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  • Live from SIAL in Montreal: Sovereign Ag, from Uncertain to UnKibble with our guest Dylan Munro of Spot & Tango

    Live from SIAL in Montreal: Sovereign Ag, from Uncertain to UnKibble with our guest Dylan Munro of Spot & Tango
    2026/04/30
    Broadcasting live from the vibrant show floor of the SIAL Food Innovation Show in Montreal, this episode of The Food Professor Podcast delivers a dynamic blend of industry insight, macroeconomic analysis, and a compelling first-ever deep dive into the fast-growing pet food sector. Our guest on this episode is Dylan Munro, Canadian-born COO and Co-Founder of Spot & Tango. Munro unpacks how the company is disrupting traditional pet food with its human-grade, vet-developed meals delivered via a direct-to-consumer subscription model. At the center of its innovation is FreshDry™ “UnKibble,” a product that bridges the gap between fresh and dry food—offering both nutritional integrity and convenience. With millions of meals already served in the U.S., Munro explains how the company is thoughtfully adapting its operations, logistics, and value proposition for Canadian pet parents—highlighting broader trends in premiumization, transparency, and health-conscious consumption across both human and pet food categories. In the news, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois pivot to the week’s most pressing food and agriculture news. They begin with a wide-ranging macro discussion. Central banks, including the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve, are holding interest rates steady amid geopolitical volatility, including disruptions stemming from the Iran war and the blockages in the Strait of Hormuz. The hosts explore how these pressures ripple through global supply chains, commodity pricing, and ultimately food costs and will result in food inflation towards the top of the estimate band for 2026 of 6%. The conversation then turns to Canada’s evolving fiscal strategy, including a spring fiscal update and debate over a potential sovereign wealth fund, drawing comparisons to the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. They assess what this could mean for long-term agricultural investment and national food security. Data takes center stage with a discussion of the Canadian Food Sentiment Index from Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, supported by Caddle. The hosts unpack key findings on consumer confidence, affordability concerns, and shifting perceptions of the food system. They also tackle the increasingly controversial topic of surveillance pricing—what it is, whether it exists in practice, and how regulators and retailers are responding to the political pressure. The episode wraps with a series of sharp, fast-moving stories: follow-up legal action by Quebec’s maple syrup federation over alleged product adulteration, grassroots innovation from food banks experimenting with fresh produce, and the growing influence of creator-led food entrepreneurship—highlighted by a Montreal restaurateur hitting one million YouTube subscribers. The show closes on a celebratory note with the expansion of a local restaurant, reinforcing the resilience and creativity of Indie restaurants. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted...
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Carney’s Trade Avenger Squad, U.S. Beef with Beef & Cracking the Code for Localizing Global QSR Food Trends with Trinh Tham, CEO of the Kevito Group, operator of Chatime and Bake Code

    Carney’s Trade Avenger Squad, U.S. Beef with Beef & Cracking the Code for Localizing Global QSR Food Trends with Trinh Tham, CEO of the Kevito Group, operator of Chatime and Bake Code
    2026/04/23
    In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Trinh Tham, CEO of the Kevito Group, operator of Chatime and Bake Code—two of Canada’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands. Tham shares a compelling leadership journey spanning grocery retail, luxury fashion, and now high-growth foodservice, offering a masterclass in brand building, cultural authenticity, and scaling modern food concepts. Tham explains how her career—rooted in marketing, e-commerce, and digital merchandising at leading organizations like Sobeys and Harry Rosen—prepared her to lead in an entrepreneurial environment. She discusses the intentional pivot into a purpose-driven role aligned with her cultural heritage, helping bring globally inspired Asian beverage and bakery concepts into the Canadian mainstream. Under her leadership, Chatime has grown to over 100 locations, capitalizing on the explosive popularity of bubble tea—a category she describes as still early in its growth curve in Canada. A central theme is the balance between authenticity and localization. Tham outlines how Kevito adapts global food trends for Canadian consumers while preserving the cultural DNA that gives these brands credibility. She also breaks down the operational realities of scaling a franchise system, including managing costs, driving unit economics, and maintaining consistency—all while innovating with new products and experiences. Her perspective on building versus managing a business—and her emphasis on relationships, creativity, and disciplined execution—offers valuable insights for food entrepreneurs and retail leaders alike. Before the interview, the hosts unpack the week's food and agriculture news. Key topics include shifting consumer attitudes toward sustainability amid economic pressure, rising food inflation (still among the highest in the G7), and new data identifying Canada’s most and least expensive cities for grocery shopping. The episode also dives into global trade tensions impacting agri-food, including beef pricing pressures, supply chain dynamics, and potential import strategies to ease consumer costs. Additional discussion touches on farmland policy, grocery labour disruptions, and the ongoing complexity of food affordability. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
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    56 分
  • Carney’s Majority Moves, the Weight of Grocery Operations and a superstar NFL baker debuts in Montreal, plus guest Michael Graydon, CEO of FHCP

