Chantal is a seasoned consultant specializing in cultural alignment, talent management, leadership development, and organizational transformation. Having spent 12 years in internal HR leadership roles and 12 as a consultant, she brings both strategic insight and practical expertise to her work. With a background in cultural anthropology, Marie-Chantal has a keen ability to understand organizational cultures in depth and translate strategy into action—helping leaders drive meaningful, human-centered change that strengthens engagement, alignment, and lasting cultural transformation.

Sponsored by:  

Wahaj brings extensive experience in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), leadership development, and workshop facilitation to her work. Passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive, she helps organizations embed EDI principles into their culture, fostering trust, belonging, and psychological safety. With a background in psychology and sociology, Wahaj empowers individuals and teams to embrace authenticity and collaboration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Calgary and a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Adler University, completed through the lens of social justice.

Turning curiosity into commitment — how the organic sector can better reach new and occasional consumers.

This interactive panel will explore one of the most pressing challenges in the organic sector today, how retailers and brand marketers can effectively reach new consumers and clearly express the real benefits of buying organic. Despite growing interest in organic products, many organizations still struggle to connect with today’s evolving organic shopper in a meaningful way.

In this session you learn what’s working, what’s not, and what new strategies are emerging to grow organic markets and demand. We’ll identify the key barriers preventing stronger consumer engagement and define the core problem we aim to solve: why we aren’t reaching consumers as effectively as we could, and how we can change that.

Grounded in the goals of the Organic Action Plan, this session will focus on actionable collaboration to :

• Align messaging and marketing more effectively across the supply chain.
• Identify strategies to sustainably grow organic markets and demand.
• Bridge the gap between consumer intention and purchase.
• Gain firsthand insights from real organic shoppers to guide authentic outreach.
• Build a shared roadmap toward a coordinated national strategy for expanding organic demand.

Matt is the executive director for ROCA. Prior to ROCA, Matt was a Principal Consultant for Anthesis Group, the largest sustainability consultancy in the world. In his time there Matt oversaw projects with a variety of food and beverage clients ranging from small to multi-national, this experience re-affirmed his belief that Organic needs more supporters. Before entering the consulting world Matt worked as the Senior Specialist of Mission & Strategy for Nature’s Path Foods where he was responsible for leading the company’s multitude of sustainability initiatives. Matt also formerly worked as Director of Sustainability at SPUD.ca where his team launched several industry-first and award-winning waste reduction programs. Matt spent his early career in the skateboard industry working as the impact manager for one of the founding B Corps, Comet Skateboards where he still serves as an advisor.

Tia has been the Executive Director of the Canada Organic Trade Association since 2016. With extensive experience working in the organic food industry, Tia co-founded Camino chocolate (La Siembra Co-operative) as the first Fairtrade and organic certified cocoa and sugar company and went on to hold senior roles with Fairtrade International in Canada and the United States. She sits on the Technical Committee for the Canadian Organic Standards review, the Aquaculture Standards Interpretation Committee, chairs the Technical Committee for Organic Equivalencies and is the North American ambassador for IFOAM International.

Recognized as a skilled professional in the organic industry for 35 years, Dag has worked as the Organic Program Manager for Nature’s Path Organic Foods where for 18 years he was accountable for protecting the integrity of the company’s organic supplies, policies, and consumer interactions.

Dag studied agronomy in Norway and moved to North America where he later took up work as an organic inspector. For 14 years he inspected small and large farm operations and complex organic processors. This experience developed his unique insight and perspective of the organic sector.

Dag has also served as chair of the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) for 10 years and sat on the boards of the Organic Agriculture Center of Canada (OACC), and the International Organic Inspectors Association (IOIA).

Since retiring from Nature’s Path in 2022, he has co-founded the Responsible Organic Customer Association (ROCA) where the organic end user’s needs are the focus.

Jon began his career in the grocery industry at age 10, learning the business from the ground up and working nearly every role in retail. By 18, he stepped into his first management position at Shoppers Food Mart.

