Dates
Exploring New Paths to Market
Join us on Tuesday, May 26th, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the SW Food Summit 2026, a dynamic event designed to connect you with the heart of the region's thriving food and beverage ecosystem. You'll gain exclusive access to a powerful network of industry leaders, innovative resources, and actionable strategies to drive your business forward.
Keynote:
Kirk Homenick- President of Naturally Homegrown Foods
Kirk Homenick is a Canadian business executive and President of Naturally Homegrown Foods, a company known for premium snack brands like Hardbite Chips and Poptastic Popcorn. Since taking on the role in 2011, he has grown the business from a niche Canadian brand into an internationally recognized player in the better-for-you snack industry, expanding distribution and driving consistent product innovation.
Before joining the company, Homenick built experience across agriculture, food production, and life sciences, working with organizations such as Houwelings, Forbes Medi-Tech, and BC Hot House. He holds an MBA in Strategy and Finance from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Southern California.
Under his leadership, Naturally Homegrown Foods has focused on high-quality ingredients, sustainability, and innovation, including new product lines and environmentally responsible initiatives. Homenick has also been active in the broader business community and was recognized as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year – Pacific in 2025 for his leadership and impact.
Why You Should Attend
The SW Food Summit isn't just another industry event; it's your gateway to unlocking the region's thriving food and beverage ecosystem. Step into a day where innovation meets opportunity, where you can directly connect with the key players—from influential founders and industry experts to vital support services in distribution, marketing, and product development. Discover how to leverage cutting-edge resources, and plug into the infrastructure that will propel your business forward. Unlike any other event, we're creating a powerful hub for collaboration and growth. Leave with invaluable insights, actionable strategies, and the connections you need to weather today's economic challenges and drive your success in Canada's dynamic food and beverage landscape.
Event Highlights:
- Connect with key players in the South West Ontario food and beverage ecosystem.
- Gain insights from industry experts and influential founders.
- Explore innovative resources, and infrastructure access.
- Learn strategies to navigate economic challenges and drive growth.
- Network with vital support services in the Networking Hall.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local producers.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Registration:
- Food and Beverage Manufacturer - $25
- General Admission - $40 - Location: The Grove at Western Fair District, 900 King St, London, ON N5W 5K3
- Parking: Plenty of Free Parking Available
- Lunch: Provided from local producers
Enter the "Flourish Award" Competition - Best New Product 2026
The Flourish Award provides a platform for food & beverage businesses to showcase their products, generate excitement, and connect with industry leaders. The award recognizes the most exciting new food or beverage product launched in the past 12 months.
Application deadline: April 30, 2026
Criteria:
- Applicants must be a Canadian-owned small business in Southwest Ontario region, ideally in the food and beverage sector, with a focus on innovative consumer packaged goods (CPG).
- The product must have been launched or be set to launch in 2026, with a clear go-to-market plan and initial production capabilities.
- The product should demonstrate originality, solve a consumer need, and have potential to succeed in the marketplace.
Grand Prize valued at over $30,000 featuring services that will help scale their business:
From Fanshawe Centre for Research and Innovation:
New Product Packaging for 1 Product
1) Consultation with Dr. Nastaran Moghimi to identify and source sustainable packaging solution
2) Product testing (saturated fats, sodium, and sugar) to determine need for front-of-packaging labeling
3) Validation of sustainable packaging solution’s performance via shelf-life study with up to 5 time points
4) Packaging run of up to 1000 units with validated sustainable packaging solution
From True Leaves Consulting
Product Consultation Package
From Winston Wilmont
Marketing and Communications Consultation Package (communications audit and consulting session, along with an analysis and recommendations)
Enter Now: "Flourish Award" Competition Application - Best New Product 2026
Agenda
- - Registration/Networking/Tradeshow
Kickstart your day with valuable Networking & our vibrant Tradeshow
- - Welcome to the Grove
- - Intro to the Regional Food Ecosystem
- - Keynote - Kirk Homenick; President of Naturally Homegrown Foods
- Kirk Homenick is the President of Naturally Homegrown Foods, where he has led the growth of brands like Hardbite Chips and Poptastic Popcorn by focusing on natural ingredients, product innovation, and Canadian sourcing. With a background in business development and finance, including an MBA from Simon Fraser University, he has helped expand the company’s presence across Canada and internationally, while also contributing to industry and community organizations and earning recognition such as EY Entrepreneur of the Year – Pacific (2025).
- - Networking/Trade Show
- - Panel: New Paths for Food and Beverage Success
- Craig Clifford and Kristian Crossen- Western University Hospitality Services and Procurement
- Shay Nulman- Co-Founder and CFO of Mantaro
- - Flourish Award Presentation
- Sponsored by: Fanshawe College, Winston Wilmont, True Leaves Consulting
- - Lunch (Top of the Fair)
- - Breakout Session
- Barcodes and Beyond: What You Need to Be Market-Ready Presented by Alain Picard- Advisor and Community Engagement with GS1
- - Breakout Session
- Tell Your Story, Grow Your Sales: Marketing for Food & Beverage Presented by Amanda DeVries- Founder of Eye Candy Design
- - Break
- - Breakout Session
- Co-Packing Without Chaos: How to Choose a Co-Manufacturer and Protect Your Product Presented by Martha Castillo- Food Industry Consultant and Educator with Fanshawe College and Conestoga College
- - Breakout Session
- The Long Game: Investment, Growth and Exit Strategies Panel Discussion featuring Drew Rankin- Founder of Parkway Food Group and Domenique Mastronardi- President of Beck’s Broth
Title Sponsor:
Influencer Sponsor:
Flourish Award Sponsors:
In Partnership with:
