CERRITOS, Calif. (May 21, 2026) — California-based T. Hasegawa USA Inc., one of the world’s top food and beverage flavor manufacturers, is launching an advanced powdered flavor technology to help food and beverage brands replicate the taste of real milk without dairy ingredients.

This week, the company is introducing HASEMILK™, a dairy-free product that delivers a creamy, milk-like flavor by mimicking the external and internal flavor characteristics naturally found in milk fat. For manufacturers, the product offers a dairy-free solution that provides the familiar flavor, aroma, and satisfying mouthfeel of real milk across both dairy and non-dairy foods and beverages.

Roughly two-thirds of the global population and 36 percent of people in the United States experience some degree of lactose malabsorption – a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. Combined with dairy-alternative use rising to 56 percent in the U.S., up from 40 percent in 2020, due to intolerance or dairy allergy, food and beverage manufacturers are seeking to meet evolving consumer demand. HASEMILK masks unpleasant tastes and smells in difficult-to-flavor products, including protein-based applications, while improving overall flavor performance across both sweet and savory products. It also offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional milk ingredients, and its dry format provides greater flexibility for manufacturers in formulation and supply chain.

"Taste and texture remain one of the biggest barriers to adoption in the dairy alternatives category. Mintel research shows that while consumers aged 18 to 54 are open to dairy-free products, many are still skeptical that alternatives can deliver the same satisfying experience as traditional dairy," said Mark Webster, vice president of sales and marketing at T. Hasegawa USA. "HASEMILK gives manufacturers more flexibility to enhance dairy flavor, improve overall taste performance, and support reduced-dairy formulations without sacrificing the experience their consumers expect.”

HASEMILK was a multi-year development as part of T. Hasegawa’s “Bridge to Tokyo” program, which combines the R&D expertise and innovations of the company’s global headquarters in Japan and its California-based U.S. subsidiary. It is available in fresh whole milk, whole milk powder, and skim milk powder types. HASEMILK meets FDA guidelines for natural flavors, supports clean-label formulations, is vegan, non-allergen, dairy-free, kosher, non-GMO, and Prop 65 compliant.

For more information on T. Hasegawa’s HASEMILK, visit www.thasegawa.com/hasemilk or call (866) 965-0502.

WOODSTOCK, Ontario, May 20, 2026 – Sunrise Farms (“Sunrise”) is investing $100.5 million to construct a new 155,000 square foot, state of the art poultry processing facility in Woodstock. This major expansion is expected to increase domestic processing capacity and strengthen the sovereignty of Ontario’s agri-food supply chain.

Invest Ontario is supporting the expansion with a grant of up to $4 million from the Invest Ontario Fund, subject to reaching a definitive funding agreement. Invest Ontario has provided strategic support by helping the company navigate workforce planning and training programs, as well as by coordinating across municipal, provincial and federal governments. The investment is expected to create 100 new jobs in the region.

The new facility will be federally licensed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) enabling expanded national distribution for its Sargent Farms branded halal certified products and strengthening the reliability of Ontario’s domestic food supply. The investment is also expected to increase procurement from Ontario farms, supporting rural economic growth and reinforcing Sunrise’s supply chain.

The Woodstock facility will be one of the most technologically advanced poultry processing facilities in Canada, with leading-edge food safety, environmental, and animal welfare processes and technologies. This advanced facility will enable Sunrise to meet growing demand for its Sargent Farms branded products while ensuring safer, more productive and sustainable operations. Designed with sustainability in mind, the facility will also incorporate features to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, aligning with Ontario’s environmental objectives and the sector’s shift toward cleaner, more efficient processing.

Ontario’s established strengths in agri-food processing and its ecosystem of innovation and technology, provide Sunrise with a competitive North American base for growth. The province offers access to major markets, reliable supply chains and strong rural and agricultural networks that help processors scale confidently. These advantages support Sunrise’s long-term plans to expand its private label and poultry offerings for retailers and food service customers across Canada.

“Ontario’s world-class agri-food sector serves as a cornerstone of our economy, which is why our government remains committed to fostering its resilient. As demand for Ontario-made products rises, Sunrise Farms’ investment will add critical processing capacity to our domestic supply chain, creating new opportunities for Ontario workers, farmers and suppliers.”

-        Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"We are pleased to continue our growth by expanding our operations within Ontario. This project represents the largest greenfield investment in Sunrise's history. Upon completion, the new facility will enable Sunrise to respond effectively to increasing demand for Sargent Farms branded halal certified products throughout Ontario and nationwide. This development is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the region and reinforce Ontario's food system."

