The Workforce Imperative: Canada’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing Outlook 2026–2034

Jennefer Griffith

Host

Executive Director - Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC)

A true driving force in Canada's food and beverage sector, Jennefer Griffith is widely recognized for her visionary leadership in workforce development. As Executive Director of Food Processing Skills Canada, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives, consistently empowering businesses with cutting-edge programs and providing individuals with the essential resources to not just advance, but truly excel in their careers.

Kevin Elder

Event Presenter

Project and Government Relations Manager, FPSC

Kevin Elder’s career spans continents and industries, beginning as Vapour Heat Treatment Facility Manager at a mango plant in Australia—a role that sparked his enduring interest in food and beverage processing. Since joining Food Processing Skills Canada in 2017, Kevin has led the organization’s Labour Market Information initiatives, providing key data and insights to help shape national and regional workforce strategies. His work has strengthened FPSC’s position as a trusted industry voice, and he actively represents the organization on several advisory committees. Based in Ottawa, Kevin is also a lifelong sports enthusiast, bringing the same passion and focus to coaching and competing as he does to supporting Canada’s food processing sector.

Nicolas Gil Ocampo

Event Presenter

Project Coordinator & Research Analyst, FPSC

Nicolas has been a valuable member of the FPSC team for the past two years, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge, a sharp analytical mind, and exceptional research skills. His ability to delve into complex topics and thoroughly examine every detail has made him an indispensable asset to the organization. His dedication to excellence and attention to detail is evident in every project he takes on, making him an essential part of the FPSC team’s success.

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About this event

Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing sector is projected to need 173,000 new hires by 2034. What will it take to meet that demand and what does it mean for your workforce planning today?

Join Food Processing Skills Canada for insights from The Workforce Imperative, our labour market outlook for 2026–2034. Discover where hiring pressures are expected to be greatest, how changing demographics and technology are reshaping workforce needs, and what the findings mean for recruitment, retention and business growth.

Report Highlights

Approximately 19,200 hires needed each year: Meeting projected demand will require sustained recruitment and workforce development through 2034.
Growth is only part of the challenge: Expansion accounts for approximately 43% of hiring needs, with the majority driven by replacing workers leaving the labour force.
Production roles lead demand: Operators and labourers account for more than half of projected hiring requirements, putting these roles at the centre of workforce planning.

Download the Report here! –
The Workforce Imperative: Canada’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing Outlook 2026 – 2034 – Food Processing Skills Canada (FPSC)

At this event, you'll learn:

Identify the provincial and occupational hiring trends that matter to your workforce planning.
Understand how an aging workforce and changing immigration levels could affect access to talent.
Explore how AI and automation are changing skills needs—and why people remain essential to improving productivity.
Discover the report’s recommendations for strengthening recruitment, training and retention to support long-term growth.

Event Details

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The Workforce Imperative: Canada’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing Outlook 2026–2034

Jennefer Griffith

Kevin Elder

Nicolas Gil Ocampo

About this event

At this event, you'll learn:

Event Details

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The Workforce Imperative: Canada’s Food & Beverage Manufacturing Outlook 2026–2034 Agenda

November 26, 2026 1:00 pm

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