Thank you for attending the 2026 Canadian Food Summit
The Summit brought together leaders from industry, government, and academia to explore emerging trends, applied research, sustainability, and the growing role of AI in food innovation through expert-led sessions and networking opportunities. The event united the national food science community for three days of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!
2026 marked a major CIFST milestone – 75 years of advancing
food science and technology in Canada!
What is the Summit?
The CIFST Summit is a national conference designed to:
- Showcase current and emerging industry trends
- Highlight applied research across government, academia, and industry
- Explore strategies for sustainability and resilience in the Canadian food sector and CIFST Cluster
- Examine opportunities for AI in food production and product development
- Provide a platform for dialogue on scientific issues and public policy
- Provide opportunity to build your professional network and interact with other industry professionals!
Through plenary sessions, technical presentations, and facilitated discussions, the Summit delivers both strategic insight and practical takeaways for today’s food professionals.
Who Should Attend?
The Summit is designed for:
- Food scientists and technologists
- R&D and product development professionals
- Quality assurance and regulatory leaders
- Government policy makers and regulators
- Academic researchers and students
- Industry executives and innovators
- Sustainability and supply chain professionals
- Food scientists and technologists
- R&D and product development professionals
- Quality assurance and regulatory leaders
- Government policy makers and regulators
- Academic researchers and students
- Industry executives and innovators
- Sustainability and supply chain professionals
If you are shaping, regulating, researching, or innovating within Canada’s food system, this event is for you.
2026 Keynote Presentations
The Next 75 Years: Strategies for Securing Canada’s Food Sector Success
Dana McCauley, CEO
Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN)
The Future of AI in Food Manufacturing: From Detection to Intuitive Automation
Amir Abou, Founder
SenseForge
Conference Organizing Committee
Conference Organizing Committee
Marcia English – Co-Chair
Yvonne Yuan – Co-chair
Pervin Ari Akin
Leanne Blommaert
Amy Bowen
Hosahalli Ramaswamy
Amanda Wright
Abstract Review Committee
Pervin Ari Akin
Amy Bowen
Marcia English
Glenford Jameson
Monique Lacroix
Hosahalli Ramaswamy
Amanda Wright
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Our association is committed to advancing sustainability within the food system. We support this commitment by delivering educational webinar content focused on sustainability topics and by actively promoting the CIFST Food Sustainability and Resilience Cluster.