MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 3, 2024 /CNW/ - Conagra Brands Canada, a leading innovation-driven food company, has been recognized as one of Greater Toronto's Top Employers in 2025 by Mediacorp Canada Inc.

"We're continuing to nurture a fun and engaging workplace, where employees feel encouraged and supported to grow, bring their best ideas to the table and get involved in the community," said Paul Hogan, Vice President and General Manager, Conagra Brands International. "This award is a testament to our continued commitment to building stronger communities where we live and work."

Conagra Brands Canada is among the top employers in the region according to criteria set by Mediacorp: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Recognized as one of North America's leading food companies, Conagra Brands Canada is a place of opportunity. Conagra Brands' employees pride themselves on a love of learning, challenging conventions and sparking innovation. There are several advantages to being part of the Conagra Brands Canada team, including:

• A culture of collaboration and inclusivity that encourages openness, acceptance and individual authenticity
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements and a new modernized office, which is fully equipped to enhance collaboration, productivity and innovation
• The opportunity to get involved and help build stronger communities with a focus on addressing food insecurity
• Access to education funds to support skill and career development, wellness reimbursements, mental health practitioner benefits, adoption assistance subsidies, a scholarship program for employees' children and more

"Unlocking the power of our people is a key tenet for us as an organization," says Hogan. "We've built an environment where teams feel energized to come together, and you see that reflected in our everyday work and in the involvement with our surrounding communities."  

Conagra Brands Canada employs approximately 160 people at its Mississauga head office and an additional 400 full-time employees in its two food manufacturing plants (in Boisbriand, Quebec and Dresden, Ontario).

In the involved world of food production and service, safety is the foundation upon which consumer trust is built. The FDA's food establishment inspections, while often seen as routine, play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health. For industry professionals, the challenge lies not merely in passing these inspections but in using them as a springboard for continuous improvement and innovation.

The FDA's inspection framework, though rigorous, is consistent across the nation. For food establishments, understanding this process and embedding it into their operational code can transform compliance into a competitive advantage. Here’s a closer look at how the industry can achieve this.

Dissecting the Inspection Process: What You Need to Know

1. Proactive Scheduling, Not Reactive Scrambling

Inspection timing hinges on two primary triggers:

• Risk-Based Prioritisation: Facilities with higher risks—such as food processors, hospitals, and bustling restaurants—top the list for frequent evaluations.
• Incident-Driven Checks: Complaints, recalls, or outbreaks demand swift FDA intervention, often unannounced.

Preparedness begins with expecting the unexpected. Facilities must maintain vigilance year-round, ensuring readiness at all times.

2. Preparation Is Half the Battle

Comprehensive preparation is the cornerstone of success:

• Know the Rules: Stay up to date with the FDA Food Code and local regulations.
• Document Everything: Food safety plans, employee training records, and supplier documentation should be current and accessible.
• Audit Before You're Audited: Regular self-assessments can catch issues before inspectors do.

3. On-Site Inspections: The Moment of Truth

During an inspection, FDA officials scrutinise every aspect of your operations:

• Food Handling: From storage to service, every step matters.
• Hygiene Standards: Employee protocols, PPE usage, and illness management are non-negotiable.
• Facility Cleanliness: Equipment, workspaces, and contact surfaces must meet stringent standards.
• Pest Control and Maintenance: Effective pest management and functional equipment are essential.
• Documentation Review: Inspectors often demand detailed records, including temperature logs and cleaning schedules.

4. Turning Observations into Action

Inspections are not merely evaluations—they’re opportunities for growth:

• Detailed Findings: Inspectors categorise violations as critical or non-critical, with the former requiring immediate attention.
• Corrective Actions: Recommendations should be viewed as tools for improvement, not just compliance.

From Compliance to Culture: Elevating Food Safety Practices

Inspections should not be seen as interruptions but as integral checkpoints in a robust food safety strategy. Here’s how the best establishments go beyond the basics:

Leverage Technology

Digital solutions, such as inspection management software, streamline operations. These tools enable real-time self-audits, compliance tracking, and effortless access to documentation.

Invest in Training

The human element is critical. Regular training ensures that staff are not only aware of protocols but also understand their importance in maintaining safety and quality.

Commit to Continuous Improvement

Inspections reveal gaps, but it’s the response to those gaps that defines a company's commitment. The best operations treat every inspection as an opportunity to raise their standards.

The Path Forward

The FDA inspection process is an essential safeguard for public health, but for the food industry, it’s also a powerful mechanism for innovation and growth. By embracing proactive strategies, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of safety, establishments can transform compliance into a hallmark of excellence.

