The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), in partnership with Foodpreneur Advantage, London Small Business Centre, The Grove at Western Fair District, Fanshawe College CRI, Eye Candy Design, and True Leaves Consulting, is bringing together the region’s food and beverage industry for a focused day of connection, insight, and opportunity at the SW Food Summit 2026, taking place Tuesday, May 26.
Southwest Ontario’s agri-food sector is a significant economic driver, employing more than 7,500 people across over 120 companies. The Summit builds on this strong foundation, creating a platform to help businesses navigate change, access new opportunities, and accelerate growth.
Designed for food and beverage manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners, the event will explore practical strategies for navigating today’s market while unlocking new paths to market.
Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Kirk Homenick, President of Naturally Homegrown Foods, who has scaled Canadian snack brands including Hardbite Chips and Poptastic Popcorn into internationally distributed products. His experience in product innovation, market expansion, and building resilient brands brings valuable perspective for companies looking to grow in a competitive landscape.
Throughout the day, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Connect with key players across Southwest Ontario’s food and beverage ecosystem
- Gain insights from industry experts and founders
- Explore supports in distribution, marketing, and product development
- Build relationships with partners in the Networking Hall
- Learn practical strategies to navigate economic challenges and drive growth
The event will also feature the Flourish Award – Best New Product 2026, recognizing innovative food and beverage products from Canadian-owned businesses in Southwest Ontario. The award is supported by Fanshawe College CRI, Winston Wilmont, and True Leaves Consulting, and offers a prize package valued at over $30,000 to help scale a winning business through R&D, product consultation, and marketing strategy.
The SW Food Summit is made possible through the support of its generous sponsors, including Title Sponsor Farm Credit Canada and Influencer Sponsor Express Employment Professionals.
More than a one-day event, the SW Food Summit reflects a growing focus on strengthening the region’s food and beverage sector by improving access to talent, resources, and markets. By bringing industry together in one place, the Summit aims to accelerate collaboration and support long-term growth across the sector.
Event Details:
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The Grove at Western Fair District, London, Ontario
Registration is now open, with tickets starting at $25 for food and beverage manufacturers.
