FCPC and the Toronto Region Board of Trade Host Food & Beverage CEO Discussion

Industry Cluster aims to catalyze innovation and growth in the GTA's Food & Beverage Sector

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) and the Toronto Region Board of Trade are proud to have hosted an industry strategy session to support the advancement of innovation and growth in the GTA's food and beverage sector.

More than twenty-five senior leaders, representing the small, medium and large food manufacturers in the region, participated in the FCPC-Board of Trade CEO Strategic Discussion, to map out strategies to leverage the potential of the GTA's food and beverage manufacturing sector. The aim of the food and beverage cluster is to partner across the industry to help secure future growth and innovation in the sector. The discussion focused on priorities such as selling the region, technology, workforce and local business climate.

The meeting was attended by senior leaders in the Food & Beverage sector, Ontario Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Ontario Minister of Economic Development Trade and Employment, Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, and Ontario Minister of Rural Affairs, Hon. Jeff Leal.

The GTA enjoys all the qualities to support a globally competitive food and beverage cluster with a strong urban core complimented by connections to nearby rural agricultural and food production sites.

It was also announced today that FCPC will be leading the development and implementation of the cluster, working closely with the Toronto Region Board of Trade, industry and other important stakeholders.

QUOTES

"FCPC is extremely pleased to be asked by the Toronto Region Board of Trade to lead the implementation of a food and beverage cluster in the GTA. The strength and economic impact of our industry are huge and has been one of the best kept secrets," says Nancy Croitoru, President & CEO, FCPC.  "This initiative is an important piece of advancing our industry in the GTA, Ontario and across the country to grow, create jobs and succeed."

"At a time when manufacturing is often viewed as a 20^th century endeavour, manufacturing in the food and beverage sector continues to grow," said Carol Wilding, President and CEO Toronto Region Board of Trade. "The Toronto region's growing Food and Beverage cluster is the second largest in North America. Further developing this cluster by fostering its businesses to collaborate and compete, will allow the industry to flourish."

FACTS

• The food and beverage processing sector in the GTA is the second largest cluster in North America.
• 75% of agricultural production in the rural area surrounding Toronto is processed locally.
• Food and Beverage Manufacturers are the largest manufacturing employers in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area - providing 18 per cent of manufacturing jobs in the area.

About Food & Consumer Products of Canada (www.fcpc.ca)
Food & Consumer Products of Canada is Canada's largest industry association representing the companies that manufacture and distribute the vast majority of food, beverage and consumer goods found on store shelves. Our members provide jobs to almost 300,000 Canadians, operate 6000 facilities across the country and include small and large; multi-national and Canadian-owned companies. Learn more at www.fcpc.ca and follow us at @FCPC1.

About Toronto Region Board of Trade (www.bot.com)
Founded in 1845, Toronto Region Board of Trade is the chamber of commerce for Canada's largest urban centre, connecting more than 12,000 members and 200,000 business professionals and influencers throughout the Toronto region. The Board fuels the economic, social and cultural vitality of the entire Toronto region by fostering powerful collaborations among business, government, thought leaders, and community builders. Toronto Region Board of Trade plays a vital role in elevating the quality of life and global competitiveness of Canada's largest urban centre. Learn more at www.bot.com and follow us at @TorontoRBOT.

SOURCE: Food and Consumer Products of Canada

For further information:

Adam Grachnik
Senior Director, Communications & Events
Food & Consumer Products of Canada
[phone]
[e-mail]

Scott Brownrigg
Director of Public Affairs
Toronto Region Board of Trade
416-862-4514
[e-mail]