By “Charlotte Leung, Contributor” on April 25, 2023
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This blog post is going to introduce 5 Food Business Associations for Women in Canada dedicated to supporting, connecting, and empowering female entrepreneurs and professionals. By joining these organizations, women can access valuable resources, and networking opportunities to foster success and growth in their careers and businesses.
Women in Food Industry Management (WFIM)
Women in Food Industry Management (WFIM) is a professional organization that aims to support and empower women in the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1993, WFIM is committed to providing networking opportunities, mentorship programs and professional development resources for women in various roles within the F&B sector, including management, manufacturing, marketing and research.
To support professionals to become The Best Women at the Table by encouraging advancement through networking and professional development. WFIM stands strong with its vision and values on Connecting, Developing, Supporting and a Code of Ethics. Their network is wide and varied, allowing our members to make connections to support their goals. Events are focused on opportunities for our members to learn, advance, achieve and thrive, in both their personal and professional lives. Their collaborations are rich with mutual benefit. If we have what you need, we want to help. We support not only our members but charitable causes related to hunger relief/food rescue and the support or development of women. The principles are responsibility, respect, and readiness to take action and deliver. We believe in honourable standards of conduct in the commercial exchange of work for remuneration.
WFIM’s Networking Events: WFIM organizes various networking events throughout the year, including mixers, panel discussions and industry-related tours. These events provide opportunities for women to connect with other professionals in the food and beverage industry, share experiences, and build relationships that can foster career growth and collaboration.
Mentorship Program: WFIM’s mentorship program is designed to connect experienced professionals with emerging leaders in the food and beverage industry. This program offers guidance, support, and resources to help mentees develop their careers, learn from experienced professionals and overcome challenges in the F&B sector.
Professional Development Opportunities: WFIM is committed to providing professional development opportunities for its members through workshops, seminars and conferences. These events focus on various topics relevant to the food and beverage industry, such as food safety, marketing strategies, and leadership skills, enabling women to enhance their knowledge and skills to advance their careers.
WFIM organizes different events at times, including the upcoming Virtual Sustainability Summit joined by Products of Change to help drive sustainability across consumer goods, brands, products & retail. There will be 10 more than 30 speakers to inspire and empower females in business.
Scholarship Program: WFIM offers scholarships to support women pursuing education in the food and beverage industry. These scholarships provide financial assistance to help women achieve their academic goals and prepare them for a successful career in the F&B sector.
Advocacy and Representation: WFIM is dedicated to advocating for the interests of women in the food and beverage industry, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by female professionals in the F&B sector. Through their advocacy efforts, WFIM seeks to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in the industry.
Register to become a member: To become a member and to speak at WFIM’s Network & Nibble events, you just need to complete the speaker proposal form and provide a brief description of your proposed session, suggested session titles, identify three things attendees will “take away” from the session, the format and the speaker contact information to e-mail them to WFIM’s Director of Events at admin@wfim.ca.
Canadian Women in Food (CWIF)
CWIF is a professional national organization that aims to connect, promote, and support female entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Established in 2014, CWIF is dedicated to helping women grow their businesses and navigate the challenges and opportunities of the F&B sector by offering networking events, educational workshops and resources. Their big purpose is to bring together female food entrepreneurs to build relationships that matter, navigate challenges, seize opportunities, make exclusive connections and have a positive impact on the communities CWIF serves. They offer networking events, educational workshops and resources to help women grow their businesses and navigate the challenges of the F&B sector.
CWIF’s Networking Events: CWIF organizes a variety of networking events throughout the year, such as meetups, conferences and industry expos. These events provide opportunities for women to connect with other professionals in the food and beverage industry, share ideas and experiences, and establish partnerships that can foster business growth and innovation.
Educational Workshops and Seminars: CWIF is committed to providing educational workshops and seminars that focus on various topics relevant to the food and beverage industry, such as marketing strategies, food safety regulations and supply chain management. These events enable women to gain valuable insights and knowledge that can help them succeed in the competitive F&B sector.
PITCH & DINE is one of the many events organized by CWIF, offering members the opportunity to connect and explore. It is under HUNGRY MINDS, a space to find online and live event programs about food, cooking, health, wellness and fun and to explore curious about life. It is a never-ending appetite for learning, experimentation and growth.
Resources and Support: CWIF offers various resources and support for its members, including access to industry reports, best practices and tools to help female entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Additionally, CWIF provides opportunities for members to showcase their products and services through online directories and events, increasing visibility and market reach.
Advocacy and Representation: CWIF is dedicated to advocating for the interests of women in the food and beverage industry, promoting diversity and inclusion and raising awareness about the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in the F&B sector. Through their advocacy efforts, CWIF seeks to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in the industry.
Membership Benefits: By joining CWIF, members gain access to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, networking events, educational workshops, and valuable resources that can help them thrive in the food and beverage industry. Membership benefits include discounted rates for CWIF events and the opportunity to participate in exclusive member-only initiatives. Membership is CA$130 annually with exclusive perks, virtual weekly meetings and professional networking.
Les Dames d’Escoffier International – Canadian Chapters
Les Dames d’Escoffier International is a global organization that promotes and supports women in the culinary arts, hospitality, and food and beverage industries. The Canadian chapters of Les Dames d’Escoffier International are dedicated to advancing the careers of women in these fields through networking events, mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities and educational initiatives. It also plays a crucial role in promoting and supporting women in the culinary arts, hospitality, and food and beverage industries. By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, the Canadian chapters aim to empower women to achieve success and recognition in the F&B sector.
