“This year, to offer a truly Montreal experience, the Alizés Evening will take place at the Belvédère Hall in the Old Port of Montreal, less than ten minutes from the Palais des Congrès. With its expansive glass-walled venue and fully equipped terrace offering 360° views of the city and the St. Lawrence River, the setting promises a memorable evening worthy of our finalists,” said Martin Lavoie, President and CEO of Groupe Export Agri-Food.

According to the jury, this year’s Alizés Awards finalists distinguished themselves through their success across various markets, as well as the originality of their promotional strategies.

Alizés Awards Finalists

SME Fonds de solidarité FTQ

• A Spice Affair
• Rito Mints
• Yourbarfactory

Large Company FCC

• Bassé Nuts
• Lantic Maple
• O’Sole Mio

Canadian Market National Bank

• MITO Group
• Les Fromages Latino
• NOA – Monsieur Cocktail

Innovative Export Strategy Inno-centre

• A Spice Affair
• Rustica Foods
• NOA – Monsieur Cocktail

“The applications received this year once again highlight the strength and diversity of Canada’s agri-food sector. Many companies stand out for their ambitious export strategies and exceptional expertise–sometimes developed behind the scenes, particularly through private label production. It is a great source of pride to see these companies shine on the international stage,” said Louis Turcotte, Chair of the Alizés Awards jury and National Vice-President, Corporate Financing and Large Accounts at FCC.

This year, the jury also introduced a new evaluation criterion. “We placed particular emphasis on companies’ ability to manage risks. In an economic environment marked by uncertainty, the jury assigned significant importance to this aspect, in addition to the usual criteria such as export strategy and sales growth,” added Éric Waterman, Vice-President, Agri-Food at Inno-centre.

Five other members of the agri-food industry also participated in the jury deliberations: Benoit Tétrault, Director, Private Equity and Impact Investing, Agri-food, Consumer Goods and Health at Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Annie Lévesque, Senior Relationship Manager, at Export Development Canada, Michel Sirois, Vice-President of Agri-Food at National Bank of Canada, Pascale Daigneault, Senior Industry Development Officer, Departmental Regional Office (Quebec and Nunavut) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  and Martin Lemire, Vice-President at Edikom.

The Group Export Agri-Food would like to thank FCC, presenter of the Alizés Awards, the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAC), Inno-centre, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, National Bank, Export Development Canada (EDC), America’s Food and Beverage Show, L’actualité ALIMENTAIRE, Agro Québec, Food in Canada, GCIA événements, and SIAL Canada for their support in the success of the Alizés Awards and the Alizés Evening.

Group Export invites all the Canadian agri-food industry members to participate at this event.

• April 29th, 2026
• Belvédère Hall – Old Port of Montréal
• Online Ticketing: lesprixalizesawards.ca

About the Group Export Agri-Food

With over 450 members, the Group Export Agri-Food offers a variety of services to support Quebec-based agri-food export companies and facilitate their access to Canadian and international markets. The initiator of the Alizés Awards and the Agri-Food Export Summit, as well as one of the shareholders of SIAL Canada, the association is a key player in the industry.

L’article A Strong and Diverse Industry: The 2026 Alizés Awards Finalists Revealed est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

Sainte-Julie (QC), November 26^th , 2025 – Organized by the Group Export Agri-Food, the Alizés Awards, presented by FCC, celebrate the excellence of Canadian agri-food companies that export within Canada and abroad. Today, the organization officially announces the opening of the application period, which runs until February 27, 2026. The awards ceremony will be held on April 29, 2026, at Le Belvédère in Montréal’s Old Port, in conjunction with SIAL Canada. 

Several success stories have their roots in a win at this prestigious national competition. “The Alizés Awards have helped numerous agri-food companies stand out both locally and internationally,” says Martin Lavoie, President and CEO of Groupe Export Agri-Food. “Among these success stories, some Canadian companies have shared that this visibility propelled them to secure funding, enabling them to make major investments and expand their exports.” According to them, an Alizés Award also serves as a true mark of quality for international buyers. 

As in previous years, the winners will be selected by a distinguished jury specializing in agri-food exports. Each company may compete in up to two of the following four categories: 

• SME Fonds de solidarité FTQ – Presented to a company with annual revenues under $50 million that has achieved outstanding international export success in recent years. 
  
• Large Company FCC – Presented to a company with annual revenues over $50 million whose international export strategy and achievements have positioned it strongly in global markets. 
  
• Canadian Market National Bank Award – Presented to a company whose market development strategy outside its home province stands out as exemplary, with annual revenues exceeding $1 million. 
  
