Canadian Grocer Sept/Oct 2023

Succession planning – Holiday How grocers can prepare 5 things to consider report for a riskier world SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

Jamie Nelson

The new chair of CFIG on the current grocery landscape and what it will take for independents to win

Contents

Sept/Oct 2023 || Volume 137 - Number 6

39

10

57 Features

Departments

34 Championing

5 Front Desk 7 The Buzz 59 New on Shelf

the independents

Jamie Nelson, CFIG’s incoming chair, on the current grocery landscape and how indies can win

39 How can retailers prepare for a riskier world?

Making the right decisions now can help weather the next disaster

TOP FROM LEFT: SHUTERSTOCK, TOBI ASMOUCHA

45 The new rules of engagement

Why grocers need to get creative with their rewards programs

On the cover CFIG’s incoming chair Jamie Nelson Photography by Adam Blasberg

COLUMNS

29 Canadians, climate change and consumption Mintel’s Joel Gregoire on the food-climate connection

PEOPLE

10 Shoot for the stars

The founders of Stellar Eats have got the (baked) goods IDEAS

15 Ottawa’s plastics plan

New guidelines will require Canada’s largest grocers to act

17 The big question

How leaders are inspiring and motivating their employees

18 Passing the torch

21 A haven for the healthconscious Nature’s Emporium debuts in downtown Toronto News and ideas from the world of food retail

Caddle’s Ransom Hawley on winning at loyalty AISLES

51 Eat and be merry!

Canadians are ready to celebrate the holiday season

57 Tempeh: Four things to know Move over tofu,

tempeh is having a moment

Contemplating a succession?

Here are five points to consider

23 Global Grocery

31 Brand loyalty in the age of inflation

FRESH

61 Ripe for revolution

How tech is helping produce and profit margins EXPRESS LANE

66 The robots are here!

How to prepare your business for artificial intelligence September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 3

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No one knows what the future holds, but that doesn’t stop us from trying to anticipate what might come next, and that’s a good thing. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s the need to adapt to a fast-changing world and all the disruption that comes with it.

According to the Harvard Business Review’s Anticipating the Future for Growth and Innovation survey, published last year, the pandemic revealed the risks to a business of being slow or unable to adapt and, on the flip side, showed that organizations prepared for change can capitalize on opportunities. Yet, “many organizations feel somewhat—but not very—confident in their current preparedness for dealing with unexpected change,” the report states, adding “future planning is an area where many organizations have room to improve.”

For this issue, we asked our writers to speak to the experts to get a handle on how to prepare for what comes next. In “How Can Retailers Prepare for A Riskier World?” (page 39), correspondent Rebecca Harris delves into the changing nature of risks and risk preparedness and writes about the need to think differently about how to respond to future challenges. What worked in the past, won’t necessarily work tomorrow.

And we look at the daunting issue of succession planning in “Passing the Torch.” Alarmingly, fewer than one in 10 business owners have a formal succession plan in place, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. But planning and preparing are essential to a smooth transition of the business. Writer David Brown outlines five things for

those contemplating succession to consider (turn to page 18 for the story).

Also in this issue, we speak with Jamie Nelson, a Pattison Food Group (PFG) exec who will soon be stepping into the role of chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG). We ask Nelson about everything from the grocery code of conduct to what’s next for PFG, the biggest concerns facing independent grocers right now and what they can do to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.

See you next time! CG

Shellee Fitzgerald Editor-in-Chief

sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com

Keep up to date on the latest news by signing up for our daily e-newsletter. It’s free and we’ll deliver it to your inbox each morning.

Visit canadiangrocer.com to subscribe September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 5

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The Buzz

The latest news in the grocery biz

Growing its footprint, Loblaw’s T&T Supermarket is opening second locations in Montreal (right) and Toronto

Nature’s Emporium’s first urban location is a 25,000-sq.-ft. space in Toronto’s downtown core

Metro opened a 44,000sq.-ft. store in Niagara Falls, Ont. in August. It’s the grocer’s 131st location in the province

Aisle 24 has its sights set on Western Canada with plans to open at least 50 stores across Alberta and British Columbia over the next five years

OPENINGS NATURE’S EMPORIUM has opened its first downtown Toronto store—a 25,000-sq.-ft. space at One York, a mixed-use office, residential and retail complex— joining the family-run grocer’s locations in Newmarket, Maple, Burlington, Oakville and Woodbridge, Ont. (Turn to page 21 to learn more about the new urban location and the grocer’s expansion plans.)

Niagara Falls, Ont. has a new METRO . The 44,000-sq.-ft. store is the grocer’s 131st location in the province. Inside, the decor features photos of local landmarks to pay tribute to the surrounding community, and customers can shop a variety of fresh and local products including Foodland Ontario produce, Irresistibles and Selection private-label products, and ready-made meals.

NATURE’S EMPORIUM, METRO, T&T SUPERMARKET, AISLE 24

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

Canadian Grocer has been named finalist for The Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards in four categories: • Full Issue, B2B Retail: December 2022/January 2023 issue • Magazine Section, B2B: People who you need to know • Photography, B2B: “Pies in the sky,” photography

by Lucas Finlay

• Illustration, B2B: “What retail payment trends are here to stay?” Illustration

by Gary Neill The 2023 awards will be handed out in New York City in October.

T&T SUPERMARKET continues to grow. The Loblawowned Asian grocery chain will open a second store downtown Toronto in spring 2025. The 31,000-sq.-ft. space at 20 Edward Street is only steps away from high-traffic landmarks including Yonge and Dundas Square, the Eaton Centre and Toronto Metropolitan University. And, in August, T&T announced plans for its second location in Quebec at the Quartier Dix30, a multi-purpose shopping centre in the Greater Montreal Area, in fall 2024.

