​​​Government, industry and business leaders gathered to shape the future of food and beverage processing in Brampton and beyond 

BRAMPTON, ON (September 19, 2025) – The City of Brampton, recently recognized among the top food processing cities in North America by Business Facilities Magazine’s 20th Annual Metro Rankings Report, hosted the third Annual Food and Beverage Processing Summit today at the Pearson Convention Center. 

​The Summit brought together Mayor Patrick Brown and City Councillors, The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Member of Parliament, federal Minister of International Trade, The Honourable David Piccini, provincial Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament, Mayor Kevin Davis, City of Brantford, Deputy Mayor Tammy Hwang, City of Hamilton and leaders from across the food and beverage sector to discuss challenges, opportunities and growth in global markets. Attendees engaged in keynote addresses, panel discussions and networking sessions focused on advancing innovation, competitiveness and global market growth.​​

​Left to right: Regional Councillor, Gurpartap Singh Toor, Mayor Patrick Brown, Brad Bida, Partner, MNP, Kiran Mann, CEO, Brar’s and Ashley Kanary, Director, Global Agri-Food at Export Development Canada. Credit: City of Brampton

Brampton’s food and beverage processing industry contributes $1.3 billion annually to Canada’s GDP and employs approximately 8,500 people across 300 companies. The sector is home to multinational leaders including Maple Lodge Foods, Italpasta, Sofina Foods and Coke Canada Bottling and has welcomed recent investments from Niche Bakers, Handi Foods, Hello Fresh and Marc Angelo Foods.​

City welcomes dignitaries and industry leaders to Brampton’s third annual Food and Beverage Processing Summit. Credit: City of Brampton​

Brampton’s unique food cluster plays a vital role in economic development by driving growth across Canada in agriculture, manufacturing, retail and hospitality industries. It encompasses a broad range of activities including food production, processing, packaging, distribution and sales, while integrating key areas such as food technology and research, which enhance product innovation, safety and sustainability. 
Learn about the event and Brampton’s food and beverage sector. 

Quotes ​

"The food and beverage processing sector is a cornerstone of Brampton’s economy, creating thousands of jobs and driving innovation. As we mark the third annual summit, we’re proud that Brampton has been recognized among the top food processing markets in North America. This achievement underscores our city’s strength and potential as a hub for investment, collaboration and growth.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton ​

“The Food and Beverage Processing Summit is an important opportunity to bring government and industry together to share solutions, address challenges and plan for future growth. Brampton’s recognition as a top food processing city reinforces why these conversations are so important and helps strengthen the city’s leadership in the sector.” - Gurpartap Singh Toor, Regional Councillor, Wards 9 & 10; Chair, Economic Development, City of Brampton 

"Being named one of North America’s top food processing cities is a tremendous acknowledgment of Brampton’s thriving food and beverage sector. The summit brought together industry leaders and government partners to explore opportunities and tackle challenges, showcasing why Brampton is the ideal place for investment, innovation and growth in this industry.” - Denise McClure, Director, Economic Development and International Relations, City of Brampton              ​