News
News Releases
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Burhan Khan as General Manager for Cheese & Tablespreads Division
October 17, 2025
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the promotion of Burhan Khan to the position of General Manager for its Cheese & Tablespreads division, effective October 15, 2025.
Lactalis Canada’s Olympic Organic Yogurt Partners with BC Dairy and Alberta Milk to Donate a total of $50,000 to Food Banks in BC and Alberta
October 7, 2025
Lactalis Canada’s Olympic Organic yogurt brand, along with BC Dairy and Alberta Milk, is pleased to announce a donation of $25,000 to Archway Abbotsford Food Bank and $25,000 to Food Banks Alberta. Both food banks play a crucial role in combating food insecurity in their local community.
Lactalis Canada Celebrates Canadian Dairy with New Made For Canadian Moments Campaign
September 26, 2025
Canadian dairy leader Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the launch of its first-ever national, multi-brand retail campaign “Made For Canadian Moments”.
Lactalis Canada Releases 2024 ESG Report
September 17, 2025
Lactalis Canada released its 2024 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report which highlights the company’s commitment to being a sustainable and responsible dairy processor for its key stakeholders across its supply chain including its people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, industry and community partners.
Lactalis Canada’s Olympic Organic Yogourt Celebrates National Organic Month with a $70,000 Donation to Provincial Organic Associations
September 11, 2025
To mark National Organic Month in September, Lactalis Canada’s Olympic Organic yogurt brand is pleased to announce a $70,000 donation to Organic BC, Organic Alberta and Organic Council of Ontario to support organic dairy farming in these provinces. Each association plays a key role in producing organic dairy nationally.
Lactalis Canada Foodservice Announces Partnership with Culinary Team Canada
August 27, 2025
Lactalis Canada Foodservice, a division of Canadian dairy leader Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce a new partnership with Culinary Team Canada – a team of talented young chefs nominated by their peers to represent Canada in global culinary competitions, showcasing their culinary excellence, skills and craftsmanship.
P’tit Québec Supports Saint-Léonard-De-Portneuf’s Community by Transforming Their Church Basement Into a Collective Kitchen
August 13, 2025
Lactalis Canada’s P'tit Québec brand is proud to announce the transformation of Saint-Léonard-de-Portneuf’s church basement into a modern, welcoming collective kitchen.
Lactalis Canada Recognized with 2025 Canadian Grocer Impact Awards for Sustainability and Community Service
August 11, 2025
Lactalis Canada is proud to be recognized with two 2025 Canadian Grocer Impact awards in the Sustainability and Community Service categories.
Lactalis Canada’s Astro Celebrates “So Canadian” Campaign at Etobicoke, ON Yogurt Facility
June 25, 2025
On Monday, June 23, 2025, Lactalis Canada hosted a special event at its Rakely yogurt processing facility in Etobicoke, Ontario, to celebrate Astro yogurt’s bold new “So Canadian” campaign.
Lactalis Canada Announces Chef Massimo Capra as Official Ambassador of Galbani in Canada
May 9, 2025
Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and part of France-based Lactalis Group, is pleased to announce a new partnership with celebrated Italian Canadian Chef Massimo Capra as the Official Ambassador of Galbani in Canada – representing both Retail and Foodservice portfolios.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Matt Price as Chief Human Resources Officer
May 7, 2025
Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and part of France-based Lactalis Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Price to the position of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective May 1, 2025.
Lactalis Canada’s iÖGO & iÖGO nanö Brand Launch Into Frozen Yogurt Category
April 28, 2025
Canadian dairy leader Lactalis Canada is pleased to collaborate with Nestlé Canada to launch into the frozen yogurt category through a new licensing agreement. The collaboration features eight SKUs under Lactalis Canada’s iÖGO brand including four bars (strawberry-cheesecake; raspberry-chocolate; cherry swirl; blueberry swirl) and four tubs (vanilla; strawberry swirl; cherry swirl; blueberry swirl) and three pops under iÖGO nanö (strawberry-banana; peach; mixed berry.)
Lactalis Canada Wellbeing Kit Donation & Packing Initiative Supports Food Banks Canada and Youth Without Shelter
April 9, 2025
Following Lactalis Canada’s annual Commercial Summit, through a donation and packing initiative, 400 of its members came together at Beanfield Centre in Toronto to assemble 2,500 wellbeing kits for charitable organizations, Food Banks Canada and Youth Without Shelter.
Lactalis Canada Named on Forbes’ list of Canada’s Best Employers of 2025
January 31, 2025
Lactalis Canada is proud to be named on Forbes’ Canada’s Best Employers for 2025. Lactalis Canada has been recognized amongst the country’s top 300 employers, making the list as the only dairy company and amongst the top 10 in the Food & Beverage category in 2025.