B.C.-based CHOICES MARKET has cut the ribbon on its first location on Vancouver Island, bringing the grocer’s store count to 11. The 22,000-sq.-ft. store offers the chain’s usual selection of local, organic produce, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood and other grocery products. It is also home to Choices’ first coffee and smoothie bar, natural wellness products and nutrition services.

Following openings in Alberta at Icon Tower (located at 10142 104th Street) and Illuminada (11937 Jasper Avenue), cashierless, 24/7 grocery and convenience operator AISLE 24 has announced plans to expand its presence in Western Canada. The independently-owned chain is looking to open at least 35 stores in British Columbia over the next five years, in addition to around 15 in Alberta.

A new COSTCO is set to open at Bingham Crossing, a shopping and lifestyle centre near Calgary. Rencor Developments says construction on the store will resume in spring 2024 following the completion of infrastructure work last year. The 270,000-sq.-ft.

Costco is expected to open its doors in fall 2025.

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 7

The Buzz PEOPLE

Ashley Melito

Laura Collaton

Rod Hepponstall

Mars Pet Nutrition Canada has added Ashley Melito to its Canadian leadership team as vicepresident of sales, reporting to Daniel Calderoni, general manager of Mars Pet Nutrition Canada.

Melito joins the company from Henkel Canada Corporation, where she worked for six years. And before Henkel Canada, Melito spent 10 years at L’Oréal Canada, working multiple roles across sales and category divisions.

Laura Collaton has joined The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers as its senior vice-president and chief operations officer. Collaton brings more than 20 years of grocery and retail experience to the association, having held roles at Sobeys, Goodness Me! and, most recently, Home Hardware Stores. Her career has spanned multiple areas of business including marketing, operations, merchandising, store design, revenue generation and space planning.

High Liner Foods chief executive Rod Hepponstall has stepped down from his post, effective immediately. Hepponstall held the position since May 2018. Paul Jewer, who has served as High Liner’s chief financial officer since February 2014, is replacing Hepponstall on an interim basis, while the board of directors searches for a replacement.

Grocery Connex CANADIAN GROCER’S GROCERY CONNEX conference will take place at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York on Monday NOVEMBER 20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Join industry leaders and key decision makers for an inspiring day of keynotes, expert panels and networking. Visit groceryconnex.com for information and tickets.

News to share? Tell us about your openings, comings and goings, etc. by dropping a line to sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com

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SHOOT FOR THE STARS

A trio of Toronto-based friends pivoted from meal deliveries to cake mixes, bringing their company, Stellar Eats, to grocery shelves across Canada and the U.S.

By Andrea Yu Photography by Tobi Asmoucha

Left to right: Stella Vanstone, Emma Kula and Michelle Boigon

Who you need to know

IT

was in 2019 when Stella Vanstone, Michelle Boigon and Emma Kula decided to pivot their organic meal deliver y company, Stellar Eats, into something new. Vanstone, a holistic nutritionist, launched the company in 2017 and was soon joined by Boigon, her cousin, who had been a co-founder and director of business development for an eco product distribution company. Kula, Vanstone’s high school friend and a former sales and marketing professional, came on board the following year.

“It was hard to compete with the huge companies like Hello Fresh,” Vanstone explains of the initial venture. “We also wanted to instil confidence in people in the kitchen, so we never felt completely right just dropping meals at people’s doorsteps.” They ended the organic meal delivery business in 2019 and picked up work serving at restaurants while figuring out their next steps.

That’s when Vanstone, Boigon and Kula came up with the idea of creating grain-free baking mixes with eight or fewer unrefined ingredients. The end results would be moist and fluffy, unlike the crumbly gluten-free alternatives commonly found. They also wanted to do it without using diet culture marketing language such as “skinny” or “guilt-free.”

By early 2020, the trio had developed four mixes: Chocolate Chip Cookie, Biscuit + Scone, Pizza Dough, and Chocolate Cake + Cupcake, and got their products on the shelves at five independent grocery stores in Toronto under the same company name, Stellar Eats. But it remained a side business until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

The restaurants where Vanstone, Kula and Boigon were working temporarily closed, which, as it turns out, was a blessing in disguise. “The world shut down and we all looked at each other and thought: Can we actually do this fulltime?” Vanstone recalls. “Everyone was baking at home. This was very much a business born out of the pandemic.”

The trio went all-in on the reimagined Stellar Eats, ramping up their hand-mixed production in a commercial kitchen that they rented during off-hours, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., to save on costs. But their time in the kitchen didn’t always go smoothly. “We had a little assembly line,” Vanstone explains. “I was mixing,

Emma was bagging and Michelle was sealing. One time, we got to the bottom of the batch and I realized I forgot to add an ingredient, but we had just sealed all of these bags. We felt so defeated. We were all in tears.”

They persisted through 2020, growing the brand’s reach from five to 50 small grocers in the Toronto area. A big break came for the business in 2021, when an influencer, Sarah Nicole Landry (aka The Birds Papaya), made the Stellar Eats Pizza Dough in an Instagram story. “That was our first big boost from an influencer,” Boigon explains. “It was unexpected because we didn’t send her the product.

It was so exciting.” They also added new products to their lineup: a seasonal Gingerbread Cookie mix, a Fudge Brownie mix, a Pancake + Waffle mix and a Banana Bread + Muffin mix, the latter of which quickly became their top-selling product.

As Stellar Eats grew, Boigon, Vanstone and Kula divided tasks based on their individual strengths, as Kula explains.

