BEAMSVILLE, ON, June 25, 2014 /CNW/ - It's a new name and a fresh start for former members of the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors.
At the annual general meeting and reception held here today at Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery, members voted unanimously for the new name and logo and the initiation of a new strategy.
Food and Beverage Ontario is the new moniker for this not-for-profit group. The new name and logo were unveiled by board chair Norm Beal and executive director Steve Peters.
"2014 to 2015 will be a period of growth in leadership and value for the organization," said Beal. "This sector is a powerful economic engine in Ontario."
The association speaks on issues and concerns common to Ontario's food and beverage processing industry. Over $39 billion in sales is generated annually by this sector.
With the new name and logo comes a change in governance for the board; membership structure (processor based but with associate memberships for supplier businesses, associations, agencies, individuals and other stakeholders that have an interest in the food and beverage industry); and the recent appointment of Alan Grant as the Director of Membership and Industry Relations.
The transformation will permit Food and Beverage Ontario (FBO) to respond to emerging issues in the industry and to implement recommendations from The Ontario Food and Beverage Processing Industry Strategy - The New Engine of Ontario's Economy report.
"This renewal helps us to continue to develop as leaders and experts in this sector," said Peters. "We will continue to improve the focus on building networks, developing programs and influencing decision-makers in a way that contributes to success for our members."
By the year 2020 the FBO strategy outlines that the processing sector will be the largest manufacturing employer in Ontario for professionals, young people and new Canadians. Food and beverage processors will be the number one customer of Ontario farmers, will be a driver of local economies and will be a critical part of ensuring a continued supply of healthy and safe food for Canadians.
"We will continue to build on our partnerships and strengthening our influence as we undertake this long-term strategy," said Peters.
The meeting also featured a speakers' forum including Philip Donne, president of Campbell Company of Canada and marketing specialist Jo-Ann McArthur.
Image with caption: "Food and Beverage Ontario Logo (CNW Group/Alliance of Ontario Food Processors)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140625_C2362_PHOTO_EN_3891.jpg
SOURCE: Alliance of Ontario Food Processors
Isabel Dopta, Director of Communications, 519.993.1192
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