    Carney’s Majority Moves, the Weight of Grocery Operations and a superstar NFL baker debuts in Montreal, plus guest Michael Graydon, CEO of FHCP
    2026/04/16
    In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois welcome back to the mic Michael Graydon, CEO of Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP), for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on the state of Canada’s food manufacturing sector, regulatory pressures, and the future of food policy. Graydon delivers a candid assessment of an industry at a crossroads. While large-scale manufacturers like Coca-Cola, McCain, and Kraft Heinz are doubling down on Canada with major capital investments, small and medium-sized food producers—over 5,000 across the country—are facing mounting challenges. From limited access to capital and increasing regulatory burdens to retail consolidation and “pay-to-play” shelf dynamics, the pressure on emerging brands is intensifying. A central theme of the discussion is regulation. Graydon outlines how Canada’s regulatory environment—estimated to cost the industry billions annually—has become a structural barrier to innovation and competitiveness. He calls for urgent modernization and the reduction of red tape, warning that without meaningful reform, Canada risks falling behind global peers. The conversation also explores trade uncertainty, including the potential implications of a renegotiated or disrupted North American trade framework. With deeply integrated supply chains across Canada and the U.S., food manufacturers are navigating volatility while delaying investment decisions amid policy ambiguity. Graydon also shares insights on the Grocery Code of Conduct, emphasizing its importance in stabilizing relationships between retailers and manufacturers. While not a direct solution to food affordability, he positions the code as a critical mechanism for restoring balance, fostering collaboration, and enabling long-term innovation across the food ecosystem. Beyond the interview, the episode opens with a robust discussion on the latest food and agriculture news shaping Canada. Topics include government policy shifts with the new Liberal majority, the amazing innovative work of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, positive fuel tax implications, food price dynamics, supply chain developments, and the growing divide in Canada’s “K-shaped economy,” where rising demand from higher-income consumers continues to put pressure on affordability for others. We end by celebrating a key role in restaurants, a Vancouver restaurant that epitomizes the bespoke tin seafood TikTok trend (Como Taperia), and former NFL star Laurent Duvernay-Tardif purchasing a Montreal bakery. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the ...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • FOPL Impact, Sweet Quebec Food Fraud, Kit Kat Caper (to Russia with Love?), and guest Stéphane Thuillier, CEO of SIAL Canada

    FOPL Impact, Sweet Quebec Food Fraud, Kit Kat Caper (to Russia with Love?), and guest Stéphane Thuillier, CEO of SIAL Canada
    2026/04/09
    In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Stéphane Thuillier, CEO of SIAL Canada, for an in-depth conversation on the future of food innovation, global trade shows, and Canada’s expanding influence in the international food ecosystem. Thuillier shares his global perspective from leading one of the world’s most important food exhibition networks, with SIAL events spanning countries including France, China, India, and Canada. He explains why Canada is emerging as a high-growth market for food innovation and how SIAL Canada is breaking attendance and exhibitor records in 2026. The discussion explores the enduring value of in-person trade shows in a post-pandemic world, highlighting the limits of digital-only engagement and the importance of physical product discovery, relationship-building, and real-time collaboration. The conversation also dives into key food trends shaping the industry, including the rise of “buy Canadian,” demand for affordable and private label products, the growth of functional and health-focused foods, and the increasing importance of multicultural offerings reflecting Canada’s diverse population. Thuillier also provides practical advice for entrepreneurs and attendees on how to maximize their trade show experience—balancing structured meetings with open exploration to uncover unexpected opportunities. First, the episode opens with the food and agriculture news of the week, where Michael and Sylvain analyze the ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting global food supply chains, particularly the volatility in energy markets and fertilizer access linked to the Strait of Hormuz . They discuss how uncertainty is driving cost inflation across the food system, from farming to retail. The hosts also examine a major food fraud case involving adulterated maple syrup in Quebec, raising concerns about oversight and trust in Canada’s food system. In addition, they break down new research on Health Canada’s front-of-pack labelling, revealing early evidence that the policy is influencing consumer behaviour—particularly among Gen Z shoppers About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.
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    48 分
  • Government Grocers, Mega-Mergers, Cash & Carry Battles, Alberta Whisky and guest Jamie Nelson, President of Pattison Food Group