Lactalis Canada’s Olympic Brand Supports Canadian Food Charities with Third Annual Community Initiatives
January 30, 2025
Lactalis Canada has announced a donation of more than 1,300 kg (over 1 tonne) of Olympic yogourt (valued at over $14,500) to food banks in British Columbia and Ontario which equates to 6,144 bottles (190mL format) and 318 tubs (650g format). In addition, the brand donated $10,000 to Second Harvest – an organization that redirects surplus food to non-profit organizations in every province and territory, and executed an influencer-led campaign that supported children-focused charity programs.
Lactalis Canada Officially Opens New Distribution Centre in Oshawa, Ontario
December 4, 2024
On Tuesday, December 3, Lactalis Canada held a special event to celebrate the official opening of the company’s new Oshawa, Ontario distribution centre – now the largest distribution centre, from a capacity standpoint, within Lactalis Group globally.
Lactalis Canada Named One of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers For 2025
December 3, 2024
Lactalis Canada is proud to announce that is has been recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2025 by Mediacorp Canada Inc.
To bring the people of Delson together again, P’tit Québec has transformed their church basement into a P’tit lounge
October 30, 2024
For over 60 years, P’tit Québec has been gathering Quebec families around delicious home-cooked meals. Bringing people together is at the heart of the company’s values, and P’tit Québec made it its mission to unite communities across the province, one initiative at a time.
Lactalis Canada Foodservice Becomes Exclusive Dairy Partner for Taste Canada’s National Food Writing Awards and Sponsor of National Student Cooking Competition, Cooks the Books
October 16, 2024
Lactalis Canada Foodservice is excited to announce a new partnership with Taste Canada, the single most prestigious national, bilingual, food writing awards program in the country. This collaboration aims to promote culinary excellence and celebrate Canada's rich culinary heritage. As part of this initiative, Lactalis Canada Foodservice will sponsor the Taste Canada Awards soirée, as well as Taste Canada’s national student cooking competition Cooks the Books.
Lactalis Canada’s Laverlochère Québec Plant Celebrates 100th Anniversary
October 3, 2024
Lactalis Canada marks the 100th anniversary of its Laverlochère, Quebec plant. This milestone anniversary highlights a century of rich history and the important role the site plays in the Laverlochère community and the Canadian dairy industry. Celebrations included a special event on October 2 for employees, with remarks from Lactalis Canada President & CEO Mark Taylor and other company executives, government and community partners.
New Survey Shows 68% of Canadian Parents Indicate their Children Face Social Challenges at School
September 12, 2024
A new study commissioned by Lactalis Canada's Cheestrings found that 68 per cent of Canadian parents indicate their child has experienced social challenges at school, with 49 per cent stating that lunch time is the most challenging time of day. In response to these findings, Cheestrings and Kids Help Phone are joining forces to help address lonely lunches among school children with the No Lonely Lunches campaign.
Lactalis Canada Launches The Only Organic Kids Drinkable Yogourt in The Canadian Market
September 9, 2024
Canadian dairy leader Lactalis Canada today announced the launch of its OLYMPIC Organic kids’ drinkable yogourt – a new offering made with high-quality organic milk from grassfed cows, real fruit purees, 50% less sugar than other leading drinkable yogourt* and stands out as the only drinkable organic kids’ yogourt in the market.
Lactalis Canada Sustainability and Community Service Programs Win Canadian Grocer Impact Awards
August 14, 2024
Lactalis Canada is proud to be recognized with two 2024 Canadian Grocer Impact awards in the Sustainability and Community Service categories.
Lactalis Canada’s Yogourt Brands Support Kids Help Phone with Latest Iteration of “Snack, Give & Win” Back to School Campaign
August 7, 2024
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce that its iÖGO, iÖGO nanö, Astro, Olympic and siggi’s yogourt brands have once again teamed up in support of Kids Help Phone with the annual “Snack, Give & Win” campaign – an annual philanthropic driven initiative in support of Kids Help Phone.
Lactalis Canada Wins Second International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award
July 29, 2024
Lactalis Canada was recognized with the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award – in the Audio/Visual category for the company’s 2023 Year-in-Review corporate video. This recognition marks Lactalis Canada’s second award by the association following its 2022 win in the Special and Experiential Events category for its annual company town hall.
Lactalis Canada Applauds Grocery Industry’s Collaboration to Implement First-Ever Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct
July 24, 2024
Lactalis Canada applauds the announcement by the Federal-Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture on the implementation of a Grocery Code of Conduct in Canada.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Jean-Yann Bucaille as Vice President of Information Technology
July 15, 2024
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Jean-Yann Bucaille to the position of Vice President, Information Technology, effective July 15, 2024.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Ronan Lostanlen as Vice President of Manufacturing – Dairy Food Group
July 12, 2024
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronan Lostanlen to the position of Vice President, Manufacturing – Dairy Food Group (DFG).
