Hear from a panel of producers that share their experiences selling their products online, including information about the platform they chose, why they chose it, what worked well, what they would change and tips to consider when looking for a platform.
Local food resources
Links
- Government of Alberta Agri-food and local food
- Government of Alberta Consumer data and analysis
- Consumer Corner - This series provides insights on the latest consumer food trends in Alberta, Canada and Global market. Some key reports include:
- Issue 56: COVID 19 and the Canadian Consumer
- Issue 49: E-Commerce trends (for the online consumer)
- Issue 47: Local Food
- Trends in Retail - This newsletter highlights developments in the food service and grocery retail sectors in Alberta and Canada.
- Alberta Retail Grocery Sales - Data on annual sale values for all perishable and dry grocery (food) categories sold through all retail channels in Alberta.
- Consumer Corner - This series provides insights on the latest consumer food trends in Alberta, Canada and Global market. Some key reports include:
- Government of Alberta Food safety
- Government of Alberta resources for local food producers
- guides and regulations for various markets and products, food hub manuals and reports on local food demand
- COVID-19 information: Guidance for Farmers' Markets and Public Markets
- COVID-19 information: Guide for U-Pick Farms (for producer websites and for print)
- Government of Alberta, Ministry of Health: Food Regulation (June 2020)
- Government of Alberta, Ministry of Health: Food retail and foodservices code (June 2020)
- Federal/Provincial/Territorial Food Safety Committee: Food retail and foodservices code (2016)
- Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association
- Alberta Farmers' Market Association
- Alberta Farm Animal Care Association
Webinars
Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
- Farm Direct Marketing Trends - April 4, 2018
Research tells us that in Alberta 78% of consumers made at least one purchase at a farmers’ market in 2016. The value of food purchased at farmers’ markets and farm retail exceeded one billion dollars and accounted for about 10 per cent of Alberta’s annual household food expenditure. Join Mimi Lee to learn the key drivers for the increase in direct marketing sales and see recent statistics comparing direct marketing farms in Alberta with those in other provinces. - Safe Food for Canadians Regulations – December 3, 2019
Speakers: Liz Zip, Leanne Ness, and Ryan Sefton, (CFIA)
The Safe Food for Canadians Regulation came into effect in January 2019. All food producers need to know and follow the regulations that pertain to their business. This webinar will provide a general overview of the new regulations and the changes they bring to producing and selling food in Alberta. It will include specific production and marketing examples. Liz Yip with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is presenting this webinar.
- Alberta Food Regulations for Farmers’ Market Managers and Vendors – March 5, 2020
This webinar is about Alberta Health Services food regulations for farmers’ market managers and vendors requirements for 2020. Discover how an Alberta approved farmers’ market differs from other public markets under the law. Learn what you can and can’t sell at an Alberta approved farmers’ market. Find out how to safely display product at the market. Delve into the requirements for sampling and hand washing stations, and so much more…
- Alternative Market Channels - April 16, 2020
Many Alberta food entrepreneurs are familiar with the traditional market options available for them to sell their products – from farmers’ markets to food service to retail. But there are many other options that may be less well known. Margurite Thiessen will talk about the opportunity to access new markets including online, major sporting events and more. - Pricing 101 (Part 1): Know your Cost of Production/Break Even Points - June 18, 2020
You need a good understanding of how to determine your product costs before you can talk price. This webinar will explore the importance of knowing your actual cost of production and provide insight on how to determine your break even point. We will also look at how to use that knowledge to make sound business decisions. Join Marissa Brewer, new venture specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, as she helps you solve the mystery of pricing your food products. - Pricing 101 (Part 2): Adjusting for change - June 25, 2020
With a clear understanding of your actual costs, you are well positioned to determine a fair price for your food products. Are your prices accurate? Are you leaving money on the table or charging too much? Attend this webinar to hear Marissa Brewer, new venture specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, discuss the basics of pricing, and how change can affect your price. - The E-commerce Experience - Nov. 18, 2020