He has since held senior roles with G&H Marketing and Buy Low Foods, and joined Choices Market, where he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2012. In 2020, following the retirement of CEO Ishkandar Ahmed, Jon assumed leadership of the entire organization. He has been with Choices Market for 27 years.

The retail landscape is evolving faster than ever, shaped by shifting consumer expectations, emerging trends, and new market realities. Designed exclusively for retailers, this interactive session creates a collaborative space to connect, learn, and uncover strategies for success in the year ahead.

Join your peers to share insights, explore innovative ideas, and discuss practical solutions to today’s most pressing challenges, from enhancing customer experience and boosting margins to adapting to changing shopper behaviours. Whether your focus is growth, efficiency, or long-term resilience, this round table will inspire fresh perspectives and actionable takeaways to help your business thrive.

Phil Chang brings deep experience across consumer packaged goods, retail, and startups, with leadership roles at global companies including Unilever, Revlon, Kimberly-Clark, Danone, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. His background spans analytics, sales, sales strategy, and trade marketing, along with time as a buyer at Target and in retail startups focused on strategy and marketing.

Today, Phil helps companies right-size their marketing fundamentals, navigate the digital landscape, and build stronger, more empowered teams. He also co-hosts This Commerce Life – The Podcast, sharing real-world marketing wins and challenges to help brands stand out in an increasingly noisy marketplace.

Kenny Vannucci has more than 40 years of experience across every level of retail—from front-line customer service and warehouse operations to senior corporate roles as a merchandise manager buying across grocery and drug categories. After 26 years at London Drugs, he launched his own consultancy to help small CPG brands and retailers strengthen sales and operational fundamentals.

Known for his deep understanding of how buyers think and what drives retail success, Kenny works closely with founders to build profitable, scalable businesses. He also hosts This Commerce Life – The Podcast, where he shares candid, practical insights to help entrepreneurs navigate retail with confidence.

In an industry where innovation and adaptability are key, suppliers must find new ways to stay competitive and drive measurable results. This session focuses on practical strategies to scale your business, enhance efficiency, and seize market opportunities.

Through dynamic discussions and idea sharing, attendees will examine real-world approaches to overcoming challenges, boosting efficiency, and unlocking new growth opportunities. Whether you are focused on operational excellence, access to capital, or expanding your footprint, this session provides actionable insights to help your business grow and thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Mark Venton has over 35 years of Sales and Marketing leadership in the CPG sector, from startups to Tier 1 companies. He has led successful Canadian launches of brands including Charmin, Puffs, Align, Attends, Tampex, Crest, Pampers, and Gillette. Mark is President of Mark Venton Consulting Inc, Director of New Business at Big Country Pet Co, Fractional Sales Lead for Nanashake, and former VP of Sales at Love Good Fats. Mark also mentors future business leaders as part of Yspace Programs at York University.

Quebec consumers expect transparency, authenticity, and products that reflect their cultural identity — which can pose real challenges for brands coming from outside the province. This presentation explores the unique market drivers in Quebec’s natural and organic sector, emerging trends shaping demand, and what companies on the West Coast can do to differentiate, build trust, and win in this distinct and growing market.

With more than two decades of experience at NIQ, Francis brings deep expertise in navigating the impacts, challenges and opportunities of an evolving marketplace and shifting consumer trends. Francis leads a nationwide team that supports start-ups, emerging suppliers, established manufacturers, government agencies and non-governmental organizations seeking market and consumer insights. Collaborating closely with his team, Francis’ primary objective is to forge partnerships across the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, ensuring NIQ’s Canadian initiatives remain aligned with client needs and market dynamics.