Lactalis Canada Celebrates Reopening of Sudbury, Ontario Facility – Home of New Plant-Based Enjoy! Brand
June 28, 2024
On Thursday, June 27, 2024, Lactalis Canada held a special event to celebrate the reopening of Lactalis Canada’s Sudbury, Ontario site – home to Lactalis Canada’s new plant-based Enjoy! brand. The event marked this important milestone and included an employee celebration and festivities, a tree planting ceremony and remarks from Lactalis Canada President & CEO Mark Taylor and other company executives, government and community partners.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of John Bignell as Vice President of Logistics
June 14, 2024
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of John Bignell to the position of Vice President, Logistics.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Aamir Asgarali as Vice President, Ingredients & Exports
June 5, 2024
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Aamir Asgarali to the position of Vice President, Ingredients & Exports (I&E), effective May 6, 2024.
Lactalis Canada’s President & CEO Mark Taylor Inducted Into 2024 Grocery Business Hall of Fame
May 16, 2024
Lactalis Canada congratulates Lactalis Canada President & CEO Mark Taylor on his induction into the 2024 Grocery Business Hall of Fame in the Suppliers category.
Lactalis Canada Launches Enjoy! – A New Plant-Based Brand for Canadians
May 13, 2024
Lactalis Canada today announced the launch of its new plant-based brand Enjoy! – a nutritious and delicious, unsweetened, high protein line of plant-based beverages now in market.
Lactalis Canada Releases 2023 ESG Report
May 8, 2024
Lactalis Canada today released Lactalis Canada’s 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report which highlights the company’s commitment to being a sustainable and responsible dairy processor for its key stakeholders across its supply chain including its people, consumers, customers, suppliers, dairy farmers, government, industry and community partners.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Martin Santerre as Senior Vice President of Industrial
April 26, 2024
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the promotion of Martin Santerre to the position of Senior Vice President of Industrial, effective May 1, 2024.
Lactalis Canada’s Digital Labs Makes Open Call to Customers for Co-Development Opportunities
February 15, 2024
Lactalis Canada is advancing its digital capability through Lactalis Labs (LLabs), a dedicated hub focused on digital transformation.
Lactalis Canada Announces New Sales Leadership Appointments
February 12, 2024
Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of four new leaders to its Customer Sales Team. These new appointments follow an enhanced commercial structure focused on improving internal efficiencies and building stronger customer partnerships.
Lactalis Canada’s Blue Cow lineup grows as it adds Dairy Farmers of Canada’s iconic logo to Lactantia butter products
February 7, 2024
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and Lactalis Canada are pleased to announce that DFC's iconic Blue Cow logo will appear on Lactantia butter products.
Lactalis Foodservice Launches Galbani Professionale Premio Pizza Mozzarella in Canada
January 24, 2024
Lactalis Canada Foodservice is pleased to announce the launch of Galbani Professionale Premio Pizza Mozzarella in Canada.
Lactalis Canada Donates Over Eight Tonnes of Olympic Yogourt to Ontario and British Columbia Food Banks
December 6, 2023
Valued at over $67,000, this year's Olympic Organic donation will once again help support communities in need this holiday season with the delivery of 12,400 tubs of nutritious Olympic yogourt
Lactalis Canada Announces 2023 NEXT Ventures Innovation Competition Winning Project
December 4, 2023
Digital innovation at the forefront of this year’s competition focused on continuous improvement
Lactalis Canada Wins Gordon Food Service North America Cornerstone Award for Best in Class Supplier
November 20, 2023
Lactalis Canada Wins Gordon Food Service North America Cornerstone Award for Best in Class Supplier
Lactalis Canada Foodservice Partners with Association of Italian Chefs of Canada (AICC)
October 12, 2023
Lactalis Canada Foodservice and the Association of Italian Chefs of Canada (AICC) are pleased to announce a new partnership which will see Lactalis Canada’s Galbani Professionale brand as the official sponsor.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Tom Szostok as Senior Vice President of Sales
October 10, 2023
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Szostok to the position of Senior Vice President, Sales, effective October 10, 2023.
Lactalis Canada Invests in New Distribution Centre in Oshawa, Ontario
September 19, 2023
Lactalis Canada today announced that it is entering into a long-term lease for a new distribution centre located in Oshawa, Ontario, principally for its cheese and tablespreads supply chain network.
Lactalis Canada Ranked One of Most Trusted Brands in Canada and #1 in Dairy on 2023 Gustavson Brand Trust Index
August 31, 2023
Lactalis Canada has once again been ranked one of the Most Trusted Brands in Canada and #1 in the Dairy Products and Alternatives category on the 2023 Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI), a consumer trust study conducted by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria in British Columbia.
