Grocery retailers and CPG leaders take the stage at RCC’s Retail Sustainability Conference

Sustainability has become a defining issue for retailers in Canada and nowhere is that more evident than in grocery, CPG and QSR sectors. From packaging regulations and EPR transitions to logistics and consumer expectations, retailers and manufacturers sit squarely at the centre of change. This year’s Retail Sustainability Conference, hosted by Retail Council of Canada, is bringing those challenges to the forefront with comprehensive programming, an outstanding lineup of sector leaders, and first-ever half-day workshops.

Taking place on October 29–30, 2025 at the Toronto Congress Centre, the conference will gather senior executives from grocery, CPG, policy, manufacturing, and retail operations to tackle the realities of implementing sustainability across the supply chain. The program is designed for decision-makers who need frameworks, partnerships and strategies they can bring back to their teams.

Global Voices Driving the Conversation

Featuring global and Canadian leaders from top retailers and CPG brands, the agenda reveals how international policy shifts, packaging innovation, sourcing, waste reduction and ESG reporting are driving real change inside their organizations.

• Sheri Flies, Senior Vice President, Global Sustainability and Compliance, Costco Wholesale
• Jim Andrew, Executive Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo
• Kristina Friedman, Head of Sustainability for North America, Unilever
• Ashley Fill, Director, Global Sustainability Communications, Procter and Gamble
• Joshua Goodman, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Sobeys
• Randy Huffman, Chief Food Safety and Sustainability Officer, Maple Leaf Foods
• Gabriella Carrier, Global Sustainable Procurement Manager, McCain Foods

Half-Day Workshops: From Goal-Setting to Implementation

NEW this year, an expanded program with half-day workshops designed to tackle the operational realities that senior executives face, offering solution-oriented discussions and clear actions to move forward.

• Producer and Regulator Perspectives on EPR Transitions will bring together producer and regulator perspectives on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), focusing on cost pressures, compliance, and oversight.
• Enabling Zero-Emission Delivery, led by IKEA Canada and PowerON, will dig into fleet transition strategies, charging infrastructure, and the funding incentives available to help businesses accelerate adoption at scale.

Why the RCC Retail Sustainability Matters Now

With packaging and waste regulations evolving across the country, the stakes are especially high for retail and CPG sectors. RCC’s Retail Sustainability event provides a sector-wide view of what’s next, including:

• EPR implementation timelines and compliance risks
• Consumer expectations around reuse, compostables and recyclability
• Budgeting for sustainability in a high-cost environment
• Procurement strategies and supplier accountability
• Retail–manufacturer partnerships that share risk and reward

Rather than tackling issues in silos, this conference line-up will address how sustainability is reshaping sourcing, merchandising, logistics, operations and store development.

“In Canada and around the world, regulators are advancing sustainability regulations, consumers are demanding greater transparency, and supply chains are being reshaped by circularity, climate resilience, and more responsible sourcing. In this environment of economic uncertainty and trade pressures, our role is clear: to keep pushing the needle forward through collaboration and shared goals. This conference is where leaders align strategy with innovation and partnerships that drive impact.” Michael Zabaneh, Vice President, Sustainability, Retail Council of Canada

Where to Learn More

Find more information on programming and tickets is available at RCCRetailSustainability.ca.