• Innovative Export Strategy Inno-centre – Presented to a Canadian agri-food company that has implemented innovative export strategies while integrating sustainable development practices into its operations. 

“The Alizés Awards have become a benchmark in the industry: buyers, investors, and stakeholders recognize that they reflect the dynamism and innovation of companies shaping the future of agri-food on the world stage,” says Louis Turcotte, National Vice-President, Corporate Financing and Senior Accounts and Chair of the Alizés Awards jury. “That’s why the jury and I encourage exporting agri-food companies from all Canadian provinces to submit their applications.” 

Each year, the jury updates the application form to reflect current economic conditions. For the 2026 edition, in addition to assessing companies’ market development strategies and sales performance, the jury will also evaluate their risk management capacity, innovation, and integration of sustainable practices into their operations. 

Canadian agri-food exporters are invited to apply at lesprixalizesawards.ca. A webinar on January 20, 2026, will provide guidance and best practices to help applicants prepare a strong submission. The application deadline is February 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. (ET). 

The Group Export Agri-Food would like to thank FCC, presenter of the Alizés Awards, the ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAC), Inno-centre, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, National Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada (EDC), L’actualité ALIMENTAIRE, Agro Québec, Food in Canada and SIAL Canada for their support in the success of the Alizés Awards and the Alizés Evening. 

L’article The Alizés Awards in Montreal est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

Why diversify supply sources?

Diversification is not a trend—it is a strategic necessity. As Export Development Canada (EDC) highlighted in a recent article, “diversifying your supply chain pays off”, this approach not only strengthens business resilience but also improves profitability and fosters innovation.

First, diversifying suppliers reduces risks. Natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, strikes, and pandemics have all shown how a fragile link can jeopardize an entire production. Relying on multiple sources, located in different regions, helps absorb shocks and prevent sudden disruptions.

This diversification also provides stronger bargaining power. A company that depends on a single supplier is in a weak position when it comes to negotiating prices, timelines, or conditions. Conversely, comparing and competing suppliers restores leverage and helps secure more favorable terms.

Quality and compliance are also at stake. When markets require specific certifications—whether organic, gluten-free, or meeting certain environmental standards—having a reliable alternative is a major asset. It allows businesses to quickly replace a non-compliant supplier without compromising production.

How to diversify effectively?

If the idea is appealing, the real challenge lies in putting it into practice. According to Farm Credit Canada (FCC), supply chain risk management relies on thorough and structured preparation. The first step is to map out needs and vulnerabilities: which ingredients are critical, which suppliers provide them, and what would be the impact of a disruption?

Once this diagnosis is made, adopting a multi-supplier strategy is essential. For each key ingredient, it is recommended to have at least two to three supply sources, ideally located in different regions. This geographical diversity reduces the likelihood that a single event—whether climatic, political, or logistical—will completely halt production.

Developing strategic partnerships also plays a central role. Establishing long-term contracts with several stakeholders and cultivating trust-based relationships can ensure supply priority during times of crisis.

Finally, monitoring and innovation are indispensable. As FCC emphasizes, it is crucial to attend trade shows, stay on top of new trends, and explore emerging solutions that help avoid dependence on a single model, ensuring a robust continuity plan.

The Role of Group Export: Diversifying Your Markets and Sources

Beyond diversifying ingredients, diversifying markets is also a key strategic lever. Group Export supports its members in achieving both objectives through one of our must-attend trade shows:

FI Europe – Food Ingredients Europe

📅 From December 2 to 4, 2025
FI Europe is the world’s leading event for food ingredients. With thousands of innovative solutions—from plant-based to flavors, colorings, proteins, and sustainable alternatives—this show is a showcase for exploring and securing new sources. Key conferences will address geopolitical impacts on supply chains, next-generation sustainability strategies, applications of artificial intelligence and automation, as well as supply chain resilience strategies.

JOIN THE MISSION

Diversify or Disappear: The Real Strategic Choice

Diversifying supply sources is no longer a luxury, but an insurance policy for resilience in the face of geopolitical, climatic, and economic upheavals. By combining effective risk management with participation in strategic trade shows such as FI Europe, agri-food companies equip themselves to anticipate, secure, and innovate.

Because ultimately, the real question is not whether diversification is possible… but whether you can afford not to do it.

L’article Diversifying Supply Sources: A Reality or a Myth? est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

To help you navigate these changes and plan an effective export strategy, Export Development Canada (EDC) invites you to participate in its upcoming free webinar titled A New World: Impact of U.S. Elections on Trade.

This free webinar, taking place on November 21, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (ET), will provide you with advice and strategies to help you adapt to upcoming changes, mitigate risks, and uncover new opportunities to thrive in the U.S. market.

