MoistTech Corp., a global leader in moisture measurement, will exhibit at SNACKEX 2026, booth #435, taking place 17–18 June at FIL Expo in Lisbon, Portugal, the only international trade fair dedicated exclusively to the savoury snacks and snack nuts industry. At the show, MoistTech will showcase its IR-3000F series, a non-contact, online moisture sensor designed to deliver precise, real-time measurements that help snack manufacturers improve product quality, reduce waste and optimize line efficiency.

Engineered for integration directly over the production line, the IR-3000F utilizes advanced near-infrared (NIR) technology to continuously monitor moisture and other key parameters, enabling processors to make immediate adjustments to maintain tight specifications and consistent product characteristics from batch to batch. By eliminating the delays and variability associated with manual grab sampling and laboratory testing, the IR3000-F supports more stable frying, baking and seasoning operations, contributing to improved texture, yield and energy use across a wide range of snack formats.

MoistTech’s IR3000-F platform has been deployed in thousands of installations worldwide across food, snack and broader industrial applications, where its rugged construction, simple installation and low maintenance requirements have made it a preferred solution for continuous moisture measurement. At SNACKEX, MoistTech’s team will be available to discuss application-specific configurations for chips, crackers, nuts, extruded snacks and other savoury products, and to demonstrate how real-time moisture data can be integrated with plant control systems to support advanced process automation strategies.

SNACKEX brings together decision-makers from every part of the snack value chain to explore new technologies, supplier partnerships and growth opportunities in the global market. As snack manufacturers continue to face pressure to improve efficiency, reduce waste and maintain consistent quality across increasingly diverse product portfolios, MoistTech’s presence at SNACKEX underscores its commitment to helping producers leverage accurate, stable moisture measurement as a core driver of operational performance.

For more information, visit www.moisttech.com.

CERRITOS, Calif. (May 21, 2026) — California-based T. Hasegawa USA Inc., one of the world’s top food and beverage flavor manufacturers, is launching an advanced powdered flavor technology to help food and beverage brands replicate the taste of real milk without dairy ingredients.

This week, the company is introducing HASEMILK™, a dairy-free product that delivers a creamy, milk-like flavor by mimicking the external and internal flavor characteristics naturally found in milk fat. For manufacturers, the product offers a dairy-free solution that provides the familiar flavor, aroma, and satisfying mouthfeel of real milk across both dairy and non-dairy foods and beverages.

Roughly two-thirds of the global population and 36 percent of people in the United States experience some degree of lactose malabsorption – a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. Combined with dairy-alternative use rising to 56 percent in the U.S., up from 40 percent in 2020, due to intolerance or dairy allergy, food and beverage manufacturers are seeking to meet evolving consumer demand. HASEMILK masks unpleasant tastes and smells in difficult-to-flavor products, including protein-based applications, while improving overall flavor performance across both sweet and savory products. It also offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional milk ingredients, and its dry format provides greater flexibility for manufacturers in formulation and supply chain.

"Taste and texture remain one of the biggest barriers to adoption in the dairy alternatives category. Mintel research shows that while consumers aged 18 to 54 are open to dairy-free products, many are still skeptical that alternatives can deliver the same satisfying experience as traditional dairy," said Mark Webster, vice president of sales and marketing at T. Hasegawa USA. "HASEMILK gives manufacturers more flexibility to enhance dairy flavor, improve overall taste performance, and support reduced-dairy formulations without sacrificing the experience their consumers expect.”

HASEMILK was a multi-year development as part of T. Hasegawa’s “Bridge to Tokyo” program, which combines the R&D expertise and innovations of the company’s global headquarters in Japan and its California-based U.S. subsidiary. It is available in fresh whole milk, whole milk powder, and skim milk powder types. HASEMILK meets FDA guidelines for natural flavors, supports clean-label formulations, is vegan, non-allergen, dairy-free, kosher, non-GMO, and Prop 65 compliant.

For more information on T. Hasegawa’s HASEMILK, visit www.thasegawa.com/hasemilk or call (866) 965-0502.

WOODSTOCK, Ontario, May 20, 2026 – Sunrise Farms (“Sunrise”) is investing $100.5 million to construct a new 155,000 square foot, state of the art poultry processing facility in Woodstock. This major expansion is expected to increase domestic processing capacity and strengthen the sovereignty of Ontario’s agri-food supply chain.

Invest Ontario is supporting the expansion with a grant of up to $4 million from the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive funding agreement. Invest Ontario has provided strategic support by helping the company navigate workforce planning and training programs, as well as by coordinating across municipal, provincial and federal governments. The investment is expected to create 100 new jobs in the region.

The new facility will be federally licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enabling expanded national distribution for its Sargent Farms branded halal certified products and strengthening the reliability of Ontario’s domestic food supply. The investment is also expected to increase procurement from Ontario farms, supporting rural economic growth and reinforcing Sunrise’s supply chain.

The Woodstock facility will be one of the most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in Canada, with leading-edge food safety, environmental, and animal welfare processes and technologies. This advanced facility will enable Sunrise to meet growing demand for its Sargent Farms branded products while ensuring safer, more productive and sustainable operations. Designed with sustainability in mind, the facility will also incorporate features to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, aligning with Ontario’s environmental objectives and the sector’s shift toward cleaner, more efficient processing.