A seasoned sales leader, Dominic brings broad, multi-sector experience and a fresh perspective to the natural and organic industry. At SATAU, a Quebec-based distributor with over 40 years of experience, he supports both emerging and established brands in navigating Quebec’s distinct retail landscape. Dominic builds strong connections between brands, independent retailers, and local consumers, helping stores optimize assortments, improve performance, and better serve their communities. Working closely with partners across Ontario, the Maritimes, and the Prairies, he brings clear, region-specific insight and a collaborative, authenticity-driven leadership style. Known for his clarity and long-term approach, Dominic is focused on driving performance, strengthening brand visibility, and supporting sustainable growth for the partners and communities he serves.

Guillaume has been strategically supporting agri-food companies in Québec and beyond for nearly 20 years, helping them navigate business strategy, innovation, and marketing. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of Bouillon, a media dedicated to agri-food professionals, and a frequent contributor and commentator across various media outlets.

Victor-Antoine Gauthier is a strategic growth and commercial-execution advisor dedicated to helping consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands scale correctly, profitably, and sustainably. He partners directly with founder-led businesses to clarify their commercial strategy, strengthen execution across sales, marketing, and operations, and build companies that are ready to scale the right way. Victor is known for his founder-first approach, combining strategic rigor with pragmatic execution and a deep appreciation long-term value creation.

Victor’s work focuses on creating measurable impact for both businesses and the humans behind them. He is also an Ambassador for suicide prevention at CPSM Montréal and a member of the CHFA DEI Council, actively contributing to the advancement of a more inclusive, responsible, and forward-thinking CPG ecosystem.

Organic is no longer niche. It’s a cornerstone of consumer trust and growth in the Natural channel. Join industry leaders from beauty, supplements, food, retail, and trade to explore how organic innovations are driving loyalty, visibility, and incremental sales. Learn practical strategies to activate Organic Month, strengthen brand-retailer collaboration, and turn shelf decisions into lasting impact.

Key Takeaways:

• Build consumer trust and repeat purchases through organic offerings
• Discover insights and data on organic growth across categories
• Learn from successful brand-retailer partnerships driving awareness and sales
• See why expanding organic in-store supports both purpose and profit

As Corporate Impact Strategy Manager at Riverside Natural Foods, home of the organic snack brand MADE GOOD, Taylor Stanley leads the company’s impact strategy and supports the integration of purpose across all business functions. With a background in international business development and experience in Canada, Australia, Mexico, and China, Taylor brings a global perspective on how business can drive environmental and social progress. A McMaster University commerce graduate with post-graduate studies in International Development Management, he focuses on fostering collaboration, using data to guide sustainability efforts, and challenging “business-as-usual” to achieve meaningful change. As panel moderator, Taylor offers an honest perspective on how the organic sector can create sustained success across the value chain and strengthen consumer trust through education and partnership.

Lisa Rodrigues is the National Sales Manager at Riverside Natural Foods, leading the natural channel across Canada with a focus on clearly showcasing the company’s purpose and values within better for you food.

Nathan Froese is the Grocery and Bulk Category Manager for Community Natural Foods in Calgary, where he lives with his wife, two sons and a small herd of cats. From time to time, he reads a book or strums a guitar.

Tia has been the Executive Director of the Canada Organic Trade Association since 2016. With extensive experience working in the organic food industry, Tia co-founded Camino chocolate (La Siembra Co-operative) as the first Fairtrade and organic certified cocoa and sugar company and went on to hold senior roles with Fairtrade International in Canada and the United States. She sits on the Technical Committee for the Canadian Organic Standards review, the Aquaculture Standards Interpretation Committee, chairs the Technical Committee for Organic Equivalencies and is the North American ambassador for IFOAM International.

Alain Ménard, , a microbiologist, co-founded The Green Beaver Company with his wife Karen Clark, a biochemist, in 2002. As they prepared to start a family, they uncovered hidden chemicals in everyday personal products and began creating natural alternatives in their kitchen. Their hobby quickly grew into their life’s mission.

As the second-generation CEO of St. Francis Herb Farm, Paul Rivett-Carnac carries forward his family’s commitment to empowering Canadian on their wellness journey through effective herbal medicine. He blends tradition with modern strategy, championing organic ingredients, meticulous craftsmanship, and evidence-based herbal medicine to ensure the legacy of the brand thrives for future generations.