Lactalis Canada Recognized with Two Canadian Grocer Impact Awards for Supporting Employees and Community Service
August 15, 2023
Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, is proud to be recognized with two 2023 Canadian Grocer Impact awards in the Supporting Employees and Community Service categories.
Lactalis Canada’s Yogourt Brands Support Kids Help Phone with New Back to School “Snack & Give” Campaign
August 8, 2023
Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader and subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, is thrilled to announce that its iÖGO, iÖGO nanö, Astro, Olympic and siggi’s brands have teamed up in support of Kids Help Phone with the launch of a new philanthropic driven campaign called “Snack & Give” in market nationally throughout the back-to-school period from August 7 to September 24, 2023.
Lactalis Canada Acquires Premium Dessert Manufacturer Marie Morin Canada
August 1, 2023
Lactalis Canada today announced that it has reached an agreement with Marie Morin Canada to acquire its business based in Canada*. The acquisition will see Lactalis Canada entering the dessert category, in both the Canadian and U.S. markets, and joins Lactalis Canada’s extensive dairy portfolio of cheese, tablespreads, yogourt and fluid brands.
Lactalis Canada’s Mark Taylor Named 2023 Most Influential CEO – Toronto Food & Beverage Manufacturing by CEO Monthly Magazine
July 6, 2023
Lactalis Canada, the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands like Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, Balderson, Astro and Lactantia and a subsidiary of France-based Lactalis Group, is pleased to announce Lactalis Canada President & CEO Mark Taylor has been named Most Influential CEO 2023 – Toronto Food & Beverage Manufacturing by international publication CEO Monthly Magazine.
Lactalis Canada Releases 2022 ESG Report
May 3, 2023
Lactalis Canada today released Lactalis Canada’s 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report which highlights the company’s drive to embed real and meaningful change across the organization and contribute to the wellbeing of the people, planet and communities it serves.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Nathalie Cusson as General Manager of its Fluid Division
May 2, 2023
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the promotion of Nathalie Cusson to the position of General Manager of its Fluid Division effective May 1, 2023.
Lactalis Canada’s Astro Original Brand Underscores Its True Simplicity in New Campaign
March 20, 2023
We have launched a new marketing campaign for Astro Original aimed to celebrate its 50-years of expertise in making natural, simple and high-quality yogourt.
Lactalis Canada NEXT Ventures Inaugural Innovation Program Selects Winning Project
February 8, 2023
Crowdsourcing program draws over 100 submissions geared toward waste reduction.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Alexander Benedet as Vice President, Customer Strategy & Development
January 9, 2023
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Alexander Benedet to the position of Vice President, Customer Strategy & Development.
Lactalis Canada Foodservice Joins Canadian Culinary Federation as National Dairy Partner
December 6, 2022
We are pleased to announce a new national partnership aimed at delivering excellence in foodservice.
Lactalis Canada’s Khaas and siggi’s Brands Add Renowned Dairy Farmers of Canada Blue Cow Logo
September 27, 2022
Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) and Lactalis Canada are pleased to announce that DFC’s Blue Cow Logo will now appear on the company’s Khaas Dahi and Khaas Halal and siggi’s yogourt products.
Lactalis Canada to Expand Plant-Based Offering with New Converted Production Facility in Sudbury, Ontario
August 10, 2022
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce that the company will be expanding its plant-based product offering with its existing Sudbury, Ontario plant converted into a modern, dedicated plant-based production facility over the coming months.
Lactalis Canada Takes Top Honours at the 2022 American Cheese Society Judging & Competition
August 4, 2022
Lactalis Canada received top spots at the 2022 American Cheese Society (ACS) Judging & Competition on July 21, 2022 in Portland, Oregon.
Lactalis Canada Wins International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Excellence
June 30, 2022
We have received the prestigious IABC Gold Quill Award of Excellence in the Special and Experiential Events category for the company’s inaugural Lactalis Canada #Connect 2021 all-employee virtual event.
Lactalis Canada Releases 2021 ESG Report
May 25, 2022
2021 ESG Report highlights company progress on goals and commitments in driving meaningful change.
Lactalis Canada Partners with South Nation Conservation to Create 12-Acre Forest
May 9, 2022
Partnership features 10,000 trees at Lactalis Canada’s Winchester site.
Lactalis Canada Recognizes Earth Day with New Innovation Program, Focused on Waste Reduction in 2022
April 22, 2022
Lactalis Canada NEXT Ventures designed to spur and accelerate future thinking, innovation and creativity.
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Stephane Chatel as Vice President, Quality Assurance
April 6, 2022
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Stephane Chatel to the position of Vice President, Quality Assurance, effective April 4, 2022.
Lactalis Canada Named on the Forbes 2022 List of Canada’s Best Employers for Second Consecutive Year
January 26, 2022
We are proud to be named on the Forbes List of Canada’s Best Employers for 2022.