“Stella leads sales efforts, I focus on marketing and product development and Michelle is our operations and logistics queen.” This helped the company continue to grow. In 2022, Stellar Eats launched at seven Whole Foods Market stores and 50 Sobeys locations in Ontario, as well as independent grocery stores in the United States, totalling about 500 stores. Thanks to strong sales at Whole Foods in Ontario, Stellar Eats expanded to 16 Whole Foods stores nationally in 2023, along with Real Canadian Superstore and Fortinos locations in Ontario.

The trio also launched two products in 2023: Coffee Cake mix and Carrot Cake + Muffin mix, based on customer requests.

Stellar Eats products can now be found at about 1,500 grocery stores in Canada and the United States, and the company is poised to add even more stores to its roster. “Grocery expansion is our main focus,” explains Vanstone. The trio is also developing a product format they can’t yet reveal. “Product innovations are on the horizon,” says Boigon.

C onsidering the succe ss they ’ve achieved so far, Vanstone jokes that she’s glad she didn’t know how hard it would be to make it to this point. “We went in a bit naive,” she admits. “Looking back, I wonder if we still would have done it if we knew what it took. But, in retrospect, I’m so happy that we did it not knowing what the future would hold.” CG

30 seconds with …

MICHELLE, EMMA AND STELLA OF STELLAR EATS What has been your best day in the business?

STELLA: The first time seeing our products on a grocery store shelf and thinking: “This is something now. This isn’t just our idea. This is a real thing people will bake at home and eat and love.”

What has been the biggest growing pain in your business?

MICHELLE: Managing inventory as a growing brand. Not overproducing, but making sure we have enough product. We don’t have years of sales data, so it’s forever a challenge.

What’s your favourite product from your lineup?

EMMA: I’m a Banana Bread girl. But Carrot Cake is a close second for me.

MICHELLE: I would say the cookies because it gives me a chance to prepare them with my kids and be hands-on.

How do you spend your time off?

MICHELLE: I like to step away from the computer and be with my family. We like to get outside and go for a hike or to the lake.

EMMA: I like experimenting with vegan dishes, finding dairyfree alternatives, like making a creamy pasta with a cashew sauce instead of cream. I love the challenge.

STELLA: I just had a baby, so I don’t have a ton of free time, but I was a Pilates instructor at one point. I love being active.

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To view the Canadian Beef Information Gateway, Wholesale Edition for Retail, visit ret.cdnbeef.ca

Visit cdnbeefperforms.ca/order-poster to reserve your copy of the new Merchandising Poster today!

NEW

Canadian Beef Merchandising Guide Features

SubPrimal QR Codes

Carcass Schematic

Meat cutters can access videos on how to merchandise each subprimal by scanning with a smartphone.

Learn more about each subprimal through Canada Beef’s new Carcass Virtual Tour.

Canadian Beef Advantage Digital Library Access information on how Canadian beef is produced from gate-to-plate and learn more about how to partner with us.

WHOLESALE INFORMATION GATEWAY, RETAIL EDITION Purchasing Specifications

Merchandising Videos

Subprimal and Retail Photos

Key Product Information

Preparation Information for consumers

Subprimal 360° Videos

Powered by the Wholesale Information Gateway Canadian retailers across the country have shared with Canada Beef the challenges in finding and retaining skilled butchers for their meat departments.

To help address this challenge, we have developed a comprehensive digital platform —the Canadian Beef Wholesale Information Gateway, Retail Edition.Retailers can leverage this FREE online resource to train meat cutters on how to merchandise Canadian beef.

Individuals of all experience levels can benefit from this comprehensive beef training solution. Users will have the opportunity to learn 24/7, remotely, and at their own pace. Step-by-step videos feature information about how to cut beef subprimals into retail cuts.

In an ever-changing marketplace, it’s important for meat department staff to be well-informed. A knowledgeable team will provide your customers with the best possible product assortment and purchasing experience.

Explore the Wholesale Gateway for retail meat professionals today and empower your staff to do more with Canadian beef.

Ideas

RETAILERS || SUPPLIERS || SHOPPERS || INSIGHTS

GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS

GETTY IMAGES/ALMOST GREEN STUDIO

OTTAWA’S NEW PLASTICS PLAN Canada’s grocery industry is voicing its concern over the federal government’s proposed Pollution Prevention Planning Notice (P2 Notice) that would require the country’s largest food retailers to develop and implement a plan for eliminating “unnecessary or problematic” plastic food packaging. Think produce bags, meat trays and snack wrappers.

As the notice stands, the percentage of fresh fruits and vegetables distributed and sold in bulk and/or plastic-free packaging would need to reach 75% by 2026 and 95% by 2028.

Outside of fresh produce, by 2026, 20% of food sold at grocers (defined by the note as retailers with annual sales of more than $4 billion) need to be using reuse-refill systems, plastic-free packaging and/or concentrated products. The target jumps to 50% by 2030 and 60% by 2035. The proposed plan emphasizes reuse-refill systems, as they would need to account for at least 50% of the targets.

Loblaw and Metro directed requests for comment to the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), which is representing them on the issue.

Michelle Wasylyshen, who provides strategic counsel for the RCC on government relations, says its members are committed to achieving zero plastic waste, but the notice “targets large grocers exclusively, which is impractical as Canadian retailers lack direct control and influence over the global supply chain.”

Wasylyshen says certain waste-reduction measures can actually have negative financial and environmental impacts.

For instance, 2023 modelling from McKinsey shows a reusability solution can potentially “double the cost per use of container or cup,” increase emissions by more than 150% and inrease water consumption for cleaning of the reusable items.