Can’t attend the live webinar? Still register, and EDC will send you the link to the recording, which you can watch after the event.

Date and Time
Thursday, November 21, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Attend the webinar

Sign up to attend the webinar and to receive a recording of the event.

Sign up

L’article Free Webinar – A New World: Impact of the U.S. Elections on Trade est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

September 30, 2024 – Port de Montréal | Partial Strike

The SCFP Longshoremen’s Union, Local 375, filed a notice with the Maritime Employers Association (MEA) at 7 a.m. for a three-day strike at the Viau and Maisonneuve container terminals. The strikes starts today, September 30th.

Press Release | Partial Strike Notice

September 9, 2024 – Air Canada | Conflict

Air Canada and ALPA Reach Tentative Agreement on a New Four-Year Contract. Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge will stay in service.

Press Release | Air Canada and ALPA Reach Tentative Agreement on a New Four-Year Contract

September 9, 2024 – Air Canada | Conflict

Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge are preparing to gradually suspend their flights over a period of three days, potentially starting after September 15, 2024. This decision could impact the travel of our members for their international business, particularly for trade shows.

Press Release | Air Canada Prepares for Orderly Shutdown to Mitigate Customer Impact Resulting from Labour Disruption

August 24, 2024 – CN & CPKC | Awaiting the Federal Court of Appeal

After a work stoppage of a few days, which began on August 22 at 10:01 PM, employees of CN and CPKC were required to resume their daily operations following the CCRI’s decision allowing Minister MacKinnon to impose mandatory arbitration. However, the Teamsters took the decision to the Federal Court of Appeal.
Press Release | Rail Workers Ordered Back to Work
Article | Furieux, des cheminots manifesteront devant Trudeau et ses donateurs libéraux mardi (in French)

August 23, 2024 – CN & CPKC | WILL RESUME OPERATIONS SOON

Canadian National (CN) and Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) railway companies will soon resume operations after their work stoppage, which began on August 22, 2024, at 12:01 a.m.
Press Release | News regarding the Canadian National (CN) and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Dispute

To follow the negotiations, please visit CBC’s direct coverage online (in French)

For an overview of the conflict’s overall repercussions, if it had not been stopped by the government, see La Presse (in French)

August 22, 2024 – CN & CPKC | WORK STOPPAGE CONFIRMED

CN and CPKC started their work stoppage today at 12:01 a.m.
Press Release |  CN and CPKC Begin Lockout 

Export Group sent a press relase. The association evaluates that his situation is likely to create logistical and transportation issues throughout the conflict, with repercussions that could extend long after it ends. The Export Group is committed to keeping its members and the industry informed through press releases and on its LinkedIn. According to the Export Group, agro-food exporting companies will initially face the consequences of transporting inputs in their various daily operations. In addition, a return to normalcy could take numerous weeks due to the prolonged disruptions caused by the work stoppage.
Press Release

Two major partners of the Export Group, the UPA and the CTAQ, have issued an open letter in the newspaper La Presse.
(In French) Open Letter | Des impacts majeurs pour le secteur agroalimentaire

August 19th, 2024 | CN & CPKC

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference has submitted a 72-hour strike notice to CPKC. Unless a last-minute agreement is reached, a work stoppage is scheduled to begin at 12:01 AM on Thursday, August 22.
Press Release: Teamsters Serve Strike Notice to CPKC

The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference received a formal 72-hour lockout notice from CN on August 18, 2024. Unless a last-minute agreement is reached, the work stoppage will start at 12:01 AM on Thursday, August 22.
Press Release: Teamsters Receive Lockout Notice from CN

Possible Impact of the Work Stoppage on the Agrifood Industry

Although the Canadian Industrial Relations Board deems that a work stoppage would not represent a “serious danger” to public health or safety, it still raises concerns about food security, fuel supply, and water treatment. The situation is expected to increase delivery delays, slowing down operations for many businesses, particularly in the agrifood sector. Unfortunately, alternatives to rail transport are limited, as a truck carries only one-third of the capacity of a rail car.

Consumers will likely see a rise in the cost of everyday goods such as food. Furthermore, such a conflict “would paralyze the Quebec and Canadian economies,” according to Véronique Proulx, CEO of the Quebec Manufacturers and Exporters Federation, as reported by La Presse.

Additionally, “producers may have to absorb some of these extra costs, especially when price increases in food are hard for consumers to bear,” noted Simon Baillargeon in La Presse. The ex-officio president of the Groupe Export agroalimentaire also voices concerns about the conflict, particularly with the harvest season approaching.

Groupe Export will keep its members informed about this potential third general strike since 1950.