    Government Grocers, Mega-Mergers, Cash & Carry Battles, Alberta Whisky and guest Jamie Nelson, President of Pattison Food Group
    2026/04/02
    What does it really take to run one of Canada's largest western grocery enterprises — and what does the future of food retail actually look like from the inside? This week on the Food Professor Podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Professor Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Jamie Nelson, President of Pattison Food Group, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on grocery economics, consumer behaviour, supply chain complexity, AI adoption, and the evolving Buy Canadian movement. Nelson joined the grocery business as a retail clerk in Mission, BC in 1979 and never looked back. Today he leads Pattison Food Group — the organization he describes as "the biggest of the mids" — with nearly 30,000 employees, over 308 retail locations, and 11 banners stretching from Victoria to Whitehorse to Winnipeg, including the flagship Save On Foods brand. He opens up about what Canadians don't understand about the true cost of running a grocery store: diesel prices, labour agreements, rising property taxes, construction costs, and security — all of which squeeze margins that consumers rarely see. On consumer trends, Nelson sees a fundamental shift underway. Today's shoppers are demanding more control, seeking cleaner ingredients, locally sourced products, and genuine innovation — not just another new flavour in a 90-foot cereal aisle. He shares how Pattison's private label Western Family and their new natural and organic line, Only Goodness (now at 500 SKUs), are helping differentiate the business and meet this demand head-on. Nelson also offers a measured, pragmatic take on AI in grocery — welcoming the opportunity but urging caution on investment, noting that rushing in can raise costs rather than reduce them. On supply chains, he speaks from hard-won experience: forecasting product orders three months out, managing natural disasters, and ensuring that small-town independents served by Pattison's wholesale arm never face a food security gap. Then the hosts dig into the food industry news of the week. They unpack the NDP's proposal for government-run grocery stores under new leader Avi Lewis — debating whether publicly owned grocery is feasible, and whether co-ops might be a smarter alternative. They analyze the massive McCormick-Unilever Foods merger, creating a $65 billion CPG giant, and what it means for competition and consumer prices. They discuss Sysco's $29 billion acquisition of Restaurant Depot, the rise of cash-and-carry retail, and the growing threat to traditional food distribution. And they wrap up with Alberta's move to create a protected "Alberta Whisky" designation — and what geographic branding could mean for Canadian food and beverage innovation. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food ...
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    45 分
  • Manitoba Skips The Food Tax, DoorDash Tops Up, Big CPG Investment in Canada and guest Rob Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer, IKEA Canada

    Manitoba Skips The Food Tax, DoorDash Tops Up, Big CPG Investment in Canada and guest Rob Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer, IKEA Canada
    2026/03/26
    In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois lead with a fascinating interview featuring Rob Kelly, Chief Commercial Officer at IKEA Canada. Kelly, a 35-year veteran of the company, explains how IKEA—best known as the world’s largest furniture retailer—has become a powerful force in food culture and consumer insight. IKEA’s newly released global food habits study, conducted with over 30,000 participants across 31 countries, including Canada, takes center stage in the discussion. The findings reveal shifting consumer behaviours: only 38% of Canadians regularly eat at a dining table, 27% eat on the sofa, and a striking 94% use screens during meals. The study also highlights economic pressures, with one in four Canadians admitting to eating food past its best-before date. These insights reinforce IKEA’s focus on “life at home,” where food shapes everyday experiences. Kelly also provides a behind-the-scenes look at IKEA’s food business, which is far more significant than many realize. IKEA Canada alone sells over 70 million meatballs annually, making food one of the brand’s most powerful traffic drivers. The company is evolving its offering with new “round food” innovations such as plant-based balls and cod balls, as well as globally inspired menu items, while balancing Swedish heritage with locally sourced Canadian ingredients. Sustainability, affordability, and customer experience remain core to IKEA’s food strategy. Before the interview segment, the hosts break down the latest food and agriculture news shaping the industry. Rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions are already impacting transportation costs, with companies like DoorDash proactively supporting drivers—costs that are expected to flow through to consumers quickly. In Canada, Manitoba’s move to eliminate provincial sales tax on groceries signals a bold policy shift aimed at improving affordability, particularly for vulnerable households. The episode also highlights positive momentum in Canadian food manufacturing, including a $250 million investment by Kraft Heinz in its Montreal facility, alongside broader industry consolidation trends such as potential acquisitions in the global CPG sector. Additional discussion explores export opportunities for Canadian dairy and value-added products to China, as well as the challenges facing vertical farming due to high capital costs. Ikea Canadian Top 10 Highlights in the Cooking & Eating Report: About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues. Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for ...
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    58 分
  • Carbon Tax Debate Clap Back, Grading the Carney Government 1 Year Later, Butter on the Run and guest Brent Cator, President & Owner of Cardinal Meats

