Abstract:

While a greater number of companies are striving to make their operations more sustainable, many food and beverage companies lack the resources to integrate sustainability into their daily business operations. GFTC, in partnership with OCETA, is currently working on a multi-year, multi phase research project that addresses this gap. "Raising the Bar for Sustainability Performance in Ontario's Food and Beverage Processing Industry" will provide facilities with a "how-to" framework to implement an integrated sustainability strategy.

This session will highlight key findings from "Raising the Bar" to date and will include the results of an industry wide survey on the current status of sustainability among food and beverage companies. This session will also discuss the implications of these findings on the food and beverage industry and individual companies. Key trends in food and beverage sustainability will also be discussed within the context of the "Raising the Bar" research findings.

Intended audience: Corporate Executives, Corporate Social Responsibility/Sustainability Directors, Plant Managers and Sustainability Champions

About the Speaker:
Cher Mereweather, Director, GFTC Business Unit – Sustainability Consulting
Cher joined the Guelph Food Technology Centre in May 2008 to direct the then new Sustainability Services Business Unit. She has built a team of experts who offer assessments, consulting and training/coaching services and a series of sustainability symposia. Prior to joining GFTC, Cher spent nine years with the George Morris Centre as a Senior Research Associate and Program Manager for environmental research. She brings to GFTC research, business management, speaking and instructor expertise. As a content expert, her research has focused on environmental management, competitiveness and environmental policy assessment within the Canadian agri-food sector. Cher holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Guelph in Environmental Science and Agricultural Economics and Business (emphasis in Environmental Economics). Cher is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®).