PEC MARKETS

Bringing Great Food to Life

Welcome from Patricia McDermott, President & CEO

It’s my absolute pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Ontario Cheese Festival. As the heart behind Agrarian Market in Prince Edward County, and a lifelong advocate for knowing where your food comes from, I’ve built my life around the belief that good food connects us—and that connection begins with care: for the land, for the animals, and for the people who bring these exceptional products to life.

As a devoted foodie, I’ve watched a growing appetite for more: more handcrafted cheeses, soulful bakery delights, bold Ontario wines, rich chocolates, and the kind of foods that make your taste buds dance. That craving led me to curate this festival—to gather the finest vendors and producers from across the province for a celebration of real food and the stories behind it.

So take your time, savour every bite, and meet the makers who pour love and integrity into everything they craft. I’m thrilled you’re here to explore the abundance of Ontario’s food culture with us.

Discover the Art of Artisan Cheese

Get ready to indulge your senses and expand your palate! Join one of our expert-led cheese pairing seminars and tutored tastings, organized by none other than Jackie Armet, our resident Cheese Sommelier and presented by some of the top cheese educators in Ontario.

Who is Jackie Armet?

Jackie is a force in the Canadian cheese world. With a Professional Fromager diploma from George Brown College, Jackie helped launch The Great Canadian Cheese Festival, led The Canadian Cheese Awards, and curated events at The Royal Winter Fair. She’s travelled far and wide as a cheesemonger at Whole Foods Market Toronto, introducing people to the finest cheeses from Canada and beyond. More recently, she revitalized The Great Canadian Cheese Festival with a triumphant debut in Kingston (2025) and shared her expertise at The Ontario Cheese Festival (2024).
Her tutored tastings have delighted thousands with thoughtfully curated cheese experiences—making each a celebration of craftsmanship and culture.
Whether you’re a curious foodie or a seasoned cheese enthusiast, our tutored tastings are the place to be. Reserve your spot and experience the joy of cheese, one delicious pairing at a time.

For more details on our tutored tasting program and schedule CLICK HERE

Rosalind Fuller

Chief of Staff
PEC Markets – Bringing Great Food to Life
Artisan Lane – An Invitation to Canada’s Finest Food & Beverage Makers

“Cook with love and the recipe will always turn out.” That simple wisdom shared by a dear friend continues to shape the way Rosalind approaches every flavorful endeavor. As a passionate champion of Canada’s vibrant food scene, she now brings that love of great food to life by curating unforgettable festivals that celebrate our finest culinary artisans.

At the heart of each event is a deep belief in the power of storytelling, community, and delicious connection. From wine pairings to decadent cheese tastings, these experiences are crafted to bring together makers and tasters in an atmosphere brimming with joy, creativity, and soul-satisfying bites.

If you’re a food or beverage artisan with a story to tell and a product to share, we’d be thrilled to welcome you to our growing family of passionate creators. Come join us and help shape a celebration that’s mouthwatering, memorable, and made with heart.

Please contact Rosalind for sponsorship and/or vendor opportunities: rosalind@greatcanadiancheesefest.ca

PARTNER WITH US

Andrew Laliberte

Andrew Laliberte has been involved in the cheese trade for the past two decades, primarily in sales and distribution. Prior to that he was a well-known sommelier and taught the professional courses at both George Brown and Humber Colleges.

After helping in the start up at Fifth Town Artisan Cheese in Prince Edward County, Andrew moved on to Glen Echo Distribution (later Custan) as a key accounts manager. At Glen Echo he listed a significant number of fine cheeses into the portfolios of Loblaws, Sobey’s and other stores primarily focusing on Canadian artisan cheeses.

Andrew also helped to create the Ontario Cheese Festival with Patricia McDermott and has been a part of the rebirth of the Great Canadian Cheese Festival in 2025

Calling All Festival Fanatics! Love delicious food, awesome people, and unforgettable vibes? So do we—and so do our VOLUNTEERS!

They’re the heartbeat of the party, the magic-makers behind the scenes, and we wouldn’t be us without them. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, share some smiles, and have a blast while doing good…

We Want YOU!

Tap that shiny button below and join the fun

Let’s make memories together—one festival at a time!

Volunteer With Us

Mile Murtanovski

In his role as Event Marketing & Content Strategist Mile not only draws from over 35 years as a fine art painter, illustrator, and graphic designer, but his extensive experience as a stilt walker, model builder, and enthusiastic amateur baker. His professional and highly collaborative, yet idiosyncratic, approach has helped his clients and colleagues stand out against the modern profusion of distractions by focusing on clear communication combined with attractive imagery.

Please contact Mile for marketing opportunities and media inquiries: mile@greatcanadiancheese.ca