Front Desk

PUBLISHER Vanessa Peters

vpeters@ensembleiq.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shellee Fitzgerald

sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com

MANAGING EDITOR Carol Neshevich cneshevich@ensembleiq.com ONLINE EDITOR Kristin Laird klaird@ensembleiq.com ART DIRECTOR Josephine Woertman

jwoertman@ensembleiq.com DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION Michael Kimpton

mkimpton@ensembleiq.com

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CANADA Donna Kerry dkerry@ensembleiq.com VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS Derek Estey destey@ensembleiq.com SENIOR DIRECTOR AUDIENCE STRATEGY Lina Trunina ltrunina@ensembleiq.com SENIOR DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CANADA & SPECIAL PROJECTS Valerie White vwhite@ensembleiq.com

SALES NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Katherine Frederick kfrederick@ensembleiq.com

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CORPORATE OFFICERS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jennifer Litterick CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Volland CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER Tanner Van Dusen CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER Ann Jadown EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS & CONFERENCES Ed Several EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT Joe Territo

MAILPREFERENCES: From time to time other organizations may ask Canadian Grocer if they may send information about a product or service to some Canadian Grocer subscribers, by mail or email. If you do not wish to receive these messages, contact us in any of the ways listed above. Contents Copyright © 2021 by EnsembleIQ, may not be reprinted without permission. Canadian Grocer receives unsolicited materials (including letters to the editor, press releases, promotional items and images) from time to time. Canadian Grocer, its affiliates and assignees may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. ISSN# 00083704 PM 42940023 Canadian Grocer is Published by Stagnito Partners Canada Inc., 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Ste. 1800, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8. Printed in Canada

ALL EYES ON SUSTAINABILITY

Consumers still care about the planet, so retailers need to show they do, too

Of the many behaviour changes that the pandemic has sparked, the rise of more ethical, sustainably-minded consumers is right up there. Research from firms like Kantar, Mintel and Accenture have found that things like the environment and ethical sourcing, while not new concerns, have become more important to growing numbers of consumers over the past year. And these conscious consumers are using their wallets to support those companies aligned with their values.

Our own research confirmed this fact. Our 2021 GroceryIQ Study: Taking Stock of Grocery Shopper Attitudes and Behaviours found that 64% of shoppers said they could be motivated to switch stores based on a retailer’s sustainability practices.

In this issue, the subject of sustainability comes up a lot. In our “State of the Industry” cover story (page 30), Retail Council of Canada’s Diane J. Brisebois raised the issue of sustainability when talking about the big challenges facing grocers, noting that retailers will be “under the microscope in regards to their environmental practices.” Also in this issue, correspondent Danny Kucharsky writes about an effort underway to create a national sustainability index for Canada’s Agri-Food sector that will provide scientific evidence to back up claims, and prove to consumers, that our food supply is among the safest and most sustainable in the world (page 12).

And in “Where are grocers in the war on food waste?” (page 36), writer Rebecca Harris looks at new research on the mounting issue of food loss and waste and the important role retailers have in trying to curb the problem.

While on the subject of sustainability, we’re excited to tell you about our justlaunched Canadian Grocer Impact Awards. We’re inviting you to take a few moments and tell us about the good work your organization is doing—not just in the area of sustainability but also around diversity, equity and inclusion; as well as how you’re supporting your employees, and any efforts around community service and giving back. We know there are tons of great stories out there and we want to hear them! There’s no fee to nominate and the most impressive initiatives will be featured in the magazine this fall. Visit cgimpactawards.ca to learn more.

We can’t wait to hear about, and tell, your stories!

Shellee Fitzgerald

Editor-in-Chief

sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com

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