Lactalis Canada and Mapleview Agri Donate 24,500 Kilograms of Formula for Calves to Help Support B.C. Dairy Farms Recovering from Flooding Disaster
January 7, 2022
24,500 kilograms of milk replacer to be delivered to B.C. dairy farms mid-January to nourish calves for over two months.
Highlights
Environment
Lactalis Canada Joins World Cleanup Day 2025
October 20, 2025
Earlier this month, our incredible Lactalis Canada team came together from across the country to participate in #WorldCleanupDay2025 – a global movement that empowers people to show their commitment to a cleaner, healthier environment. Through collective efforts, we helped remove litter from parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, and oceans, reinforcing our dedication to sustainability and community care.
Way to go, #TeamLactalisCanada!
#LactalisCanadaExperience
Lactalis Canada Dairy Exploration Day: Ingleside & Winchester
September 17, 2025
Part of the Lactalis Canada employee experience places a strong emphasis on enhancing understanding of our business and one of the ways we do this is through our Employee hashtag#DairyExplorationDay which offers an in-depth perspective into our supply chain, from farm to fork, while also making an impact in the communities we operate in. Earlier this week, team members from our Ingleside and Winchester sites participated in a fully immersive day in Eastern Ontario that included an “exchange” tour, where participants had the opportunity to tour opposite sites and a visit to nearby Thurler Farms. The group also visited Winchester Community Food Share where they helped with meal prep and delivered a donation through the Lactalis Canada Community Enrichment Fund.
People
Empowher ERG Virtual Speaker Series: “Back-To Routine” Reimagined
September 16, 2025
Lactalis Canada’s EmpowHer Employee Resource Group (ERG) kicked off its new Virtual Speaker Series with a conversation on reimagining the “back-to-routine” season.
With insights from Julie Aube (Parent Pulse Coaching) and Dr. Jennifer Bolt, PhD (PRIMED for Life Education Inc.), employees explored practical strategies around:
Rethinking work-life balance;
Building daily routines that integrate work and life;
Managing transitions with resilience.
The session, held on National Working Parents Day, highlighted the experiences of working parents while offering takeaways relevant to some of our employees who are navigating change as parents. A big thank you to our speakers and the EmpowHer ERG for creating space for meaningful dialogue that supports our people both personally and professionally.
What We Stand For
Lactalis Canada Welcomed Ontario Premier Ford & Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness at Rakely Plant
July 29, 2025
On July 29, 2025, we were pleased to welcome Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones to our Lactalis Canada processing facility in Etobicoke, Ontario.
As a major employer and leading dairy company with a significant presence in Ontario — including 2,800 team members across 11 operating sites — Lactalis Canada values its strong partnership with the Ontario government.
During the visit, our President & CEO Mark Taylor had a productive discussion with the Premier and Minister Jones, focusing on key priorities to strengthen the province’s manufacturing sector.
Business
Lactalis Canada: First Official Supplier Member of the Canada Grocery Code
July 2, 2025
Lactalis Canada is the first supplier to be officially registered as a member of the Office of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct (OGSCC). The Canada Grocery Code is an industry-led set of rules and principles designed to promote fairness and stability in the grocery industry. Lactalis Canada’s inaugural membership along with first retailer member Empire Company Limited is a significant step forward in the implementation of the Canada Grocery Code, setting a new standard for industry accountability and partnership and demonstrating Lactalis Canada’s steadfast commitment to the core principles and values enshrined in the Canada Grocery Code.
Celebration
2025 Star Women in Grocery Award Winner
June 24, 2025
Congratulations to Lactalis Canada’s Rose Postiglione, Director of Customer Service who has received a Canadian Grocer Magazine 2025 Star Women in Grocery Award: Shining-Level Star Award!
With over 20 years of industry experience in Supply Chain and Customer Collaboration, Rose has held progressive roles at leading CPG companies in Canada. Since joining Lactalis Canada in 2023, she has driven key enhancements in Customer Collaboration to strengthen relationships, performance, and shared value.
Congratulations to Rose and all the 2025 Star Women in Grocery winners – women who demonstrate leadership, get results and have a passion for what they do!
Celebration
Lactalis Canada Celebrates Talent and Achievements at 2025 Lactalis Canada Connect Event
June 19, 2025
In June 2025, our team from across the country came together – both in person and virtually – for our annual all-employee event #LactalisCanadaConnect (#LCC25). This year’s theme, “In Concert to Be Better Together”, was a great occasion to showcase our achievements, highlight our current priorities and long-term objectives, and celebrate our people as well as our Champion and Leadership Role Model award recipients – all through the power of music.