Wasylyshen suggests more research needs to be done “to better understand financial, environmental, and health and safety implications before any policy measures should be considered.”

The government invited written feedback on the proposed P2 Notice until Aug. 30. A draft of the notice is expected to be published for public comment later this year.—Chris Daniels

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 15

Ideas THE BIG QUESTION

Darrell Jones

HOW ARE YOU INSPIRING YOUR EMPLOYEES AND KEEPING THEM MOTIVATED?

Brian Bradley

President

PATTISON FOOD GROUP

“Our people are the foundation of our business and without them, our company wouldn’t be what it is today.

It’s important for our team members to know our company cares about them—not just as team members, but as individuals. We believe in growing our people so they are prepared to take on new opportunities by offering several internal development programs as well as accredited programs through partner institutions. We want all team members to feel fulfilled in their roles, no matter where they decide to work or in what capacity.”

Giancarlo Trimarchi

Dominic Arsenault

Christy McMullen

STONG’S MARKET

VINCE’S MARKET

IGA COATICOOK

SUMMERHILL MARKET

“In these challenging times, today’s workforce is often looking for more than just monetary rewards. The best ideas in this business generally come from those on the frontlines and we encourage our team to constantly innovate and bring new ideas forward. Supporting a culture of innovation and providing autonomy to our team to try new things creates growth opportunities at all levels. Many employees also want to know what our company stands for and that it has values aligned with their own. We have a commitment to supporting our local community, and providing opportunities for our team to take an active role with these efforts helps with engagement.”

“The three key areas our organization is focusing on are: 1. Fostering an environment that provides empowerment and autonomy [for our team members] to take charge of their work and come up with ideas. When they have the power to make decisions, it makes them feel valued and excited about their tasks.

2. Recognizing and appreciating their hard work, whether through public praise or rewards. 3. Providing clear communication and making sure everyone knows what’s happening by talking to them clearly. This helps everyone understand their roles better and feel like they’re part of something important.”

President

President

Owner

“Since COVID and the arrival of the younger generation, motivating employees is more complex. Employees seem less involved emotionally in their working environment—work is a way to get quality of life and quality of life is a lot less negotiable than it was 10 years ago. To help, we offer flexible shifts, a health and wellness program, in-house scholarship program for students, performance bonuses for managers and more. There is no secret recipe and it requires more creativity as years go by. It’s an ever-going, evolving process.

We must work with our teams to find solutions that make the most sense and meaning for them and that is the key.”

Co-owner

“At Summerhill Market, it is our employees who make us successful, so it’s essential to keep them inspired and motivated.

We take a holistic approach to driving employee engagement, recognizing and rewarding their efforts as individuals and teams.

To show our appreciation, we offer a variety of perks including merit increases, healthcare benefits, opportunities for career advancement and our Superstars program. But really, the most important thing is engaging with your team, listening to them and getting their ideas and feedback. Give them opportunities to implement their ideas, even if it means mistakes will happen. Let them own the wins and the losses and it will keep them engaged.”

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 17

Ideas

PASSING THE TORCH

Handing over a business can have its challenges. Putting a succession plan in place can help make the process easier ONE THING HBO’s smash hit Succession taught us about succession planning is that it can be a messy affair. Though Logan Roy, the domineering patriarch/ anti-hero of the show, would never win any father-of-the-year awards, at least he was trying to identify his successor—let’s not think too much about his methods.

The point is, succession planning is important. While recent research from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) predicts nearly $2 trillion (with a T) worth of Canadian business assets will change hands over the next decade—CFIB called the 2022 study Succession Tsunami—fewer than one in 10 business owners have a formal succession plan in place.

That’s bad. Like, very bad. (For the Succession fans, it’s Cousin Greg as CEO bad.)

There is no question that the succession process is a daunting one, and the 18 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

size of that challenge alone can cause owners to delay. The CFIB research found one in four owners said it’s hard to know where to start. But ask the experts or read the literature and a unanimous message quickly emerges: planning and preparation is essential and the sooner the better.

For anyone contemplating succession, here are five key points to consider.

1. Just do it!

Okay, nobody said this verbatim, but it is a clear theme. According to the CFIB study, 54% of respondents said they were unsure how to find a buyer, and 43% said they were struggling to value the business. Another significant cohort (36%) feel they just can’t find the time.

“Given the magnitude and complexity of the process, business owners may also be too busy running their business

and simply do not have the time needed,” says Laure-Anna Bomal, an economist for CFIB. “As such, they may avoid or postpone their plans.”

And some feel their business is so complicated that nobody will understand their circumstances. That almost certainly isn’t true. “The owners of the businesses feel that their situation is so unique that it would be difficult for anybody to appreciate what their situation looks like,” says David Fabian, Canadian EY private leader. “The reality is that while each situation is unique, there are a lot of common themes, from one family to the next, or one estate to the next.”

2. Minimize the tax impact

Not having a clear succession plan in place could lead to a big tax problem when children inherit a business from a

GETTY IMAGES/TARIK VISION

By David Brown

Ideas deceased parent. “As a rule of thumb, the tax on death is going to be about 25%,” says Fabian. That could be a big bill to pay if the business does not have the liquidity to pay for it. “You’ve got a business that is worth X, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you can just take that money from the business,” he says. There are ways to minimize or even avoid this problem, but it requires planning.

“Having a will, identifying executors, talking to your children, talking to your accountant all help,” says Fabian. “An estate freeze can be helpful in the process of planning and succession that often will alleviate tax on death, and it will pass high-value assets on to next generations and avoid large taxes on death,” he says. But it must be put in place before the owner dies.

