February 24th, 2022 at 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.

This session is provided by AAFC

The food industry is constantly changing. The pace of change has accelerated and there are more opportunities for producers and processors. Consumers want more local products and they want to know where their food is coming from. The majority of food is still sold through retailers and there are opportunities to sell direct at markets or online. When producers and processors understand retailers better, the relationship can be more beneficial for both.

We will explore what is happening in the industry and how to get more NL products on the shelf. We will discuss the basics you need to have in place and why they are important. Pricing products properly for suppliers and retailers is fundamental in a solid business relationship so we will explore how to price your products for the marketplace. The industry is always evolving so we will share insights to build relationships today and into the future.

This 2 hour session will be with Peter Chapman. He not only understands the food industry, he has a passion for seeing others succeed in this business. His valuable insights will help you navigate the marketplace more effectively and get your items on the shelf and into the shopping cart of the consumer more often. Peter’s extensive experience includes product development, building relationships throughout the supply chain and retail merchandising.

Starting at the store level, he learned the importance of listening to the consumer and the challenges of implementing strategies at retail. He went on to Canada’s largest food retailer, Loblaw’s, for nearly twenty years. Expanding his knowledge working in various departments, including merchandising, marketing, advertising and real estate.  

In 2008, Peter started a company to provide customized services to producers, processors and retailers across Canada and in the U.S., who want to increase their sales. Peter is the author of A la cart, a supplier’s guide to retailers’ priorities and has provided food industry insights to Canadian Grocer, The Globe & Mail, Maclean's magazine, Canada AM and he writes a monthly column in the Grower.