Celebration
Lactalis Canada Honours 2024 Champions at Annual Lactalis Canada Connect Event
June 19, 2025
At Lactalis Canada, our annual Champions Awards program recognizes our incredible colleagues who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating our core values of Ambition, Commitment and Simplicity, along with our Lactalis Leadership Model pillars: Care, Share, Dare and Inspire. This year, we were also pleased to introduce the inaugural Lactalis Canada Leadership Role Model Awards – a new program recognizing members of our leadership team who have shown an outstanding demonstration of our leadership pillars.
Congratulations to all of our 2024 Champions and Leadership Role Model Award recipients! Your dedication, leadership, and contributions continue to shape the Lactalis Canada experience.
ESG
Lactalis Canada Inaugural ESG Summit
December 2, 2024
Lactalis Canada’s cross-functional teams gathered at the LEED-certified 1 Hotels Toronto for the company’s inaugural ESG Summit, which focused on thought-provoking discussions, impactful workshops, and meaningful connections on sustainability, social responsibility, and governance. Participants explored key topics like climate change solutions, sustainable packaging, and integrating ESG into our daily roles and across our supply chain, and had the opportunity to gain insights from ESG industry experts.
Innovation
Lactalis Canada’s 2024 NEXT Ventures Pitch Day
November 8, 2024
Designed to bring new ideas to the forefront by reimagining and rethinking processes, technologies, products, and business models through future thinking, creativity and digital transformation, the third iteration of Lactalis Canada’s NEXT Ventures internal innovation competition saw participants exploring this year’s question: How can we simplify at Lactalis Canada? With nearly 135 submissions, finalists pitched their ideas to enhance efficiency and simplicity. Congratulations to everyone who participated in driving innovation at Lactalis Canada!
Environment
Lactalis Canada Joins World Cleanup Day 2024
October 8, 2024
Our dedicated Lactalis Canada team across the country joined hands with our colleagues at Lactalis Group worldwide for #WorldCleanupDay2024. This annual event serves as a rally call for people across the globe to showcase their commitment to our planet by coming together for a day to clean up litter from parks, beaches, lakes, rivers, and oceans. Here’s Team Lactalis Canada in action!
Celebration
Lactalis Canada Honours 2023 Champions at Annual Lactalis Canada Connect Event
June 24, 2024
At Lactalis Canada, our annual Champions Awards program recognizes our incredible team members who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, continuous improvement and a commitment to living our company values and purpose! Congratulations and well done to our 2023 Champions who were celebrated at our annual all-employee event Lactalis Canada hashtag#Connect in June and were recognized for their important contributions to Lactalis Canada!
Celebration
Lactalis Canada Celebrates Talent and Achievements at 2024 Lactalis Canada Connect Event
June 20, 2024
In June 2024 , the entire 4000+ Lactalis Canada team across the country gathered virtually and in-person for the annual #LactalisCanadaConnect all-employee event to recognize talented people, celebrate achievements, and gear up for what’s ahead for the business. Each of the presented segments and topics featured Lactalis Canada's very own talent and were inspired by top TV shows, iconic game shows and acclaimed movies – from the CEO address and functional and divisional updates to the Champions Award ceremony.
What We Stand For
Mark Taylor Addresses Southwestern Ontario Dairy Farmers at Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium
February 22, 2024
Lactalis Canada President & CEO Mark Taylor addressed several hundred Ontario Dairy Farmers and members of the dairy industry at the Southwestern Ontario Dairy Symposium in Woodstock, Ontario hosted by Dairy Farmers of Ontario and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Through a lively discussion moderated by Gilles Froment, Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Affairs, Lactalis Canada, Mark highlighted the importance Lactalis Canada places on our partnership with farmers to strengthen the overall industry in Canada and our common objectives on key issues such as sustainability, animal welfare, carbon reduction, dairy sector investment and the Grocery Code of Conduct in Canada.
Innovation
Federal Agriculture & Agri-Food Minister Announces Supply Management Processing Investment For Lactalis Canada Ingleside
February 5, 2024
Lactalis Canada was pleased to host the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC) at our Ingleside, Ontario plant, where he announced the Government of Canada’s $89M support to the Supply Management Processing Investment Fund. As a project beneficiary, Lactalis Canada is pleased to receive $3.343M from AAFC through this Fund, which coupled with Lactalis Group’s investment of more than $11M, will enable a modernization project that will see new cheese processing and packaging equipment at our Ingleside site.
#LactalisCanadaExperience
Lactalis Canada Announces Appointment of Tom Szostok as Senior Vice President of Sales
October 10, 2023
Lactalis Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Szostok to the position of Senior Vice President, Sales, effective October 10, 2023.
People
Dairy Exploration Day for Quebec Employees
October 5, 2023
Part of the Lactalis Canada employee experience places a strong emphasis on enhancing #OurPeople's understanding of our business. One of the ways we do this is through our employee dairy exploration day which offers an in-depth perspective on our supply chain, from farm to fork. On October 5, members from our various Quebec locations joined us for a fully immersive day that include a tour of our very own Montreal plant, a dairy facility and a visit to a local farm.