- David Shoore, CEO, Sunrise Farms

“Sunrise Farms’ expansion reflects the strength of Ontario’s agri‑food processing sector and the province’s commitment to supporting companies as they grow. By helping Sunrise navigate workforce planning, connect with partners and access government programs, Invest Ontario provided the support needed to move this expansion forward. We are pleased to support Sunrise as it grows its operations and contributes to Ontario’s food security and rural economic growth.”

- Khawar Nasim, CEO, Invest Ontario

For more information about Invest Ontario, please visit InvestOntario.ca.

This year’s program will include presentations from:

• •   Premier Doug Ford
• •  David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, who will provide an update on the latest developments related to CUSMA negotiations and Canada–U.S. trade relations.
• •  David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, sharing insights into Canadian public opinion, political trends, and what they mean for the business environment.
• •  Althia Raj, CBC journalist and political commentator, offering her perspective on the evolving political landscape in Canada.
• • Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, providing an economic outlook and analysis of key forces impacting the Canadian economy and the food and beverage sector.

Minister Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Minister Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, will join the conference as well.

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion featuring Premier Ford and David Paterson, moderated by FBO Board Chair Michael Burrows, Executive Chair, Maple Lodge Farms. The discussion will explore trade, economic competitiveness, and opportunities for Ontario’s food and beverage sector, followed by a Q&A session.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from Premier Ford and Ontario’s Representative in Washington on the evolving Canada–U.S. relationship and what it means for Ontario’s food and beverage sector.

The FBO Annual Conference is one of the sector’s premier gatherings, offering valuable insights and a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and colleagues from across Ontario’s food and beverage community.

The event will begin with a networking reception, providing an opportunity for industry colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to reconnect and build new relationships. Guests will then move into lunch and a dynamic speaker program featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers who will share insights on the economic, political, and consumer trends shaping the future of the sector.

Agenda

• 10:45 AM – Registration opens / networking
• 11:30 AM – Lunch
• 12:15 PM – Welcome; Michael Burrows, Executive Chair Maple Lodge Farms; Chair Food and Beverage Ontario
• 12:30 PM – Speaker portion begins
• 4:30 PM – Networking featuring appetizers, Ontario craft wines and Steam Whistle Pilsner
• 6:30 PM – Conference closes

For questions or sponsorship enquiries, contact Jason Crawford at jcrawford@foodandbeverageontario.ca

Speaker Bios

Premier Doug Ford

Doug Ford has served as Ontario’s Premier since 2018, winning 3 majority governments! He has consistently positioned economic growth, job creation and competitiveness at the centre of his government’s agenda.

Premier Ford has emphasized the importance of strengthening Ontario’s domestic food supply chain, investing in and expanding capacity within our sector, and ensuring we remain the #1 economic driver of the province!

David Coletto, CEO, Abacus Data

David Coletto is one of Canada’s most recognizable pollsters and commentators on politics, consumer behaviour and the workplace.

He is Chair, CEO and Founder of Abacus Data, a full-service market research and strategy firm based in Ottawa and Toronto. David has grown Abacus into one of Canada’s most respected market research firms. He is also the host and producer of “InFocus with David Coletto”, a podcast that explores the intersection of public opinion, politics, public policy, and consumer behavior.

Althia Raj, CBC

Althia Raj is a political journalist and member of CBC’s flagship newscast, The National’s “At Issue” panel.

She’s covered Parliament Hill for 20 years, writing for Sun Media and producing for CTV and CBC. Althia can be seen and heard on CBC, Radio-Canada and CPAC programs, and is the host/producer of the Toronto Star’s podcast “It’s Political”. She has consistently been ranked high in The Hill Times list of top 100 most influential people in Canadian politics since 2015.

Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC

Benjamin Tal is known for his ground-breaking research on labour market dynamics, real estate, credit markets, international trade and economic conditions. He not only contributes to the conversation but frequently sets the agenda.

He is Deputy Chief Economist for CIBC, and has 20 years’ experience advising clients, industry leaders, corporate boards, and governments. National and Global media regularly seek him out for economic and financial insight and analysis.

David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington

When it comes to tariffs, CUSMA and their potential impact on Ontario businesses, few individuals are closer to the trade discussions now taking place than David Paterson.