3. Don’t only think of the children

It’s not easy, but business owners must ask themselves if their child or children are the right people to take over. “It shouldn’t be assumed that because you have children, you’re necessarily going

to pass the family business along,” says Fabian. “We often see that the next generation doesn’t have the skill set.” In those cases—if the most important objective is to ensure the continuing viability and health of the business—professional management should be brought in. “ Those Friday night dinners can become very uncomfortable,” admits Fabian. But family members must be reminded that the goal is to ensure the long-term viability and health of the business, and the best course is to hand it over to professional management.

4. It’s good for the economy

In the absence of sound succession planning, more Canadian businesses could be sold off to private equity or gobbled up by larger corporations. EY observed this post-COVID, a period that saw the valuation of many businesses increase across the economy. “We had dozens of our clients sell their businesses at values that they never could have dreamed about,” he says. It’s good for the family, but it may not be great for the rest of Canada.

“A lot of small businesses in Canada have exited recently and that consolidation in the long run is probably unhealthy for the consumer,” he says. “The consumer will have less and less choice.”

5. Speaking of COVID …

The COVID effect

CFIB’s research showed the pandemic had a significant impact on the succession plans of Canadian businesses: 39% of owners changed their business exit date because of COVID, with about 17% accelerating their timeline and 22% delaying it.

For those getting out sooner than they planned, overwhelming stress, changing customer expectations, supply chain disruptions and staffing issues were all common factors.

“On the other hand,” says CFIB’s Bomal, “owners who delayed their exit were influenced by the accumulation of pandemic debt, lower than normal sales, or business growth … and owners wanting to keep their business longer to reap the benefits.”

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Ideas

A HAVEN FOR THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS

NATURE’S EMPORIUM

Nature’s Emporium adds a first downtown Toronto location to its growing network By Kristin Laird NATURE’S EMPORIUM’S first urban location is nestled on the second floor of One York, a large, mixed-use complex at York and Harbour Streets in Toronto’s South Core, which is home to a number of condo buildings, commercial towers and entertainment venues.

In other words, there’s no shortage of foot traffic.

“We believe in the city; we believe in Toronto. Everybody is saying people aren’t going back to the office. I think Toronto is a vibrant city and Nature’s Emporium being here is just going to add to that,” says chief executive officer Joe D’Addario of the Ontario-based, family-run health food chain entering the downtown fray. “I want people to think, ‘Wow I have a place to shop for the benefit of my health and my family’s health’ and they can get everything under one roof.”

The 25,000-sq.-ft. space is a haven for health food enthusiasts, for sure, selling a wide range of organic produce, healthy snacks and meals-to-go, vitamins and supplements as well as natural health and beauty products.

The layout has been configured with the area’s active and healthconscious millennials in mind. The coffee, juice and smoothie bar, for instance, is conveniently located near the entrance of the store, which is a short escalator ride away from a neighbouring fitness club. The supplements section, which sits along the perimeter of the grocer’s suburban locations, has been moved to the centre of the store at One York.

“The supplement department, we really brought it to the forefront,” explains D’Addario.

“At the other stores we have it off to the side, [but] we wanted

to focus on our vitamins, health and beauty and supplements. It’s a younger demographic, more the millennials, that’s the kind of thing they’re interested in—the supplements and juice bar.”

The beauty department, which carries clean-label cosmetics and beauty products and is overseen by a resident beauty specialist, is off in its own section and has more of a “boutique” feel than what shoppers have come to expect at the suburban stores.

“We think it’s going to be a hit down here,” says D’Addario.

Beyond smoothies, skincare and supplements, the new urban location also boasts prepared food and grab-and-go sections that offer a wide assortment of meals made fresh daily. Organic chicken, grass-fed beef, organic plant-based meat alternatives, pizza and sandwiches are among

the options that can be purchased to go or enjoyed in the store’s 30-seat dining area.

The Nature’s Emporium network, which includes locations in Newmarket, Maple, Burlington, Woodbridge and Oakville, is quickly expanding and D’Addario believes the new store at One York will serve as a good entry point to the brand for out-oftown commuters. “What’s cool about this location is a lot of people work here, but they live in Oakville or they live in Burlington or where we have other stores, so they’ll come here and on the weekend they’ll go to the suburban stores,” he says.

A new Nature’s Emporium is slated to open in London, Ont. next year. D’Addario says the grocer’s goal is to have 20 stores in Southern Ontario, including multiple locations in Toronto.

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 21

France moves to ban meat names on plant-based food

GLOBAL GROCERY News and ideas from the world of food retail

France is once again taking aim at the plant-based food industry’s use of meaty language on its alt proteins.

In September, the agriculture ministry unveiled a revised proposal to prohibit the use of 21 meat terms—including filet, steak, spareribs and ham—on plant-based foods made and sold in France. Last year, France made its first attempt to ban the use of meaty words on plantbased products, but was thwarted by the country’s top court, which deemed the decree too vague. If successful this time, France will be the first country in the European Union to impose such restrictions.

In a statement, French Agriculture Minister Marc Fesneau said the new draft decree “reflects our desire to put an end to misleading claims.”

