southwest Food innovation Summit
Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for the Southwest Food Innovation Summit, a dynamic event designed to connect you with the heart of the region’s thriving food and beverage ecosystem. For a registration fee of just $20, you’ll gain exclusive access to a powerful network of industry leaders, innovative resources, and actionable strategies to drive your business forward.
Lunch will be provided by local producers.
Why you should attend
The Southwest Food Innovation Summit isn’t just another industry event; it’s your gateway to unlocking the region’s thriving food and beverage ecosystem. Step into a day where innovation meets opportunity, where you can directly connect with the key players—from influential founders and industry experts to vital support services in distribution, marketing, and product development. Discover how to leverage cutting-edge resources, including AI, and plug into the infrastructure that will propel your business forward. Unlike any other event, we’re creating a powerful hub for collaboration and growth. Leave with invaluable insights, actionable strategies, and the connections you need to weather today’s economic challenges and drive your success in Canada’s dynamic food and beverage landscape.
Keynote
Andreas Düss
Internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and CEO, Andreas Düss is on a mission: to help food businesses thrive in a world transformed by AI, data, and shifting consumer behaviour.
With over 20 years of global experience spanning brand innovation, food and beverage, and the future of technology, Andreas delivers keynotes that don’t just inform — they inspire action and unlock new possibilities.
He has delivered hundreds of keynotes around the world, including for leading industry organizations like USA Rice, USAEDC, and the International Peanut Forum.
As co-founder of 6 Seeds Consulting and author of Friction-Less: How AI Can Overcome Friction and Transform Your Business, Andreas is a sought-after guide for those who need clarity and strategy in an unpredictable world.
Agenda
8:00 AM Arrival / Registration
8:30 AM Networking / Tradeshow
9:00 AM Opening remarks
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM Keynote - Andreas Duess
Don’t miss our internationally recognized Keynote Speaker, Andreas Düss (CEO, 6 Seeds Consulting), a leading voice on AI, data, and consumer behavior in the food sector.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Trends in the Industry Panel
Gain crucial market insights from our Trends in the Industry Panel featuring Karen Cardona (True Leaves Consulting), Marsha Drucker (Canadian Food Innovation Network) and experts from Farm Credit Canada.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Break / Tradeshow
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Government Partners Panel
Understand government support and opportunities with our Government Partners Panel, including Ryan Thibert (Export Development Canada), Taylor Bentley (Trade Commissioner Service), and Kevin Montgomery (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness).
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Entrepreneurial Panel
Be inspired by the journeys of local success stories on our Entrepreneurial Panel with Wallace Franca (Frittos and Co), Beckie Prime (Beck’s Broth), and Matt Swann (Coppa Inc).
1:30 AM - 12:00 PM Lunch & Announcement of "Best New Product 2025 Award Winner"
Celebrate innovation with the Announcement of the “Flourish Award” – Best New Product 2025 Winner followed by a delicious Lunch featuring local producers.
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Tour of The Grove
Event Highlights
Connect with key players in the Southwest Ontario
food and beverage ecosystem.
Gain insights from industry experts and influential founders.
Explore innovative resources, including AI and infrastructure access.
Learn strategies to navigate economic
challenges and drive growth.
Network with vital support services
in the Networking Hall.
Enjoy a delicious lunch
featuring local producers.
“Flourish Award” Competition – Best New Product 2025
The Flourish Award provides a platform for food & beverage businesses to showcase their products, generate excitement, and connect with industry leaders. The award recognizes the most exciting new food or beverage product launched in the past 12 months.
Application deadline: May 16, 2025
Criteria:
– Applicants must be a Canadian-owned small business in Southwest Ontario region, ideally in the food and beverage sector, with a focus on innovative consumer packaged goods (CPG).
– The product must have been launched or be set to launch in 2025, with a clear go-to-market plan and initial production capabilities.
– The product should demonstrate originality, solve a consumer need, and have potential to succeed in the marketplace.
Grand Prize valued at over $30,000 featuring services that will help scale their business:
-R&D Project carried out with Fanshawe CRI
-Legal consultation from Siskinds
-Marketing and Communications Consultation Package (communications audit and consulting session, along with an analysis and recommendations) from Winston Wilmont
If you have any questions about the contest or your submission, please contact Andrew Kaszowski, Fanshawe CRI at a_kaszowski@fanshawec.ca
presented by
INFLUENCER SPONSORs
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Package
For Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities contact Josh Taylor, LEDC (jtaylor@ledc.com) & Phil Singeris, Foodpreneur Advantage Program (psingeris@sbcentre.ca)
South West Food Innovation Summit is your chance to gain the insights, connections, and inspiration you need to thrive in Canada’s dynamic food and beverage landscape.
Register today and secure your place at the forefront of innovation!