References (in French)
Transport Routier | Grève des chemins de fer possible à partir du 22 août
La Presse | Branle-bas de combat pour les PME québécoises
Les Affaires | CN et CPKC: une grève qui pourrait tout changer

August 14th, 2024 – CN & CPKC

CN & CPKC: Certain delivery disruptions are anticipated due to the lockout scheduled for next week.

(article in French) Le CN et le CPKC commencent à interrompre leurs livraisons en prévision d’une grève | Radio-Canada

July 4th, 2024 – CBSA

Tentative Agreement Ratified: Union members of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have ratified the tentative agreement by a margin of 91%

June 11th, 2024 – CBSA

Strike Averted: A tentative agreement has been reached between the CBSA employees and the Treasury Board.

https://psacunion.ca/tentative-agreement-reached-more-9000-workers?_ga=2.201162286.1436086429.1723639697-2003820486.1723639697

June 7th, 2024 – CBSA

PM – Strike measures by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees are currently suspended as mediation continues between the two parties.

(article in French) https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2024-06-07/services-frontaliers/les-mesures-de-greve-sont-suspendues.php

AM – No agreement has yet been reached despite the two parties being in mediation since Monday. The 9,300 CBSA workers will go on legal strike at 4 p.m. today if no agreement is reached between the union and the Treasury Board of Canada by then.

Important: Border agents are considered essential workers and are not permitted to strike. Nevertheless, we can expect potential delays.

(article in French) https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2078623/conflit-travail-agence-services-frontaliers-canada

June 6th, 2024 – CN & CPKC

The threat of a strike at CN and CP is still looming. Here are some interesting articles that show the impact a strike by both rail lines would have (articles in French)

• https://www.lesaffaires.com/secteurs/manufacturier/plus-de-100-m-de-biens-bloques-par-jour-en-cas-de-greve-au-cn/650311
• https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/2024-06-04/quebec/les-manufacturiers-redoutent-une-greve-au-cn-et-au-cpkc.php
• https://cirb-ccri.gc.ca/fr/maintien-activites-au-cn-cpkc

For more informations on the negociations (articles in French)

• https://www.cn.ca/fr/medias/negociations
• https://www.cpkcr.com/fr/medias/Negociations-CFTC

June 5th, 2024 – CBSA

The CBSA has not yet initiated a strike, but the government has issued a statement:

👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/news/2024/06/government-responds-to-psac-announcement-of-possible-strike-action-at-our-borders-starting-friday.html

L’article UPDATES | LOGISTICS & TRANSPORT STRIKES est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.

The law that rules allergen labelling is the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) and applies to all packaged foods sold in the United States that are under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Passed in 2004, this law is an amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It requires that the label of a food that contains an ingredient or protein from a priority allergen certify the presence of the priority allergen in the manner prescribed by the law.

The eight priority allergens identified under FALCPA are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish (e.g., crab, lobster, shrimp), wheat, soy, peanuts and tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, coconut). These allergens are currently grouped by the industry under the term “The Big 8”.

Wind of change

Of the number of Americans affected by food allergies, 1.6 million are allergic to sesame. Over the years, there has been a lot of pressure from associations to include sesame as a priority allergen in the U.S. However, it is not that simple to modify a government regulation. It was finally on April 23 that President Joe Biden signed the FASTER Act (The Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education and Research Act) to designate sesame as the ninth priority allergen in the United States. In doing so, sesame becomes the first allergen to be added to the official list of priority allergens suitable for “Contains:” labelling on packaging since 2006.

It was necessary to have sesame recognized as an allergen, given the large number of foods to which it is added today. Note also that the increase in sesame allergies can be attributed to Americans adopting more international foods in their diets, such as tahini in hummus or sesame oil in many Asian-inspired dishes.

« The Big Nine »

In the U.S., priority allergens are required to be declared on labels, whether they are present as ingredients or as components of ingredients. They must be declared in the list of ingredients or in a “Contains:” statement located immediately after this list. As a result, companies will now be required to declare sesame along with other priority allergens on the packaging of food products to which FALCPA applies. As of January 1, 2023, products under FDA’s jurisdiction that are introduced into commerce will be required to declare sesame on par with other priority allergens. Sesame will then join the other eight priority allergens to form what will now be referred to as “The Big Nine”.

For your information, the FALCPA does not apply to foods that are under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), i.e., meat, poultry, processed egg products (dried, frozen or liquid) and catfish. However, it is still strongly encouraged to report allergens in accordance with the FALCPA for these products.

L’article Sesame: a new priority allergen in the United States est apparu en premier sur Groupe Export Agroalimentaire.