Robert Carter is Canada’s leading restaurant and foodservice expert with over 20 years of unique industry experience spanning executive leadership, strategy, sales, marketing and research. In March 2021, Robert became President of the Coffee Association of Canada (CAC), a national not-for-profit trade association representing the majority of the coffee industry in Canada. In this role, Robert works with the CAC Board and Members to continue to advance the CAC’s vision to contribute to the ethical and responsible growth of the Canadian coffee industry. As Managing Partner of The StratonHunter Group, Robert leads a portfolio of high growth companies in the foodservice and food-tech industry by developing and implementing strategic growth plans to increase revenue, market share and brand awareness. During his 14 years as Executive Director, The NPD Group, Robert oversaw the research development, sales and marketing of CREST market intelligence data for the foodservice industry. Providing a portfolio of Canadian, US and global clients with his robust foodservice industry knowledge and business intelligence skills, Robert is attributed with increasing revenue of +$100m for his clients. Considered the most “connected” industry expert, Robert is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, MC and moderator due to his depth of industry knowledge and dedication to identifying leading-edge industry trends. His insights are in the spotlight at numerous industry events such as the Retail Council of Canada STORE conference, Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit, Restaurant Canada Foodservice Show and the BC Foodservice Show. Robert is frequently quoted in major newspapers and magazines; appears on television and radio newscasts including 680 News and Bloomberg Business News Network as a regular industry expert and frequently writes as a guest columnist for Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine and the Globe and Mail. A dedicated industry supporter, Robert provides his industry expertise as a member on numerous boards and advisory committees such as the School of Hospitality Humber College, Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit and Restaurants Canada. Robert is responsible for developing and hosting annual industry trade shows including The Canadian Restaurant Investment Summit and The Canadian Foodservice Summit.