Ontario’s established strengths in agri-food processing and its ecosystem of innovation and technology, provide Sunrise with a competitive North American base for growth. The province offers access to major markets, reliable supply chains and strong rural and agricultural networks that help processors scale confidently. These advantages support Sunrise’s long-term plans to expand its private label and poultry offerings for retailers and food service customers across Canada.

“Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector serves as a cornerstone of our economy, which is why our government remains committed to fostering its resilient. As demand for Ontario-made products rises, Sunrise Farms’ investment will add critical processing capacity to our domestic supply chain, creating new opportunities for Ontario workers, farmers and suppliers.”

-        Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"We are pleased to continue our growth by expanding our operations within Ontario. This project represents the largest greenfield investment in Sunrise's history. Upon completion, the new facility will enable Sunrise to respond effectively to increasing demand for Sargent Farms branded halal certified products throughout Ontario and nationwide. This development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region and reinforce Ontario's food system."

- David Shoore, CEO, Sunrise Farms

“Sunrise Farms’ expansion reflects the strength of Ontario’s agri‑food processing sector and the province’s commitment to supporting companies as they grow. By helping Sunrise navigate workforce planning, connect with partners and access government programs, Invest Ontario provided the support needed to move this expansion forward. We are pleased to support Sunrise as it grows its operations and contributes to Ontario’s food security and rural economic growth.”

- Khawar Nasim, CEO, Invest Ontario

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit InvestOntario.ca.

This year’s program will include presentations from:

• •   Premier Doug Ford
• •  David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, who will provide an update on the latest developments related to CUSMA negotiations and Canada–U.S. trade relations.
• •  David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, sharing insights into Canadian public opinion, political trends, and what they mean for the business environment.
• •  Althia Raj, CBC journalist and political commentator, offering her perspective on the evolving political landscape in Canada.
• • Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, providing an economic outlook and analysis of key forces impacting the Canadian economy and the food and beverage sector.

Minister Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Minister Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, will join the conference as well.

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Premier Ford and David Paterson, moderated by FBO Board Chair Michael Burrows, Executive Chair, Maple Lodge Farms. The discussion will explore trade, economic competitiveness, and opportunities for Ontario’s food and beverage sector, followed by a Q&A session.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Premier Ford and Ontario’s Representative in Washington on the evolving Canada–U.S. relationship and what it means for Ontario’s food and beverage sector.

The FBO Annual Conference is one of the sector’s premier gatherings, offering valuable insights and a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and colleagues from across Ontario’s food and beverage community.

The event will begin with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for industry colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to reconnect and build new relationships. Guests will then move into lunch and a dynamic speaker program featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers who will share insights on the economic, political, and consumer trends shaping the future of the sector.

Agenda

• 10:45 AM – Registration opens / networking
• 11:30 AM – Lunch
• 12:15 PM – Welcome; Michael Burrows, Executive Chair Maple Lodge Farms; Chair Food and Beverage Ontario
• 12:30 PM – Speaker portion begins
• 4:30 PM – Networking featuring appetizers, Ontario craft wines and Steam Whistle Pilsner
• 6:30 PM – Conference closes

For questions or sponsorship enquiries, contact Jason Crawford at jcrawford@foodandbeverageontario.ca

Speaker Bios

Premier Doug Ford

Doug Ford has served as Ontario’s Premier since 2018, winning 3 majority governments! He has consistently positioned economic growth, job creation and competitiveness at the centre of his government’s agenda.

Premier Ford has emphasized the importance of strengthening Ontario’s domestic food supply chain, investing in and expanding capacity within our sector, and ensuring we remain the #1 economic driver of the province!

David Coletto, CEO, Abacus Data

David Coletto is one of Canada’s most recognizable pollsters and commentators on politics, consumer behaviour and the workplace.

He is Chair, CEO and Founder of Abacus Data, a full-service market research and strategy firm based in Ottawa and Toronto. David has grown Abacus into one of Canada’s most respected market research firms. He is also the host and producer of “InFocus with David Coletto”, a podcast that explores the intersection of public opinion, politics, public policy, and consumer behavior.

Althia Raj, CBC

Althia Raj is a political journalist and member of CBC’s flagship newscast, The National’s “At Issue” panel.

She’s covered Parliament Hill for 20 years, writing for Sun Media and producing for CTV and CBC. Althia can be seen and heard on CBC, Radio-Canada and CPAC programs, and is the host/producer of the Toronto Star’s podcast “It’s Political”. She has consistently been ranked high in The Hill Times list of top 100 most influential people in Canadian politics since 2015.

Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC

Benjamin Tal is known for his ground-breaking research on labour market dynamics, real estate, credit markets, international trade and economic conditions. He not only contributes to the conversation but frequently sets the agenda.

He is Deputy Chief Economist for CIBC, and has 20 years’ experience advising clients, industry leaders, corporate boards, and governments. National and Global media regularly seek him out for economic and financial insight and analysis.

David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington

When it comes to tariffs, CUSMA and their potential impact on Ontario businesses, few individuals are closer to the trade discussions now taking place than David Paterson.

He is Ontario’s Agent-General in Washington D.C. and has participated in U.S. trade discussions for crucial sectors in Ontario including food & beverage manufacturing. With the upcoming CUSMA review now on the agenda, David is focused on ensuring U.S. decision makers understand what’s at stake for both countries.

Date: May 27, 2026 @ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Steam Whistle Brewery
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, Ontario