With the Front-of-Package Nutrition Labelling (FOP) and Supplemented Foods (SF) regulations coming into full effect on January 1, 2026, now is the time to ensure your business is ready. Join Dr. William Yan, former Director at Health Canada who led the development of these regulations, and Laura Gomez, regulatory lawyer and expert in compliance strategy, for a deep dive into the upcoming changes.

This session will provide the latest updates on implementation and explore how Health Canada and industry are leveraging modern regulatory tools to foster innovation in the supplemented foods space. Gain valuable insights into the regulatory objectives behind the framework, how companies are adapting, and the emerging challenges shaping the future of food regulation in Canada.

Dr. William Yan earned his Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases from the University of Alberta and completed post-doctoral training at Tufts University Medical School in Boston. He began his career at Health Canada’s Food Directorate in 1995, later serving as Director of the Bureau of Nutritional Sciences from 2010 to 2020. During his tenure, he led several major initiatives under the Healthy Eating Strategy, including updates to nutrition labelling regulations, the prohibition of partially hydrogenated oils, sodium reduction efforts, and the development of front-of-package nutrition labelling. He also oversaw the creation of the regulatory framework for supplemented foods, published in July 2022. Since retiring from Health Canada, Dr. Yan has continued contributing to the field as a CNS-SCN Fellow with the Canadian Nutrition Society and as an instructor at the University of Ottawa.

Laura is an Ottawa-based Gowling WLG partner who advises on regulatory law, practising primarily in the area of product regulation, compliance and enforcement, and corporate commercial law. Laura specializes in regulatory and commercial matters across diverse industries, including food, drugs, cosmetics, and more. She handles product licensing, marketing authorizations, advertising, recalls, and quality agreements. Laura also manages regulatory penalties and works with Health Canada, CFIA, ISED, Environment Canada, AAFC, and provincial regulators, while also advising on multi-level marketing and consumer protection.

This candid fireside chat brings together experienced entrepreneurs for a thoughtful conversation on the realities of building and scaling a business. Through personal stories, panelists will explore the pressures of entrepreneurship, including mental health challenges, resilience strategies, and defining moments that influenced their paths forward. Attendees can expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and a grounded discussion on what it truly means to grow — as a leader, a business owner, and a person.

Sponsored by:

Eva Tone, CPA, CA is a Partner and BC Leader for MNP’s Food and Beverage Processing team, serving clients from North Vancouver and Langley. She works closely with entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, improve performance, and achieve growth goals. Having built her own accounting firm before joining MNP, Eva understands the realities of scaling a business and brings that experience to every client relationship. She helps businesses go beyond the numbers—empowering owners to interpret financial data and use it as a tool for smarter decisions. Eva is bilingual in English and German and holds a BA in Economics from Simon Fraser University and a Diploma in Financial Management from BCIT. She earned her CPA designation in 2011.

Victor-Antoine Gauthier is a strategic growth and commercial-execution advisor dedicated to helping consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands scale correctly, profitably, and sustainably. He partners directly with founder-led businesses to clarify their commercial strategy, strengthen execution across sales, marketing, and operations, and build companies that are ready to scale the right way. Victor is known for his founder-first approach, combining strategic rigor with pragmatic execution and a deep appreciation long-term value creation.

Victor’s work focuses on creating measurable impact for both businesses and the humans behind them. He is also an Ambassador for suicide prevention at CPSM Montréal and a member of the CHFA DEI Council, actively contributing to the advancement of a more inclusive, responsible, and forward-thinking CPG ecosystem.

Peter Neal is a trailblazer in the Canadian natural food industry, co-founding Neal Brothers Brands Inc. in 1988 with his brother, Chris. For over 35 years, he has helped shape the better-for-you food landscape in Canada, growing Neal Brothers into a nationally recognized, values-driven brand. Peter also serves as Chief Sales & Brands Officer at Jonluca Neal, an award-winning national food and beverage distributor supporting the growth of innovative and mission-aligned brands across the country. A dedicated community advocate, Peter supports a range of local initiatives and charities close to his heart. By speaking candidly about his own mental health journey, he has become a vocal supporter of mental health awareness, contributing to organizations such as Unsinkable and the Family Navigation Project to help Canadians access the support they need.

