Toronto, ON | June 9, 2026
VENTUREPARK SUMMIT 2026
Growing Canada’s CPG, Food, Beverage, Health & Wellness Brands
Join us for a day of learning, connecting, and celebrating Canada's emerging CPG entrepreneurs.
This one-day event is designed for founders of food, beverage, and health & wellness brands, along with the industry experts and service providers who support them. Walk away with actionable insights and valuable industry connections.
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM
Doors open, networking, and light breakfast
9:00 AM
Welcome
9:05 AM
Let’s Grow Canada! Opportunities to Expand Markets Within Canada & Beyond
Canadian business icon Arlene Dickinson joins Justine Hendricks, President and CEO of FCC, for a conversation on how food and beverage entrepreneurs can expand across Canada and beyond. Grounded in deep experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and business growth, this discussion will explore the opportunities, challenges, and strategic choices that shape growth in today’s evolving market. Moderated by Serene Martin, Venturepark Executive in Residence.
Arlene Dickinson
General Managing Partner
District Ventures Capital
Justine Hendricks
President & CEO
FCC
Serene Martin
Director, National Marketing & Business Development
Tree of Life
10:00 AM
Venturepark Message
Start the day with a welcome to Park Summit and opening remarks that set the tone for a day of learning and connections.
Glen Price
President
Venturepark
10:10 AM
Accelerator Graduate Quick Pitches
Hear from founders in the 2026 Venturepark Accelerator graduating class as they share quick pitches on the brands they are building.
10:30 AM
Founders' Forum: Learning how Entrepreneurs Grow
Hear from Suzie Yorke and Ted Fleming as they share what it really takes to grow a food and beverage brand. This conversation will explore the challenges, opportunities, and lessons that shape the entrepreneurial journey - from early stages to national growth.
Joined by Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada’s most celebrated entrepreneurs and a longstanding champion of Canadian founders, the session will bring practical insights, founder perspectives, and a deep understanding of what it takes to build enduring brands.
Arlene Dickinson
General Managing Partner
District Ventures Capital
Suzie Yorke
Founder & CEO
The Little Cacao Co.
Ted Fleming
Founder & CEO
Partake Brewing
11:30 AM
Accelerator Graduate Quick Pitches
12:00 PM
Lunch Break (lunch included for all registered attendees)
1:00 PM
Retail Success: Sobeys Strategies for Suceeding on the Shelf
Hear from Sobeys leaders and founders as they share what it takes to get on the shelf and succeed. This conversation will explore the practical realities of retail success - from getting a buyer’s attention to building the conditions for strong in-store performance and long-term growth. With perspectives from one of Canada’s largest grocery retailers and founders who are building the brands, the session will offer practical insights for brands looking to grow in retail.
Sheri Evans
Local Development Specialist
Sobeys
Gillian Manton
Founder
Moose Munchies Candy Co
Yazeed Yasin
Co-Founder & CEO
Nana Shake
Tamara Al Dip
Co-founder & CIO
Nana Shake
2:00 PM
Looking Ahead: 2026 Food Market Trends
Jo-Ann McArthur, founder and CEO of Nourish Food Marketing, shares her research-backed insights on the influences shaping the future of the food, beverage, and CPG industries. In this presentation, she will share her expert advice on how emerging brands can leverage the evolution of the Canadian consumer.
Jo-Ann McArthur
President & Founding Partner
Nourish Food Marketing
2:30 PM
Networking Hall
Connect with business service providers, support organisations, and industry partners in the Networking Hall, and meet Accelerator graduates to discover their brands and sample their products.
4:30 PM
Wrap Up
* Speakers, panellists, and schedule are subject to change
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
MEET THE NETWORKING HALL
WHAT TO EXPECT
Gain Practical Insights from CPG Experts
Learn from founders, operators, and industry experts as they share practical perspectives on the topics that matter most to emerging CPG brands.
Connect with Industry Partners
Meet CPG-focused service providers, business support organisations, and key ecosystem partners in the Networking Hall, including Sobeys’ Local Development Program team.
Celebrate Emerging CPG Brands
Hear from Venturepark Accelerator graduates as they pitch their brands on stage and showcase their products in the Networking Hall. Meet the founders and sample what they are building.
Tickets: $70.00 + applicable taxes and fees
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