The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) is proud to reflect on an incredible 10 days at the 2026 Calgary Stampede. It was an honour to once again be part of one of Alberta’s most celebrated events while showcasing the innovation, quality, and strength of our province’s food and beverage manufacturing sector.

This year, AFPA was excited to host the Made in Alberta booth in the BMO Centre, where eight Alberta food and beverage companies showcased and sold their products while connecting with thousands of consumers from Alberta, across Canada, and around the world. The booth provided an outstanding opportunity to introduce visitors to the incredible products being made right here in Alberta and to encourage support for local businesses.

AFPA was also proud to partner with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Calgary International Ag Committee on the Made in Alberta Box as part of the Let’s Grow Canada initiative. The boxes featured a selection of Alberta-made products that were sampled by attendees, highlighting the quality and diversity of our food and beverage sector. In addition, Alberta-made products were once again featured in the Made in Alberta International Ag Lounge in the Nutrien Centre, giving national and international guests another opportunity to experience the best of Alberta.

Beyond showcasing products, AFPA spent the 10 days actively engaging with government, industry leaders, and partners to ensure Alberta’s food and beverage manufacturing sector remained front and centre in conversations about the future of our industry. Our team attended numerous meetings and events with Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Tara Sawyer, elected officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across the country.

AFPA was also proud to attend and participate in the official unveiling of Alberta’s new Whisky Label, celebrating another important milestone for Alberta-made products and recognizing the continued growth and success of Alberta’s world-class distilling industry.

Our team also participated in the Alberta NDP Agriculture Roundtable, attended the Taste of Western Canada event with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and government ministers, and took part in many other industry, networking, and policy events throughout Stampede.

We would like to thank Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, for taking the time to meet privately with the AFPA team. The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss the priorities of Alberta’s food and beverage processors and reinforce the critical role our sector plays in Canada’s economy and food security.

Throughout the week, AFPA advocated on behalf of Alberta’s food and beverage manufacturers on key issues including trade and tariffs, workforce development, regulatory modernization, investment, funding opportunities, market access, and long-term food security. These direct conversations with government leaders continue to ensure Alberta processors have a strong voice at decision-making tables while advancing practical, achievable solutions that help businesses grow, invest, create jobs, and remain competitive.

As Canada’s largest manufacturing industry, food and beverage processing is essential to building a strong, resilient economy. Calgary Stampede provided an exceptional opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate Alberta-made success stories, and demonstrate how Alberta food and beverage companies can continue to be part of the solution to feeding Canada and the world.

Thank you to our members, partners, exhibitors, volunteers, and everyone who visited the Made in Alberta booth or participated in our events throughout the week. Your support helps showcase the incredible companies and products that make Alberta’s food and beverage manufacturing sector one of the strongest in the country.

We look forward to building on the momentum from Calgary Stampede 2026 as we continue working to grow, protect, and connect Alberta’s food and beverage manufacturing industry.