Business
Lactalis Canada Invests in New Distribution Centre in Oshawa, Ontario
September 19, 2023
Lactalis Canada is entering into a long-term lease for a new distribution centre located in Oshawa, Ontario, principally for its cheese and tablespreads supply chain network. Set to open in Q4 2024, the agreement was facilitated by CBRE Limited and the distribution centre will be developed, built, and leased by Broccolini with construction beginning immediately. The design of the facility was supported by GKC Architecture and Design.
Brand Awards
Lactalis Canada once again recognized as one of Most Trusted Brands in Canada and #1 in Dairy
August 31, 2023
Lactalis Canada has once again ranked one of the Most Trusted Brands in Canada and #1 in in the Dairy Products and Alternatives category on the 2023 Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI) consumer trust study conducted by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the @University of Victoria in British Columbia.
Business
Lactalis Canada Acquires Premium Dessert Manufacturer Marie Morin Canada
August 1, 2023
Lactalis Canada reached an agreement with Quebec-based dessert manufacturer Marie Morin Canada to to acquire its business based in Canada*. This acquisition marks Lactalis Canada’s entry into the dessert category, in both the Canadian and U.S. markets, with the addition of Marie Morin’s product line of premium desserts featuring the finest traditional recipes including its signature crème brûlée, chocolate mousse and cheesecakes. With this exciting news, we welcome 52 Marie Morin Canada employees and will also add Marie Morin’s production facility in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec to our operations.
Brand Awards
Brandspark’s 2023 Most Trusted Yogourt Brands
July 5, 2023
Lactalis Canada’s Astro (Balkan yogourt category), siggi’s (Icelandic skyr category), Olympic (Organic yogourt category) and Khaas (Halal yogourt category) have been named BrandSpark® ’s 2023 Most Trusted yogourt brands in Canada by the consumer-driven Most Trusted Awards.
Community
Lactalis Canada Supports Youth Mental Health at Annual Kids Help Phone Walk
May 7, 2023
As part of Lactalis Canada’s founding partnership with Kids Help Phone, we were proud to once again participate in the annual Walk so Kids Can Talk event held at various locations across Canada in support of youth mental health and wellbeing.
ESG
Lactalis Canada Recognizes Earth Day
April 22, 2023
For Earth Day 2023, Lactalis Canada is making a tree planting contribution to Tree Canada’s National Greening Program which has seen over 84 million trees planted across the country. The program, which includes tree-for-tree matching by the Government of Canada, provides first priority to plant on Indigenous and public lands, areas affected by natural or human-caused disasters and includes 1 , 2- and 5-year assessments to ensure the survivability of the trees. As part of our ESG commitment, Lactalis Canada is proud to support this program that restores forests and wildlife habitats, contributing to cleaner air, soil and waterways in Canada.
Innovation
VisionDairy Innovation Summit
March 10, 2023
We were pleased to host VisionDairy – our first innovation summit – to inspire, ignite and spur ideas around our brands and products. Members from various cross functional teams gathered at 100 QQE in downtown Toronto to hear from food and industry experts and futurists on various topics from building an innovation culture, megatrends and new culinary arts and science to what’s next in retail, emerging flavours, future tech and more.
Brand Awards
2023 Product of the Year Winner
February 3, 2023
Lactalis Canada’s Cracker Barrel cheese sauce kit Alfredo won the 2023 Product of the Year Canada – the largest consumer-voted award for product innovation – in the Soup & Sauces category.
People
Employee Farm & Plant Visit
November 17, 2022
We’re committed to providing our people across sites and functions with a deeper understanding of our business, including a view into our supply chain from farm to fork. Some employees had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into dairy processing and farming with a full-day that included visiting one of our Ontario plants, product tasting, research facility and dairy farm.
Celebration
Victoriaville, Quebec Plant Celebrates 75 Years
November 11, 2022
In 2022, Lactalis Canada celebrates the 75th anniversary of our Victoriavile, Quebec plant - its rich history, beloved and iconic brands Lactantia and Ficello, its vital role as a valuable community member and most importantly its 500 member team.
Innovation
Lactalis Canada’s NEXT
November 4, 2022
Lactalis Canada’s NEXT Ventures is a brand new innovation program designed to spur and accelerate future thinking, innovation and creativity empowering our people and leveraging internal crowdsourcing to explore ideas and bring to market new products, processes, technologies or business models!