TRADER JOE’S NAMED MOST INNOVATIVE U.S. GROCER

Shoppers’ trust in supermarkets tanks

U.K. GROCERS USING BODYCAMS TO DETER CRIME

SHUTTERSTOCK, CARREFOUR BELGIUM

Ideas

A surge in attacks on retail workers in the United Kingdom has prompted grocers to step up efforts to protect staff. In September, Tesco chief Ken Murphy announced that its frontline workers would be offered bodycams. Writing in The Mail on Sunday, Murphy said attacks on staff (Tesco employs about 300,000 people in the U.K.) had climbed by a third in the last year. Tesco says it has invested £44 million (about $75 million) over the last four years on security measures. “Crime is a scourge on society, and an insult to shoppers and retail workers. It is time we put an end to it” wrote Murphy, who called for stiffer penalties for offenders. Tesco is not the first retailer to introduce bodycams to the shop floor—Sainsbury’s, Co-op and John Lewis Partnership have taken similar measures in recent years and grocer Morrisons has recently launched a trial of body cameras across a few dozen of its stores.

Amid a cost-of-living crisis in the United Kingdom, shoppers’ trust in supermarkets has dropped to its lowest point in a decade. According to a recent (August) Which?

Consumer Insight Tracker, the sector received a “trust score” of just 30 (on a scale from -100 to 100), the lowest since the 2013 horsemeat scandal (horse DNA was found in frozen beef burgers and lasagna sold at some stores), when the sector received an all-time low score of 24.

The drop in confidence is in stark contrast to the score of 68 that supermarkets received in May 2020 when they were praised for ramping up online grocery deliveries. The Which? survey also found that less than half of shoppers said they trusted supermarkets to act in their best interest, while one in five said they did not trust the sector.

Trader Joe’s, the beloved chain known for its unique shopping experience and creative house-brand items, has been named the most innovative U.S. grocer, according to the 2023 American Innovation Index (Aii).

The grocer, with about 560 locations, beat out Whole Foods Market and Aldi on the Index, which ranks the innovativeness of companies across 20 sectors based on their customers’ perceptions. Trader Joe’s was also named the fourth most innovative company overall, trailing Toyota, Apple and Louis Vuitton. The Index is based on research from Fordham University and the Norwegian School of Economics.

“Job Tasting Days” at Carrefour Belgium New labour realities require new recruiting strategies. In Belgium, Carrefour is ditching the traditional interview and replacing it with “Job Tasting Days,” which the grocer describes as a “friendly opportunity” for candidates to “immerse themselves in the Carrefour work environment” through informal meetings and the opportunity to tour the stores, meet company employees and taste products. Job Tasting Days, which ran from mid-August to mid-September at 17 stores in Belgium, sought to recruit 250 employees across a variety of store-level roles. CG

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 23

WHAT’S

NEW Irresistibles Advent Calendar

Anytime, Anywhere Portable Snack Add a little heat to your meat snack assortment. Our new Cheddar Jalapeno sausage snacks provide a unique flavour your customers will crave. No refrigeration required means merchandising flexibility for you, and the perfect anytime, anywhere portable snack for your customers.

To count the days until Christmas, here is the Irresistibles Advent Calendar which contains a carefully selected assortment of milk chocolates and white chocolates imported from Belgium.

Whey Better!

The Be Better Whey Protein Concentrate is a great tasting, naturally flavoured high quality product that comes in two delicious flavours, chocolate obsession and vanilla ice cream. Mixes to a velvety smooth finish, providing a delightful flavour while ending with no bitter aftertaste.

This high functioning product is Made in Canada, provides 24g of protein per serving, is completely non-GMO and vegetarian.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE IN CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

WHAT’S

NEW Bye-Bye Fever and Pain Go Wild!

Wild Planet’s albacore tuna steaks are hand-cut, hand-packed and cooked directly in the can just once to retain their natural juices, Omega-3 oils and a firm texture.

Each can contains only tuna steaks seasoned with a touch of sea salt and no added water or oil, so there is nothing to drain.

The natural juices enhance the flavour, allowing Canadians to experience the delicious, clean taste of pristine tuna.

Children’s TYLENOL® Easy Dissolve Powder offers a convenient way to provide fast, effective, easy-dissolving relief from fever and pain. It dissolves on the tongue with no water needed. It’s tough on fevers, gentle on tummies, and comes in a Natural Wild Berry flavour. The portable, child-resistant sachets are effective for children ages 6–11.

Authentic Italian Pasta at Home Pasta lovers, this is the one for you! For those craving authentic Italian pasta, look no further. Who needs to travel abroad when you can have an Italian dinner right at home?! Oggi’s tortellini Quattro Formaggi is an authentic Italian pasta dish that’s made with premium Italian cheeses and can be ready in just 2-3 minutes. Every bite of this cheese-filled, gluten free pasta will bring the taste of Italy directly to the consumer.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE IN CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

is back New campaign starting this Fall!

September 18– December 17 2023

360 campaign! with TV, online videos, social posts and out of home executions

Building on snacking!* The 2nd biggest yogurt consumption occasion

SNACK IT UP is taking over snack time.

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FOOD BYTES || Joel Gregoire

It’s difficult for many Canadians to connect climate change with what they eat

Canadians, climate change and consumption

Canadians care about the planet’s health, but struggle to connect food production with their environmental concerns JULY 2023 was the hottest month on record. What’s more important is that this record is unlikely to stand for long. As the predictions climate experts have long made come to pass, one question is, “will climate change become more important to shoppers when it comes to the food and drinks they buy?”

Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue for Canadians

Canadians are concerned about climate change.

According to Mintel’s 2023 Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study, which analyses consumer attitudes on the environment across 16 different countries, 46% of Canadians identify climate change as being among their top concerns. This is in line with the 47% aggregate across the countries surveyed and just ahead of the United States at 40%.

HOW CONSUMERS IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES RANK CLIMATE CHANGE AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN Canada

46%

United States

40%

SOURCE: KANTAR PROFILES/MINTEL, APRIL 2023 | BASE: 1,000 INTERNET USERS AGED 18+ | QUESTION: “WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES CONCERN YOU THE MOST? (NET - ANY RANK). PLEASE SELECT UP TO 3 STARTING WITH WHAT CONCERNS YOU MOST.”

