Trump Tariff Attack Reality, Grading Canada's Response and Special Guest Industry Icon John Pigott, CEO of Morrison Lamothe

The latest episode of The Food Professor Podcast delivers a timely and insightful discussion on the state of Canadian agriculture, the impact of Trump's tariffs, which Canadian politicians had the best response to, and what it means for the food industry. Hosts Michael LeBlanc and Sylvain Charlebois break down new trade restrictions' economic and political ripple effects, discussing the challenges of retaliatory tariffs, fluctuating commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions.

Our guest, John Pigott, CEO of Morrison Lamothe and a leader in the food industry for over three decades brings his deep expertise to the conversation. John reflects on his journey in the Canadian food sector, sharing valuable lessons on innovation, leadership, and navigating market shifts. From growing his family's bakery business into a major supplier of frozen foods and private-label products to his recent recognition as a Golden Pencil Award winner, John discusses the evolution of the industry and the importance of strategic thinking in times of crisis.

One key theme of the discussion is the role of private-label brands in shaping the future of grocery retail. John highlights how Canadian food manufacturers have thrived by partnering with retailers to develop high-quality private-label products, offering a competitive advantage against national brands. He emphasizes that while tariffs pose a significant challenge, they also present an opportunity for Canadian businesses to rethink their strategies and expand into new global markets beyond the U.S.

The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical landscape, including China's response to U.S. tariffs, the increasing presence of Mexican food products in Canada, and the potential for Canada to strengthen its agricultural exports to emerging markets. John argues that Canada's food sector has unique advantages—vast farmland, fresh water, and strong production capabilities—that position it as a global leader in food security.

In the episode, John shares his philosophy on leadership, mentorship, and the importance of "returning" knowledge to the next generation. Now, in the "third act" of his career, he is focused on mentoring young entrepreneurs and helping them navigate the challenges of growing a business in today's uncertain economic climate.

From trade tensions to leadership wisdom, this episode is packed with critical insights for food industry professionals, retailers, and consumers. Tune in to hear how Canada can adapt, innovate, and turn adversity into opportunity.

About Us

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Visiting Professor in Food Policy and Distribution at McGill University and a Professor in Food Distribution and Policy in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He is also the Senior Director of the Agri-food Analytics Lab, also located at Dalhousie University.

Known as “The Food Professor”, his current research interest lies in the broad area of food distribution, security and safety. He is one of the world’s most cited scholars in food supply chain management, food value chains and traceability with over 775 published peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Charlebois is also an editor for the prestigious Trends in Food Science Technology journal. 

He co-hosts The Food Professor podcast, discussing issues in the food, foodservice, grocery and restaurant industries and which is the most listened Canadian management podcast in Canada. 

Every year since 2012, he has published the now highly anticipated Canadian Food Price Report, which provides an overview of food price trends for the coming year. Furthermore, his research has been featured in several newspapers and media groups, nationally as well as internationally. He has testified on several occasions before parliamentary committees on food policy-related issues as an expert witness. He has been asked to act as an advisor on food and agricultural policies in many Canadian provinces and other countries.

With extensive experience collaborating with businesses, governments, and NGOs, Dr. Charlebois combines academic rigor with practical expertise, making him one of the most influential voices in the global agri-food landscape. His work continues to advance the understanding of food systems, fostering innovation and resilience in a rapidly evolving industry. In 2025, he received the prestigious Charles III medal recognizing his tremendous work in informing Canadians about food issues.

 Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail, The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast.  He has been recognized by the National Retail Federation (NRF) as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025, and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.