At the heart of it all is the commitment to ensuring that every plate served is a testament to quality, safety, and trust—values that define the food industry at its best.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rogers Sugar Inc. (“our,” “we”, “us” or “Rogers”) (TSX: RSI) today reported fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 results with consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $38.3 million and $141.6 million for the current quarter and the year, respectively.

“We are proud to report a third consecutive year of improved profitability, driven by better results in both our Sugar and Maple segments,” said Mike Walton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rogers and Lantic Inc. “Our relentless focus on strategy and business execution in has resulted in significant growth in revenue, profitability and free cash flow.”

“We are taking actions to build our business for the future, including expanding our production and logistic capacity in Eastern Canada with our LEAP Project. Although the project is expected to cost more than initially estimated, it remains financially sound and will allow us to meet the expected increase in demand from our customers.” Mr. Walton added. “Looking ahead, we expect another year of strong financial performance in 2025, consistent with the long-term underlying demand growth in the North American sugar market, and the recent recovery in our Maple segment.”

See the full press release attached below.

Attachments:

rogers-sugar-reports-strong-results-for-fourth.pdf

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Morrisburg, ON, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Processing Canadian crops in Canada holds significant opportunity for the country’s agriculture, ingredient and food sectors. Today, Protein Industries Canada announced a new project with partners Alinova Canada Inc., Marusan Ai Co., Earth’s Own Foods and Flamaglo Foods to bring more soy processing home to Canada, while strengthening international market opportunities for soy products.

Alinova Canada Inc., a joint venture between DJ Hendrick International Inc (DJHII) and Marusan Ai Co., will lead the partners in developing and commercializing a new soy powder. This builds on success seen in DJHII’s previous Protein Industries Canada project, in which the initial partners assessed the feasibility of a commercial soy powder processing plant in Eastern Canada. The new project will see the pilot-scale facility built in Ontario, a region of high soy production in Canada. Both the operation of the new facility and its ideal location will allow the partners to more efficiently focus on product development work and market testing, with Japan being a particular focus.

Bringing this processing into Canada is expected to add value to the country’s soy crop, the majority of which is currently exported for processing internationally. By building on Japan’s established standing as a significant soy market, the project’s focus on commercializing there will help Canada capture new economic opportunity and strengthen its global competitiveness.

“Canada’s agriculture sector has a strong reputation for high-quality crops, and we can build on this by bringing the processing of those crops back home to Canadian soil. Value-added processing and whole-seed utilization here at home will secure our position as a leading supplier of high-value ingredients and food products, while providing families here in Canada, and around the world with a new selection of high-quality protein options,” Protein Industries Canada CFO Kassandra Quayle said.

As the pilot-scale facility is being built, Earth’s Own and Flamaglo Foods will test small batches of the new soymilk powder in products destined for grocery store shelves across Canada. Once the facility is built, Alinova Canada Inc. and Marusan Ai Co. will work to fully expand processing capacity of the soymilk powder and test its commercial viability in the Japanese market.

A total of $23.9 million has been committed to the project, with Protein Industries Canada investing $6.7 million and the partners together investing the remainder.

“Exporting food-grade non-GMO whole soybeans from Eastern Ontario has been a long-standing tradition with rewards for producers and exporters alike. Now we have a chance to take that pride and reward to the next level — a made in Canada ingredient. We intend to build on our relationships with growers in Eastern Ontario, our soymilk partner in Japan and the two Canadian soyfood formulators joining on this initiative, to make this manufacturing company a reality for Morrisburg, and a contributor to our community well-being,” said Alinova Canada Inc. Executive Vice President David Hendrick

“In Japan, we at Marusan Ai recognize the importance of plant protein for the well-being of global consumers. We predict the possibility of a global shortage. We have discussed this possibility with our Canadian partner, DJHII, and together we have a plan to mitigate this risk by working with Eastern Ontario non-GMO soybean growers, and two Canadian plant protein formulation partners. We believe that together with your reliable supply of Canadian soybeans, and our longstanding experience in food processing technology, we can manufacture a novel made in Canada soymilk powder ingredient and find many food product applications. We also recognize and support the contribution that this project can have for the Morrisburg community. We hope to meet many of you at our opening in early 2026,” said Alinova Canada Inc. President Hiroyuki Inagaki.

Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Protein Industries Canada and its members are working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product sector. Projects such as these add value to, and create new markets for, Canadian crops, generating local jobs and supporting new economic development in locations across Canada. More information can be found at theroadto25billion.ca.