Welcome to Lokal.

Founded in 2018 by Gerrit Janssen, Lokal was created with a simple mission: to support, connect, and celebrate local businesses. What began as an extension of lessons learned through previous ventures has evolved into a platform dedicated to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, makers, and brands.

At Lokal, we believe that strong communities are built through meaningful connections. Our goal is not simply to host events, but to create environments where businesses can grow, collaborate, and thrive. From small start-ups and farmers market vendors to emerging brands and established national companies, we are passionate about creating spaces where people and products can be discovered.

Over the years, Lokal has become the birthplace of several successful events and initiatives, including Lokal's Gluten Free Markets, the Gluten-Free Expo (GF EXPO), and the CPG EXPO. While each event serves a different audience, they all share the same purpose: bringing people together and helping businesses grow.

Lokal's Gluten Free Markets

Lokal's Gluten Free Markets were created to provide a welcoming space where community-focused brands, bakers, artisans, and creators can connect directly with consumers. These markets highlight local businesses and foster the sense of community that has become the foundation of everything we do.

Our markets emphasize personal connections, local entrepreneurship, and supporting independent businesses. They offer shoppers an opportunity to discover unique products while allowing vendors to build relationships with customers and other makers.

GF EXPO – Explore the Gluten-Free World

The Gluten-Free Expo (GF EXPO) was born out of the Lokal community and has grown into one of Western Canada's premier gluten-free events.

The GF EXPO brings together consumers, businesses, retailers, and industry professionals to discover the latest gluten-free products, brands, and innovations. Whether you're living gluten-free, managing celiac disease, exploring new products, or simply looking for delicious food, the event provides a unique opportunity to experience hundreds of products under one roof.

For consumers, the show offers:

• Product sampling and shopping opportunities.
• Access to new and exciting brands.
• Educational presentations and expert speakers.
• A chance to connect with the gluten-free community.

For brands and businesses, the GF EXPO provides:

• Direct access to highly engaged consumers.
• Product launches and sampling opportunities.
• Exposure to retailers and industry professionals.
• A platform to build awareness and strengthen customer relationships.

Unlike our community markets, the GF EXPO welcomes businesses of all sizes, including both local brands and larger national companies. It is designed to be a place of discovery where consumers and brands come together to celebrate and explore gluten-free living.

CPG EXPO – Where the Industry Connects

The CPG EXPO is Western Canada's professional trade show for the consumer packaged goods industry.

Unlike the GF EXPO, the CPG EXPO is a business-to-business (B2B) event designed exclusively for industry attendees. It brings together the entire ecosystem that helps products move from concept to shelf.

Attendees include:

• Founders and brand owners.
• Retailers and buyers.
• Distributors and brokers.
• Co-packers and manufacturers.
• Packaging and labeling companies.
• Logistics and fulfillment providers.
• Food safety specialists.
• Marketing agencies and CPG-focused service providers.
• Banks, lenders, and accelerator programs.
• Industry organizations and support services.

The event combines an exhibition hall with educational sessions and networking opportunities, creating a central meeting place where businesses can discover new products, build partnerships, and gain valuable industry knowledge.

Exhibitors primarily focus on product sampling, relationship building, and sharing information about their products and services. While business transactions may occur, the event is designed first and foremost as a platform for collaboration and connection.

Attendees can expect:

• A diverse exhibitor floor featuring brands and service providers.
• Educational presentations from industry leaders and experts.
• Networking opportunities throughout the day.
• Direct access to founders, retailers, buyers, and key decision-makers.
• Insights into trends, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, and scaling a business.

At its core, the CPG EXPO exists to strengthen the Canadian consumer packaged goods ecosystem and create opportunities for businesses to learn, connect, and grow.

Building Stronger Communities Through Connection

Whether through our markets, the GF EXPO, or the CPG EXPO, our mission remains the same:

To create meaningful opportunities that support businesses, strengthen communities, and inspire growth.

We believe that behind every product is a story, behind every brand is a founder, and behind every successful community is a network of people willing to support one another.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

– Gerrit Janssen
Founder, Lokal