While climate change may concern Canadians, for many, it’s difficult to make the link between food production and this issue. Findings from Mintel’s 2022 Sustainability in Food, Canada report showed that when considering the environmental impact of the foods and drinks they buy, food waste and packaging waste tops the list. While food or drink’s carbon footprint matters, and does appear to be growing in importance, it remains a mid-tier concern for shoppers.

Against this backdrop, should brands even care about addressing climate change? The short answer is absolutely. Does addressing climate change make good business sense? To answer this, it’s worth considering the short and long term. In the short term, the answer is debatable.

When asked which environmental initiatives resonate with Canadian consumers the most when purchasing food and drink, “carbon neutral” and “carbon negative” matter the least. “Recyclable packaging” and “locally produced” on the other hand, top the list. Canadians may care about climate change, yet this again reflects how shoppers have difficulty making the connection between the food and drinks they buy and the broader imperative.

The climate, as mentioned, is trending hotter.

From consumers’ perspective, three-quarters of Canadians agree “climate change increasingly feels relevant to [their] day-to-day life” and 80% also say they are “worried less predictable weather patterns related to climate change will lead to food scarcity and higher food prices.”

Broader factors and consumer sentiment point to climate change having a greater impact on consumers’ purchase decisions over the longer-term.

Addressing these concerns can be a point of differentiation for brands and a way to build their relevance, particularly in categories more associated with the production of greenhouse gas emissions such as beef.

Gaining consumers’ trust

“Greenwashing” is a hurdle brands cannot ignore.

Four in five Canadians agree: “it’s difficult to know which products are better or worse for the environment,” with 83% also agreeing they “would trust claims around sustainability more if there were standardized/regulated environmental labels across products.” In other words, standardized labelling that reports how much greenhouse gas was created in the production of a product matters when it comes to credibility. This can be more effective than providing individual claims that are difficult to verify. CG

Joel Gregoire is associate director, food & drink at Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency. Based in Toronto, Joel researches and writes reports on Canada’s food and drink industry. @JoelDGregoire

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 29

Grocery Connex Monday, November 20, 2023

10:00 am - 6:00 pm (edt) • Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

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MICHEL MANSEAU

DARRELL JONES

EVP, Ontario Division Head and National Supply Chain, Metro

SVP & GM, Canadian Consumer Business Unit, Kruger Products

President, Pattison Food Group

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CONSUMER CONNECTION || Ransom Hawley

Brand loyalty in the age of inflation

Consumer engagement is up, but so is the pressure on retailers to deliver a winning loyalty program

Canada has one of the most mature loyalty markets and in this current economic climate, consumers are evaluating the true value they’re getting

THERE HAS BEEN A SHAKEUP in Canada’s loyalty market over the past three years. First the pandemic shifted consumer behaviour and now soaring inflation is altering buyer priorities.

To get a sense of the current landscape, Caddle partnered with Retail Council of Canada to survey more than 2,000 shoppers nationally. The numbers show that loyalty programs have become critically important in this economy.

Nearly half of shoppers say inflation has made them pay more attention to loyalty programs. Most Canadians use at least one type of rewards program, with free retail offerings like PC Optimum in the lead, followed by financial institution-led plans like Aeroplan, and just over half of shoppers pay for membership programs with retailers like Costco.

Though prices are still the biggest factor in determining where people shop, loyalty programs come in a close second with just over half of consumers reporting that rewards influence their shop selection either a lot or completely. Three-quarters say they wouldn’t shop at a store as frequently if its rewards program was discontinued.

Over the last few years, experiential rewards had growing appeal for Canadians but now, when money’s tight, rewards that help with cost savings have the highest value. Forty-seven per cent of shoppers prefer cash back programs and 35% of shoppers value rewards that can be redeemed for cash.

When it comes to point collection, shoppers want it to be easy. And, despite their high adoption, rewards programs still have pain points to address. Indeed, 32% of consumers say there are aspects of loyalty programs they dislike. The biggest headache is lacklustre offers, followed by limitations on where points can be redeemed.

The perception that offers aren’t enticing enough can signal a gap in the consumer’s understanding.

Shoppers want a transparent rewards experience where value is crystal clear. Now, as consumers take added interest in stacking rewards and seeking out deals, brands should take a closer look at how their offers are presented.

Customers know brands have more data than ever before and they expect some of those personalized insights will be reflected in-store. With a steady onslaught of offers, relevance is key. Respondents across most generations said making offers more relevant would motivate them to use loyalty programs, while gen-Z said they wanted more flexibility in where they can redeem.

The generational differences don’t stop there.

Though gen-Z consumers trail their elders in reward program usage, they still consider loyalty offerings important. In fact, they’re significantly more likely than other generations to say loyalty offerings matter more now than three years ago, and 58% say the economy has had a big impact on their perception of loyalty rewards programs.

Ultimately, gen Zs are highly loyal when their trust has been earned, but their tech prowess has changed their priorities. For example, they may play fast and loose with their data on social media platforms, but they are far more concerned with how brands use their data than any of their predecessors. They’re also more motivated than other generations by rewards that involve access to special events. Part of that proclivity is due to their love for shareable, exclusive events and it also speaks to their desire for a deeper connection with their favourite brands.

One challenge for brands is to satisfy diverse generational needs. Caddle found that generations on both ends of the spectrum—25% of baby boomers and 28% of gen Z—said they experienced challenges with rewards programs’ apps or websites. While the tech savvy gen-Z shopper might have higher expectations for user experience and interface, boomers might encounter usability problems. It’s wise for companies to avoid generational stereotypes when targeting customer behaviour and focus on using their own customer data insights coupled with third party data guidance instead.

