Awards Gala

The Academy Awards of the Meat Industry

2026 Awards Gala

Come Celebrate Excellence in Ontario's Meat & Poultry Industry!

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we recognize the individuals, businesses, and industry leaders who have made outstanding contributions to Ontario’s meat sector.

The Awards Gala is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together everyone in the industry for an evening of recognition, fine dining, and celebration.

  • October 3, 2026
  • The Westin Toronto Airport Hotel
  • 950 Dixon Rd, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada,M9W 5N4

2026 Registration is closed! See you next year! 

​About Awards Gala

The Awards Gala honours the people and organizations whose dedication, innovation, and leadership help strengthen Ontario’s meat and poultry processing sector.

The evening features:

  • Industry recognition and awards presentations
  • Ontario’s Finest Meat Competition winners announcement
  • Crowning of the 2026 Ontario’s Finest Butcher
  • Exceptional food and wine
  • Silent auction to support MPO initiatives
Available Booking Dates: Oct 1, 2026 – Oct 4, 2026

Hotel Booking Information

Why not stay over? A dedicated hotel booking website is now available for Meat Industry Expo 2026 attendees. 

Booking is closed for 2026!

2026

Competition Winners

One of the highlights of the Awards Gala is the unveiling of MPO’s competition winners. The evening recognizes the very best in Ontario’s meat industry, honouring award-winning products and exceptional talent from across the province.
​
Be there as we announce and celebrate:
• Ontario’s Finest Butcher
• Ontario’s Finest Meat Competition Champions

Share in the excitement as industry leaders, innovators, and craftspeople are recognized for their outstanding achievements. 

2026

Ontario's Finest Butcher Competition

The top three competitors from the elimination round advanced to the live championship final at the Meat Industry Expo last October.

The result was revealed at the Awards Gala on October 3, 2026. 

See you in 2027!

Learn More
2026

Ontario's Finest Meat Competition

Registration is close for 2026

See you in 2028!

Learn More
2026

Nomination Process

Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions to Ontario's meat industry?

Help us honour the people and organizations shaping the future of Ontario’s meat processing sector. By submitting a nomination, you’re recognizing the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive our industry forward.

To nominate, simply submit the online application or fill out the associated award applications below. Your completed application needs to be emailed to: Franco Naccarato at Franco@meatpoultryon.ca.
​
Every nomination plays a role in celebrating excellence and ensuring remarkable achievements receive the recognition they deserve. After all, the next name called to the stage could be yours.​

Nomination is closed

Award Categories​

Meat Industry Achievement Award

The MIA Award is given to an MPO Business member, company or individual, that deserves recognition for their achievement in the meat and poultry industry.​

Nominees should demonstrate:

  • Significant industry contributions
  • Leadership and mentorship
  • Long-term commitment to industry advancement
  • Positive impact on the meat processing sector

 

Previous Recipients

  • 2026: Jennifer Haley (Veal Farmers of Ontario)
  • 2025: Weston’s Abattoir
  • 2024: Abate Packers
  • 2021: King Cole Duck
  • 2021: In Memory of Dave Tiller
  • 2016: Hayter’s Farm
  • 2014: Schinkel’s Legacy2013: Conestoga Meat Packers
  • 2011: Halenda’s Fine Foods
  • 2010: Springer’s Meats 
  • 2009: VG Meats
  • 2008: Stemmler’s Meat & Cheese
  • 2007: Leo Rochelaeu
Learn More

Associate Member Recognition Award

The 2026 MPO Associate Member Recognition Award (AMRA) is an industry award where the winner is chosen based on votes from the MPO membership. This honour is given to the Associate Member company that, elected by the membership, is deserving of recognition for their contribution to the association and to the industry.​

Nominees may demonstrate:

  • Exceptional customer service
  • Industry engagement
  • Innovation and support
  • Long-standing partnership with the sector

​
Previous Recipients

  • 2026: PACK3000
  • 2025: Klever Equipped Inc.
  • 2024: The Yes Group Inc.
  • 2023: Pemberton & Associates Inc
  • 2022: FCC Agribusiness & Agri-Food
  • 2021: Viscofan
  • 2020: Multivac
  • 2019: Reiser
  • 2018: VC999
  • 2017: Handtmann Canada Ltd.
  • 2016 Malabar
Learn More

Community Hero Award

This award was created to honour individuals or businesses who exemplify unparalleled generosity and unwavering commitment to the betterment of their community. This award seeks to recognize the unsung heroes who selfless actions and dedication breathe life into the spirit of community.​
Nominees should exemplify:
Community involvement
Volunteer leadership
Charitable contributions
Positive community impact

​​Previous Recipients

2026: Kostas Dikeos, D&D Poultry
2025: Richard & Ola Halenda, Halenda’s Fine Foods
2024: In honour of Joe Abate
Learn More

Public Service Recognition Award

This award was created to celebrate the partnership and collaboration we have with local, provincial and federal governments. As a regulated industry, we work side by side with our public counterparts in the pursuit of producing safe, nutritious, and sustainable food every day.​ Nominees may demonstrate: Industry advocacy Public service leadership Regulatory collaboration Advancement of industry initiatives ​

Previous Recipients

2024: Nick VanLankveld - OMAFA training at CMIT
2022: Kelly McAslan and Natasha Bartlett - Interprovincial Trade
Learn More

Member Milestone Recognition

Celebrating Years of Membership! Every year, we proudly recognize members who have reached significant milestones in their membership journey with MPO. Honouring: 10-Year Members 25-Year Members 40-Year Members These milestones reflect years of dedication, partnership, and commitment to the industry and our association. ​

10-Years Members

Congratulations!

  • J & G Quality Meats ⁠
  • Parkhill Meats ⁠
  • Erb Transport 

25-Years Members

Congratulations!

  • MULTIVAC Canada⁠
  • Sikorski Sausages Company⁠
  • Finest Sausage & Meats⁠
  • Stephen’s Butcher Shop⁠

40-Years Members

Congratulations!

  •  L’Orignal Packing⁠
  •  MMIS Inc. ⁠
  •  Walnut Hill Farm⁠

Silent Auction

Bid on incredible items while supporting industry initiatives. Our Silent Auction features something for everyone to participate in. Items may include:

  • Gift certificates
  • Sporting event tickets
  • Electronics
  • Travel and entertainment packages
  • Industry products and services
  • Exclusive experiences
  • And more…

Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a unique experience, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to participate, while also contributing to support our community!