Awards & Distinctions
2025
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Community Service
Community Service Award for P’tit Québec’s P’tits projets pas si p’tits Campaign – P’tit Lounge d’église
2025
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Sustainability
Sustainability Award for Lactalis Canada’s Oshawa, Ontario Distribution Centre
2025
Silver
American Cheese Society - Mature Cheddar
Balderson 2-Year Old Cheddar Mature Cheddar
2025
Greater Toronto’s Top Employers For 2025
2025
Forbes 2025
Canada’s Best Employers
2025
Best New Product Awards
Enjoy! Plant-Based Beverages – Plant-Based Beverages category
Président Vintage Scottish Cheddar – Cheddar Cheese category
Lactantia Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese – Cream Cheese category
2025
BrandSpark® Most Trusted Awards in Canada
Lactantia – Butter Category
Balderson – Premium Aged Cheddar Category
Black Diamond & Cracker Barrel – Cheddar Cheese Category (in a tie)
Olympic – Organic Yogurt Category
siggi’s – Icelandic Skyr Yogurt Category
Khaas Halal – Halal Yogurt Category
2024
BrandSpark® Most Trusted Awards in Canada
Lactantia – Butter Category
Balderson – Premium Aged Cheddar Category
2024
American Package Design Award
Graphic Design USA (GDUSA)
Lactalis Canada’s Krema brand’s new packaging recognized with American Package Design Award
2024
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Community Service
Lactalis Canada’s P’tit Québec brand initiative in the small town of Sainte-Edwidge focuses on the community
2024
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Sustainability
Lactalis Canada Supply Chain Team’s Intermodal Transportation Program in Western Canada
2024
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award
Audio/Visual category
Company’s 2023 Year-in-Review corporate video
2024
Best New Product Awards
Siggi’s High Protein Yogurts: Banana & Raspberry
Balderson Mature Tasting Trio
Cracker Barrel Mediterranean Medley Blends
Cracker Barrel Signature Smoked Cheddar Range
2024
Product of the Year Canada
Cheese | Balderson Aged Gouda
Cheeseboard | Balderson Mature Tasting Trio
Kids Snacks | iÖGO nanö 900mL drinkable yogurt
2023
#1
University of Victoria in British Columbia, 2023 Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI)
Most Trusted Brands in Canada
#1 Dairy Products and Alternatives category
2023
Gordon Food Service Vendor Involvement Process Awards
Fruit, Vegetable and Dairy category
Lactalis Canada Foodservice recognized with Cornerstone Award for Best in Class Supplier
2023
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Community Service
Lactalis Canada P’tit Quebec brand’s P’tits projets pas si P’tits community focused initiative
2023
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Supporting Employees
Supporting Employees through the #LactalisExperience
2023
3rd
2023 American Cheese Society
Balderson Aged Cheddar – Mature Cheddar (Aged 48 or more months – all milks)
2023
Silver
Canadian Public Relations Society (Toronto Chapter) - Achieving Communications Excellence (ACE) Awards
Lactalis Canada’s iÖGO From Here For Here campaign in the Best Social Media Campaign and/or Best Use of Influencers category.
2023
BrandSpark® Most Trusted Yogurt Brands in Canada
Astro – Balkan Yogurt Category
siggi’s – Icelandic Skyr Category
Olympic – Organic Yogurt Category
Khaas – Halal Yogurt Category
2023
Product of the Year Canada
Cracker Barrel cheese sauce kit Alfredo
2023
Best New Product Awards
Black Diamond 4 Cheese Sauce, Cracker Barrel Cheese Sauce Kit Alfredo and Balderson Smoked Gouda.
2022
Pinnacle Award
Supplier of the Year
Lactalis Canada Foodservice division
2022
Forbes 2022
Canada’s Best Employers
2022
Best New Product Awards Canada
Balderson Truffle Cheddar, Cracker Barrel Sweet Combo, Cracker Barrel Signature Blends, and Black Diamond Cheestrings Probiotic
2022
BrandSpark® Most Trusted Awards
1st Balderson – Premium Aged and Cheddar Cheese
2022
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Gold Quill Award of Excellence
Special and Experiential Events category
Inaugural Lactalis Canada #Connect all-employee virtual event!
2022
1st
2022 American Cheese Society
1st Balderson 5-Year-Old Cheddar Mature Cheddar – aged 48 or more months – all milks
1st Balderson Spreadable – Open Category – Cold-Pack and Club Cheeses – all milks
1st Lactantia Salted Butter – Butter with or without cultures – made from cow’s milk
1st Lactantia Unsalted Butter – Unsalted Butter with or without cultures – made from cow’s milk
2022
Canadian Grocer Magazine Impact Award
Community Service
Lactalis Canada P’tit Quebec brand’s P’tits projets pas si P’tits community focused initiative
2022
Gold
2022 Global Cheese Awards
Balderson 5 Year Aged Cheddar – Canadian Cheddar and Extra Mature Cheddar Category
2022
Ad Club of Toronto Award
Best Large Format Digital Board Campaign
Lactalis Canada’s Black Diamond Cheestrings Keep It Cheesy billboard campaign