He is Ontario’s Agent-General in Washington D.C. and has participated in U.S. trade discussions for crucial sectors in Ontario including food & beverage manufacturing. With the upcoming CUSMA review now on the agenda, David is focused on ensuring U.S. decision makers understand what’s at stake for both countries.

Date: May 27, 2026 @ 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Steam Whistle Brewery
Address: 255 Bremner Blvd. Toronto, Ontario

ROSEMONT, IL, May 20, 2026 – More than 1,300 food safety professionals from across the food and beverage industry, representing more than 100 countries, gathered in person last week at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, for the 28th annual Food Safety Summit, joined by an additional 3,055 participants online.

Produced by Food Safety Magazine and BNP Media, the four-day conference and trade show—one of the industry’s leading events dedicated to education, collaboration, and advancing food safety practices—featured a dynamic lineup of workshops, educational sessions, networking events, and interactive exhibit hall experiences focused on the most pressing issues impacting food safety today.

This year’s Summit placed strong emphasis on emerging technologies, regulatory developments, supply chain transparency, sanitation, workforce culture, and industry collaboration. One of the most talked-about events of the week was the opening workshop, “Leveraging AI for Food Safety: From Strategy to Impact,” which brought together experts from industry, academia, and government to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming food safety programs and decision-making.

“The energy and engagement throughout this year’s Summit were exceptional,” said Stacy Atchison, Publisher of Food Safety Magazine, producer of the Food Safety Summit. “Attendees came ready to learn, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions that will strengthen food safety across the industry. From the educational sessions to conversations on the exhibit hall floor, the sense of community and shared commitment to progress was truly inspiring.”

The Summit opened with five certificate programs, including two new courses: AI in Food Safety: Ethical and Efficient Food Safety Document Writing, presented by Cornell University, and the FSPCA Food Traceability Rule Participant Course. Additional certificate programs included FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food, Food Fraud Prevention, and Application of the Principles of Hazard Analysis.

The educational program featured more than 20 in-depth sessions, workshops, certificate courses, keynote presentations, and the highly anticipated Town Hall. The Town Hall brought together leaders from FDA, USDA-FSIS, CDC, and AFDO to discuss the current state of food safety, along with the key challenges and opportunities shaping the industry’s future.

Attendees also participated in guided exhibit hall tours focused on Food Safety Technology and AI, as well as Sanitation and Hygiene Solutions. The exhibit hall remained a central hub for learning and networking, featuring the Tech Tent, Solutions Stage, Podcast Theater, and Community Hub discussions.

The Summit also continued its commitment to giving back. During the Food Safety Summit Gives Back Networking Reception, attendees helped raise $7,070 for STOP Foodborne Illness, supporting the organization’s mission to prevent illness and support victims of foodborne disease.

Additional highlights included the presentation of Food Safety Magazine’s Distinguished Service Award to Larry Keener, recognized for his longstanding contributions to food safety science.

“The success of the Food Safety Summit is made possible through the dedication of our Educational Advisory Board, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees,” said Gillian Kelleher, Chair of the Food Safety Summit Educational Advisory Board. “This event continues to provide a unique forum where the food safety community can come together to share knowledge, challenge ideas, and help move the industry forward.”

The 2026 Food Safety Summit featured more than 150 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest technologies, services, and solutions designed to help organizations strengthen their food safety programs and operational performance. Sponsors included Gold Sponsors Sherwin-Williams and Share-ify; Silver Sponsors Instant Recall and QAD Redzone; and Bronze Sponsors Clinisys, FlexXray, FSS, GS1 US, NSF, Nulogy, Provision, Rootwurks, SGS, Trustwell, WorkForge, and Zeroic.

For those unable to attend in person, five Summit sessions were livestreamed, including Leveraging AI for Food Safety, Navigating Food Allergens, Effective Pathogen Control, Foreign Material Maturity Model, and the closing session, FSMA at 15. View the full streaming schedule at Food Safety Summit Streaming Sessions. In addition, STOP Foodborne Illness and the FDA livestreamed their webinar.

The Food Safety Summit is owned and produced by Food Safety Magazine and BNP Media. The event brings together food safety professionals from across the supply chain to explore education, innovation, and solutions that advance food safety programs and help protect public health. BNP Media is one of the country’s leading business-to-business media companies, serving professionals across more than 60 industries through magazines, custom media, e-newsletters, webinars, events, and market research.

The 2027 Food Safety Summit is scheduled for May 10-13 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. For more information, visit https://www.food-safety.com/food-safety-summit.