FOOD FOR THOUGHT from CIFST

Food for Thought is a monthly, members-only e-newsletter from the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST).

PRESIDENTIAL FODDER

Moving forward while falling back

It's been a busy couple of months in the national offices of CIFST as we continue to work hard to enhance the Institute's brand and profile in the food and beverage sector. So busy, in fact, I almost forgot about the clocks moving back an hour earlier this month. Winter is coming!

Despite my horological challenges, we have managed to deal with a number of initiatives, including our new website, which is now just weeks away from being launched. At long last! It's been an extremely long (and sometimes bumpy) road, but we're confident you will be very happy with the results when they're finally unveiled next month. Know that we have been appreciative of your patience as we make sure we get things right.

Recently, we also officially introduced an exciting National Food Product Development Competition which will involve universities and colleges across Canada. This program is aimed at developing innovative new products with clean labels and locally sourced ingredients. The goal is to have regional finalists take part in our 2018 National Conference to determine our ultimate winners, who will walk away with the Marvin Tung Memorial Trophy.

Speaking of the national conference, our newly formed Conference Committee has been meeting to begin putting together all the elements of next year's event which is now quickly approaching in May. Below, you can get a bit of a sneak peek of what's in store for conference delegates in 2018.

Elsewhere, we have been working on some strategic partnerships that will bring significant, value-added resources to our members. One is designed to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) bring products into the grocery retail and food service sectors while another is an e-learning HACCP and Food Safety Certificate program to support the training and development of our members to ensure a safe food supply for Canadians. Stay tuned for all of the details about these and other initiatives coming in the next several months.

Yes, it's been a busy time working behind the scenes at CIFST. But it has also been a lot of fun networking with members from across Canada. It continues to be an honour and a pleasure to serve as your President.

Now, please excuse me ... I have to go re-set all my clocks.

Regards,

Dr. Michael Nickerson

CIFST President

BITS & BITES

Membership renewals to be delivered soon

It's the most wonderful time of year!

Yes, it's time once again to renew your membership with CIFST. There are many fantastic reasons to be a part of the Institute and we will make sure we highlight all of those in your membership renewal package. Be sure to watch for it arriving in the mail before the holidays. Hearts will be glowing!

Ontario Table Top Exhibition a big success!

Congratulations to CIFST Ontario Section on its successful Suppliers' Night Table Top Exhibition event which took place on November 7 at The International Centre in Mississauga, ON. Celebrating its 28th year, the event attracted hundreds of attendees who were able to talk to more than 150 vendors (including CIFST President-Elect Rob Kowal pictured here) featuring the latest trends in ingredients, additives and flavors, while enjoying an opportunity to mix and mingle with their food and beverage sector colleagues.

2018 NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Conference theme announced

The CIFST Conference Committee is very excited to announce the theme of our 2018 National Conference will be Healthy Food Revolution: Challenges, Innovations and Future Directions . Planning is well underway for the event which will take place in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario at the White Oaks Resort & Spa on May 28 and 29. Watch your inboxes for our call for presenters as well as information on becoming a conference sponsor.