Independent grocery and health-food retailers often operate with a limited amount of space and resources. Yet the way your store is presented still directly affects what shoppers notice, explore, and buy. In this practical, operations-friendly session, visual merchandising specialist Ani Nersessian shares the top tips that are simple yet high-impact, improving initial customer capture, intrigue, navigation, and the complete customer experience, ultimately strengthening overall retail success.

Ani Nersessian is a visual merchandising specialist and owner of VM ID, a Toronto-based agency that helps small, mid-sized, and national retailers create clearer, more engaging, and easier-to-shop stores. With 21 years of hands-on experience across grocery, health food, and specialty retail, she focuses on optimizing existing layouts, improving in-aisle communication, and elevating the customer experience through practical, operations-friendly strategies.

Ani is known for helping retailers make the most of the space they already have—enhancing product visibility, customer flow, and overall shopability without full store redesigns. She also teaches visual merchandising at Seneca Polytechnic, where she shares a step-by-step, accessible approach that empowers retailers to understand and apply effective merchandising strategies in their day-to-day business.

Join CHFA for an insider’s look at CHFA’s government relations work—what’s happening on Parliament Hill, where the political winds are shifting, and how CHFA is shaping national conversations on competitiveness and red tape reduction. This session pulls back the curtain on our meetings with MPs, committees, and senior officials, highlighting how member priorities are being advanced at the highest levels.

Sajjid is a results-oriented government, media, and public relations professional with a track record of leadership and innovation. Along with advocating for his clients’ interests to the Government of Canada, Sajjid works extensively in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan as Impact’s Western Canada lead. He is highly familiar with the nuances of these regions and well-versed in working with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as media outlets across Canada, having secured successes for a variety of his clients.

Sajjid has organized major advocacy campaigns across Canada and has experience working with senior political decision-makers, including Cabinet Ministers in the Government of Canada and members of provincial governments across the country. He has recently been liaising between the industries he represents and governments across the country to ensure that industry’s insights and actions in response to tariffs and trade tensions are understood by governments. is a results-oriented government, media, and public relations professional with a track record of leadership and innovation. Along with advocating for his clients’ interests to the Government of Canada, Sajjid works extensively in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan as Impact’s Western Canada lead. He is highly familiar with the nuances of these regions and well-versed in working with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as media outlets across Canada, having secured successes for a variety of his clients.

Sajjid has a comprehensive background in politics, including working for a BC Member of Parliament, serving in leadership roles on federal, provincial, and municipal election campaigns, and providing strategic direction to Electoral District Associations. He was also the recipient of the Public Affairs Association of Canada’s inaugural Emerging Leader Award, which honours a rising public affairs professional who has already made a strong impact through issue management, integrity, clear communication, and innovative contributions.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications from Simon Fraser University.

Trust, Transparency and Tradeoffs is a national study exploring how Canadians are navigating product claims, certifications, and information sources amid growing skepticism—particularly in food, health, and wellness. It examines what drives trust and credibility today, including the role of transparency, regulation, and emerging tools like AI in shaping purchase decisions.

Bill Crysler is MNP’s National Tax Leader for Food and Beverage Processing and the firm’s Regional Family Office Services Lead for Calgary. With more than a decade of experience in tax and financial accounting, he works closely with private enterprises and small businesses to help them grow, plan strategically, and meet both business and personal financial goals.

Known for his hands-on, client-focused approach, Bill advises on corporate and personal tax, compliance, tax planning, estate planning, M&A, valuations, and tax structuring. Prior to joining MNP, he worked at a Big Four firm and as a partner in his own practice. He is a CPA and an active community volunteer.