Mentorship Programs: The mentorship programs offered by Les Dames d’Escoffier International – Canadian Chapters are designed to connect experienced professionals with emerging leaders in the food and beverage industry. This program offers guidance, support, and resources to help mentees develop their careers, learn from experienced professionals and overcome challenges in the F&B sector.
Scholarship Programs: Les Dames d’Escoffier International – Canadian Chapters provide scholarships to support women pursuing education in culinary arts, hospitality, and food and beverage industries. These scholarships offer financial assistance to help women achieve their academic goals, prepare for successful careers in the F&B sector, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive industry.
Networking Events and Galas: The Canadian chapters of Les Dames d’Escoffier International organize various networking events and galas throughout the year. These events provide opportunities for women to connect with other professionals in the food and beverage industry, share experiences, and establish partnerships that can foster career growth and innovation. These networking events are open to the public and some are only exclusive for members, allowing everyone to have a chance in connecting with different people from different backgrounds.
Educational Initiatives: Les Dames d’Escoffier International – Canadian Chapters are committed to promoting education and professional development for women in the food and beverage industry. They organize workshops, seminars, and conferences that focus on various topics relevant to the F&B sector, such as culinary techniques, food safety regulations and business management strategies.
Philanthropy and Community Outreach: The Canadian chapters of Les Dames d’Escoffier International are actively involved in philanthropic efforts and community outreach programs, supporting local food and beverage initiatives, and contributing to the development of a sustainable and equitable food system.
Register to become a member: Their membership includes women leaders in various food-related fields, including chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and more. To qualify to become a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International, you have to have at least 5 years of professional experience to demonstrate your achievement and show stature in the food, beverage, agriculture or aquaculture or hospitality industry. Dedication and willingness to contribute time and talent are also crucial in becoming a member.
Women of Wine Canada
Women in Wine Canada is an organization dedicated to promoting and supporting women in the wine industry to connect and celebrate women in the Canadian wine industry. Committed to providing networking events, educational workshops and mentorship programs for women in various roles within the wine sector, such as winemakers, sommeliers, and wine entrepreneurs, Women of Wine Canada fosters a supportive and collaborative environment to help women overcome challenges and advance their careers in the industry. They offer networking events, mentorship opportunities, and resources to help female entrepreneurs succeed in the wine business and create a more diverse and inclusive wine sector.
Women of Wine Canada’s Networking Events: Women of Wine Canada organizes a variety of networking events throughout the year, such as mixers, panel discussions and wine-focused tours. These events provide opportunities for women to connect with other professionals in the wine industry, share experiences, and build relationships that can foster career growth and collaboration.
Educational Workshops and Seminars: Women of Wine Canada is committed to providing workshops and seminars that focus on various topics relevant to the wine industry, such as winemaking techniques, wine tasting and marketing strategies. These events enable women to gain valuable insights and knowledge that can help them succeed in their careers and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive wine sector.
Mentorship Program: The mentorship program offered by Women of Wine Canada is designed to connect experienced professionals with emerging leaders in the wine industry. This program offers guidance, support and resources to help mentees develop their careers, learn from experienced professionals and overcome challenges in the wine sector.
Resources and Support: Women of Wine Canada provides various resources and support for its members, including access to industry reports, best practices and tools to help female professionals grow their careers. Additionally, the organization offers opportunities for members to showcase their skills and expertise through competitions, exhibitions, and other events, increasing visibility and recognition within the industry.
Membership Benefits: By joining Women of Wine Canada, members gain access to a supportive community of like-minded professionals, networking events, educational workshops and mentorship programs that can help them thrive in the wine industry. Membership benefits include discounted rates for Women of Wine Canada events and the opportunity to participate in exclusive member-only initiatives.
Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF)
The Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) is a leading organization dedicated to the development and advancement of women in the food service industry. Founded in 1989, WFF has been actively working to provide support, resources, and opportunities for women in the food service sector, focusing on promoting gender diversity, equity, and inclusion. With the mission to change the face of leadership, WFF works to accelerate the advancement of women leaders in the food service industry, to create a powerful movement propelling women in the industry.
Leadership Development: WFF offers a variety of programs designed to help women in the food service industry develop their leadership skills, including workshops, seminars, and conferences. Their Leadership Development Workshops (LDWs) focus on providing practical tools and resources for women at all career levels, from emerging leaders to C-suite executives.
Networking Opportunities: WFF creates platforms for members to connect with other professionals in the industry, fostering relationships and providing access to a network of peers, mentors, and sponsors. These connections are invaluable for career growth, learning, and personal development.
Advocacy and Research: WFF is committed to advocating for gender equity in the food service industry. They conduct research on workplace trends and provide insights and recommendations on how to create more inclusive and diverse environments. Their Gender Equity Index, for example, measures the progress of gender equity in the industry and provides actionable data for companies to make improvements.
Annual Leadership Conference: WFF hosts an annual conference that brings together professionals from across the food service industry to share insights, knowledge, and best practices. The event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, all designed to empower and inspire women in the industry.
Online Resources and Education: WFF offers various online resources, including webinars, articles, and case studies, to help members enhance their skills and stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
Memberships: By joining WFF, women in the food service industry gain access to a wealth of resources, programs, and networking opportunities designed to help them grow personally and professionally. The organization’s commitment to fostering gender diversity, equity, and inclusion has a positive impact on both individuals and the industry as a whole. The cost of $249 annually also offers inspirational communities, events & workshops, buzzworthy podcasts, leadership development, weekly smart brief, member connects and more for members to connect with other women in the industry.
