Industry News
In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Associations
- British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) | The BCRFA is an industry organization that represents over 3,000 restaurant and foodservice businesses across British Columbia. Check out the Resources section for helpful restaurant-related links.
- Canadian Culinary Federation (CCF)| The CCF is Canada's largest professional chefs' organization. Its goal is to unite chefs and cooks across Canada in a common dedication to professional excellence.
- Restaurants Canada (Formerly the CFRA) | Restaurants Canada represents every sector of Canada's foodservice industry. Check out the Industry News and Research sections.
International Associations
- International Caterers Association (ICA) | The ICA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing education, mentoring and resources for professional caterers and promoting the profession of catering to clients, industry members, vendors and the public.
- National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) | The NACE is the oldest and largest catering association in the world. Check out the NACE Business Partner Directory.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for business planning. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
- Catering Foodservice & Events Magazine | A business-to-business trade magazine dedicated to the professional catering industry, featuring stories, columns, news trends, product reviews, and industry profiles.
- Eat Magazine | BC-based food and wine magazine featuring restaurant reviews, recipes, wine recommendations, and more. Published six times a year by Pacific Island Gourmet.
- Food in Canada | The voice of the Canadian food and beverage industry. Includes articles about key industry topics including new technologies, regulatory affairs, risk prevention, logistics and transportation, and consumer trends.
- Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine | Canada's hospitality business magazine. Provides foodservice operators with information on how to successfully grow their businesses.
Consultant & Other Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre | This free resource created by the Vancouver Public Library is an online and in-person resource that helps newcomers to Canada find information to get a job, explore different careers or start a business.
Blogs & Discussion Forums
- Catersource | A website started by industry professionals that discusses current topics in the catering industry, business operations, trends and styles, and more. For podcast episodes, check out Candid Conversations by Catersource.
- The Catering Feed: The Catering Growth Podcast | Conversations with restaurant industry leaders produced by ezCater to help caterers grow their business.
- How I Started My Catering Business | A first-hand account of the tips and tricks caterer Karla Thomas has learnt since beginning her small business.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.