At FHCP, we’re driven by one goal: ensuring Canadian consumers have access to the safe, high-quality, and affordable products they rely on every day. In 2024, this commitment guided our work across regulatory advancements, supply chain advocacy, sustainability initiatives, and industry collaboration, addressing immediate challenges and creating long-term benefits for consumers and communities across Canada.
From supporting affordability and food security to advocating for regulatory modernization, here are the top five stories that showcased our collective impact over the past year.
5. Overcoming challenges to industry health
This year, Canada’s food, health, and consumer products sector faced significant challenges, including work stoppages at the country’s two largest railways and port strikes in Vancouver and Montreal. These disruptions exposed vulnerabilities of Canada’s already-fragile supply chain, delaying or jeopardizing critical goods, including food and pharmaceuticals. FHCP responded swiftly, urging the federal government to resolve these stoppages and safeguard Canada’s supply chain and while preserving our international reputation as a reliable trading partner.
These disruptions highlighted the urgent need for systemic changes in Canada’s transportation framework. Our team continued to advocate for the implementation of recommendations from the 2022 Final Report of the National Supply Chain Task Force, many of which were shaped by our input.
To drive long-term solutions, FHCP partnered with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters on the development and release of the Regulate Better, Grow Faster report, which outlines regulatory barriers hindering Canadian manufacturing and proposes actionable solutions to enhance competitiveness and economic growth.
4. Strengthening collaboration through the Grocery Code of Conduct
In a landmark achievement, Canada’s five major grocers committed to the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct in July. This historic agreement follows years of collaborative efforts by industry, aimed at fostering a more transparent and fair relationship between suppliers and retailers. The Code addresses concerns about power imbalances in the supply chain, which have caused unnecessary costs, inefficiencies, and disputes.
The Code establishes clear principles and best practices for resolving disputes, improving communication, and reducing unfair practices, promoting a more stable and transparent grocery sector. This milestone was celebrated by stakeholders across the supply chain and was acknowledged by federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers of Agriculture, who hailed it as a significant step forward for the Canadian grocery sector.
Scheduled to go live in summer 2025, FHCP will be supporting members with efforts to help them better understand and prepare for implementation. We continue to focus on ensuring the Code delivers measurable improvements for suppliers, retailers, and consumers. By fostering a fairer and more efficient marketplace, the Code supports businesses while ensuring Canadians have access to high-quality, affordable products.
3. Advocating for regulatory modernization to address product shortages
Canada’s prolonged infant formula shortages exposed critical flaws in our regulatory system, where approval for new products can take over 410 days—far longer than in the U.S., Europe, or Australia. These delays severely limit access to essential and innovative formulas, leaving families vulnerable during emergencies. Temporary measures, like Health Canada’s Interim Policy, provided short-term relief by permitting certain international products, but underscored the need for long-term solutions.
This year, Health Canada committed to modernizing the Food and Drug Regulations for foods for special dietary use and infant formulas, a milestone resulting from a decade of industry advocacy. We continue to push for a risk-based, internationally aligned, and transparent regulatory framework. Simplifying approval processes and aligning standards with global counterparts would prevent future shortages; ensure timely access to safe, high-quality products for Canadian families; and facilitate the sale of internationally approved products without unnecessary delays or modifications.
This year also marked a key milestone with the opening of Canada’s first infant formula manufacturing facility in Kingston, Ontario, by FHCP member Canada Royal Milk — a critical step in reducing reliance on imports and strengthening domestic production.
2. Addressing shifts in plastic packaging and recycling programs
In 2024, the rapid rollout of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs placed significant financial and operational burdens on our industry. Particularly, Ontario’s Blue Box program and Quebec’s curbside recycling program have created considerable pressure on producers and have been the focus of discussion throughout the year. At the same time, we are preparing for the launch of full EPR in Alberta in 2025. These programs are founded in policies designed to keep plastics and other packaging materials in the economy and out of the environment and are gaining traction across provinces. However, inconsistent implementation has resulted in fragmented and costly systems for businesses.
While the challenges are considerable, collective action is imperative – not just for compliance, but because tackling plastic pollution is essential for the health of our planet. Thoughtful modifications are urgently needed to ensure these programs balance environmental goals with practical, achievable solutions for industry.
We have been at the forefront of advocating for greater collaboration between federal and provincial governments to harmonize policies and improve outcomes. Effective recycling programs are essential to capturing recyclable materials, and without this, it is impossible to achieve higher recycled content rates.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment 2024 Progress Report highlights that collective ambition among signatories has driven progress, but plastic pollution continues to grow, requiring bold and coordinated action. We continue to champion policies that make Canada’s recycling systems both effective and aligned with the needs of businesses and consumers alike.
1. Supporting Canadians amid the affordability crisis
As inflation continues to strain Canadian households, many families are struggling to afford essential goods, including food. Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals that while inflation is slowing, the cost of grocery items remains persistently high, climbing 8.5% year-over-year in July 2024. These pressures are compounded by global inflationary challenges that continue to affect supply chains and manufacturing costs. Rising costs for raw materials, transportation, and energy have led to higher prices for essential goods, creating a ripple effect that is forcing families to make difficult choices.
Food insecurity, one of the most pressing consequences of the affordability crisis, has driven record reliance on food banks across Canada. This year, our annual Charity Golf Tournament raised over $18,000 for Food Banks Canada, bringing FHCP’s total contributions to $186,829 since 2005. Our team also extended support through community engagement and volunteerism over the holiday season.
We’re proud to support communities through partnerships, donations, and collective advocacy. In 2025, we’ll be launching Together with FHCP in the new year, a program aimed at amplifying industry efforts to address food insecurity. Stay tuned for details as we continue working toward a healthier, more secure future for Canadian families.
Special feature: Celebrating leadership in 2024
This year, FHCP proudly celebrated several leaders shaping the future of Canada’s food, health, and consumer products industry:
Michael Graydon, FHCP’s CEO, was inducted into the prestigious Grocery Business Hall of Fame, recognizing his strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing the sector.
John Pigott, CEO of Club Coffee and Morrison Lamothe Inc. and FHCP Board Chair, received the 2024 Golden Pencil Award for his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation.
Liz Beemer, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Consumer Health at Bayer Canada and former FHCP Board Vice-Chair, was honored with FHCP’s Award of Distinction for fostering cross-sector collaboration and addressing critical industry challenges.
Michelle Saunders, FHCP Vice President, Sustainability, was named a Senior Star Woman in Grocery by Canadian Grocer for her leadership in advancing sustainability initiatives and driving progress in one of the industry’s most pressing areas.
These awards reflect the strength and expertise driving FHCP’s advocacy. With visionary leaders at the helm, we remain committed to building a sustainable and successful future for Canada’s food, health, and consumer products industry.