    Carbon Tax Debate Clap Back, Grading the Carney Government 1 Year Later, Butter on the Run and guest Brent Cator, President & Owner of Cardinal Meats
    2026/03/19
    In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois tackle the biggest forces shaping Canada’s food economy—from rising grocery prices and global conflict to policy debates and shifting consumer behaviour. The episode opens with a deep dive into the latest food and agriculture news. The hosts unpack the escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran and their ripple effects on oil markets, fertilizer supply, and global food prices. While commodity increases remain moderate for now, the risk of further inflation looms as supply chain disruptions and higher input costs begin to cascade through the system. The conversation then turns to Canadian affordability. Despite wage growth of over 4%, food prices—particularly meat—continue to outpace income gains, leaving consumers feeling financially squeezed. Beef prices are up significantly, with chicken and pork also climbing, reinforcing the ongoing pressure at the grocery store. Michael and Sylvain also explore and respond to claims about the contentious carbon tax's impact on food prices, challenging the claim that it has minimal impact on food prices. Sylvain argues that indirect costs across transportation, packaging, and inputs create a ripple effect throughout the supply chain. Additional discussions include government policy decisions, temporary foreign worker adjustments for agriculture, and growing consumer frustration with tipping culture, as new data suggests many Canadians want fundamental change. The episode also touches on cultural and consumer trends—from ethical debates around lobster preparation to emerging food concepts like specialty butter shops—before closing the news segment with a tribute to a Canadian restaurant industry icon. The second half of the episode features a compelling interview with Brent Cator, President & Owner of Cardinal Meats, as the company celebrates 60 years in business and over a century of family legacy in the meat industry. Brent shares how Cardinal Meats has evolved into a national leader in protein innovation, supplying retail, foodservice, and industrial customers across Canada. He highlights the company’s commitment to innovation, including pioneering commercial-scale sous-vide cooking, developing natural-textured burgers, and introducing advanced DNA testing for food safety. A major focus of the discussion is Cardinal’s leadership in food safety and its role in shaping industry-wide standards in collaboration with regulators and academic institutions. Brent explains how trust, consistency, and customer-driven innovation have been key to long-term success. The conversation also explores sourcing strategies, including balancing Canadian and global supply to achieve quality and consistency, as well as the company’s early leadership in plant-based proteins. Looking ahead, Brent offers insights into the future of food production, noting that while automation and AI will enhance logistics and decision-making, human expertise will remain critical in manufacturing. We wrap with the latest TikTok trend of making butter while running, and dedicate the episode to Edward Pottinger, co-founder of the landmark Caribbean restaurant The Real Jerk, who passed away last week. About UsDr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems...
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    56 分
  • Canada’s Looming Ag Crisis, RC Show Redux, Toronto Pizza Crawl, a Visit to the Golden Arches, plus guest Cooper Sleeman, John Sleeman & Son’s Spring Mill Distillery

    Canada’s Looming Ag Crisis, RC Show Redux, Toronto Pizza Crawl, a Visit to the Golden Arches, plus guest Cooper Sleeman, John Sleeman & Son’s Spring Mill Distillery
    2026/03/12

    In this episode of The Food Professor Podcast, Michael LeBlanc and Dr. Sylvain Charlebois sit down with Cooper Sleeman, from John Sleeman & Sons Company’s Spring Mill Distillery, to explore how one of Canada’s most recognizable brewing families is redefining the country’s craft spirits landscape.

    Cooper shares the remarkable story behind Spring Mill Distillery and how the Sleeman family’s brewing legacy—dating back nearly two centuries—ultimately inspired the launch of a new whisky-focused venture in Ontario. After Sleeman Breweries was acquired by Sapporo, Cooper and his father began exploring the possibility of building a Canadian distillery capable of producing world-class spirits traditionally associated with other countries. Their vision was ambitious: to produce bourbon-style whiskey, single malt, Irish-style blends, and Canadian rye entirely in Canada, using domestic grains and craftsmanship.

    During the conversation, Cooper explains how Spring Mill Distillery differentiates itself in a competitive spirits market. The distillery focuses on premium production methods, including Canadian grains, handcrafted barrels, and traditional distillation equipment sourced from Scotland. One standout product—Cooper’s Rye—uses Canadian rye aged in barrels crafted by Cooper’s own brother, a trained cooper, making it a uniquely Canadian whisky from grain to glass.

    Beyond the interview, Michael and Sylvain begin the episode with their food and agriculture news roundup. The hosts analyze global developments affecting the food supply chain, including volatility in oil markets linked to the Iran war, fertilizer costs impacting farmers during planting season, and the potential knock-on effects on food prices for Canadian consumers. They also discuss industry topics, ranging from restaurant trends spotted at the Restaurants Canada show to those experienced firsthand on their Toronto pizza crawl, which ended at the fabulous Bar Sugo, and Sylvain’s visit with the President of McDonald’s Canada.

    About Us

    Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.

    Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal.

    He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada.

    Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.

    With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues.

    Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

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