2024 Generation Next winner Jonathan Dufresne (Q&A)

Jonathan Dufresne

Business Development Manager, Conagra Brands Canada

When he applied for a temporary job replacing a territory manager at H.J. Heinz more than a decade ago, Jonathan Dufresne didn’t know it would shape the trajectory of his career. “I saw it as an opportunity to learn about a new industry for a fixed period,” he says. “But, 14 years later, I’m still in CPG and I’m very grateful to have had the chance to contribute to great companies, including H.J. Heinz, Kraft, Mondelēz, Boréale and, now, Conagra Brands.”

At Conagra, Dufresne is currently business development manager for the frozen portfolio for Metro. “As demographics are evolving and suppliers are changing, I have a unique opportunity to collaborate and innovate with retailers to evolve the frozen category,” he says. 

For example, when a key player recently exited several frozen categories in Canada, leaving a significant gap in the market, Dufresne took the opportunity to reshape the frozen aisle with Metro, improving profitability for everyone involved. “I thrive when new situations emerge that require innovative thinking and collaboration to obtain a mutually beneficial solution for consumers, retailers and suppliers.”

See the full list of Generation Next 2024 winners profiles.

Profiles were first published in the December 2024 issue of Canadian Grocer