Canada has one of the most mature loyalty markets and in this current economic climate, consumers are evaluating the true value they’re getting. Cash is king and flexibility of choice in how they use their rewards is not just a nice to have but table stakes. It’s never been more critical to leverage customer data to make the purchase journey even more attractive.

After all, your shoppers are paying attention. CG

Ransom Hawley, former packaged goods leader, is founder and CEO at Caddle Inc., the largest mobile-first insights platform that rewards Canadians for sharing data and engaging with brands.

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 31

the

Remarkable Rise of

Dr. Oetker

Canada’s only frozen pizza brand with national distribution across all retailers continues to grow with a focus on delicious products for every taste and occasion.

The roots of Canada’s hottest frozen pizza brand stretch back to 1893, when German pharmacist Dr. August Oetker developed a ready-to-use baking powder. After decades of developing baking and food products, the eponymous company launched frozen pizza in 1970, and later expanded internationally.

In 2002, the Ristorante brand landed in Canada. Dr. Oetker was at first the underdog in a segment dominated by national brands. “We came in as a smaller player, and 20 years later, Dr. Oetker is the market leader and continues to develop the category based on evolving consumer needs in strong collaboration with our retailer partners,” says Laura Jones, Marketing Manager at Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd. “Our key is to provide consumers with great-tasting, highquality brands that are supported with innovative and robust sales and marketing campaigns.”

Staying on top of health trends, Dr. Oetker launched 2 Ristorante gluten free, lactose free varieties in 2017 as well as a Ristorante vegan variety in 2021. These were introduced to appeal to and address the needs of consumers who suffer from celiac disease as well as those who are lactose intolerant. Today, Ristorante Gluten Free Pepperoni reigns as the top selling SKU in the health and wellness category. (Source: Nielsen MarketTrack, PE July 15, 2023) The introduction of Dr. Oetker’s Vegan Margherita Pomodori pizza provided an opportunity for vegan consumers to enjoy the same great taste as their favourite Ristorante pizzas without any meat or dairy ingredients.

Dr. Oetker has also expanded its offering to bring its high-quality recipes to the complementary snacks segment with Giuseppe Easy Pizzi and Momenti.

The innovations keep coming as Dr. Oetker’s vision is to offer Canadians more pizza moments for all their pizza occasion needs.

This September, Dr. Oetker launched Giuseppe Stuffed Crust as well as a premium artisanal line, Tradizionale.

It features stone-baked crust, premium Italian ingredients at a strong value.

These new product lines fill the gap created by Nestle’s exit from the frozen pizza segment, which was announced in February 2023.

Dr. Oetker is now the only branded frozen pizza player with national distribution across all retailers in the Canadian market, and the company aims to keep things sizzling.

“We plan to keep the category strong with continued investment to keep frozen pizza top of mind and continued innovation to meet the needs of consumers,” says Jones.

Another key development came in 2014, when Dr. Oetker purchased the McCain line of frozen pizzas. Two years later, Dr. Oetker rolled out, Giuseppe Pizzeria, a family favourite with a variety of thin crust and rising crust.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE • CANADIAN GROCER SEP/OCT 2023

Cover story

Championing ındependents

Canadian Grocer catches up with Jamie Nelson, CFIG’s incoming chair, to talk about the current grocery landscape and what it will take for indies to win

By Shellee Fitzgerald • Photography by Adam Blasberg

AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT in Mission, B.C. back in 1979, Jamie Nelson was looking for part-time work. It wasn’t long before he found it, landing a gig at the Overwaitea Foods (now Save-On-Foods) that had just opened in town.

What Nelson didn’t know then was that his parttime job was the start of a 40-plus year career in grocery that has taken him from the frontlines to the c-suite and has even earned him a prestigious Golden Pencil Award (more on that in Canadian Grocer’s November 2023 issue).

“Sometimes I do wonder how I got to this level,” says Nelson, modestly, attributing his career trajectory to making the most of every opportunity that has come his way. “I really wanted to be a store manager and that happened for me and then I just kept going from there. I’ve been very fortunate.”

Today, Nelson is chief operating officer of Langley, B.C.-based Pattison Food Group and 34 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

executive vice-president of Save-On-Foods.

A force in Western Canada, Pattison Food Group has 11 retail banners under its umbrella including Buy-Low Foods, Quality Foods, Nesters Market and Save- On-Foods. The company has been adding to its store count in recent years, even venturing outside of Canada with its acquisition of Oregon-based Roth’s Fresh Markets in 2021.

Come October, Nelson will take on a new challenge as he steps into the role of chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), succeeding fellow Pattison Food Group and Buy-Low Foods exec Dan Bregg. In an interview with Canadian Grocer, Nelson talks about what’s ahead for Pattison Food Group/Save-On-Foods, the need to be transparent with customers and the big issues facing independent grocers today. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Cover story

You’ve held a lot of different roles at Save-On-Foods over the years. What are some of your biggest learnings from those experiences?

Regardless of the role, the fundamentals are the same. Lead by example, listen to people [both team members and customers], treat them with respect, set high expectations and hold everyone, including myself, accountable.

What has been a notable change you’ve witnessed in the grocery industry during your time working in it?

It has really been about competition. In my time, I have seen Real Canadian Superstore, Walmart and Costco all move into our markets. Competition has driven us to be more efficient in everything we do to satisfy the consumer’s needs.

Save-On-Foods/Pattison Food Group continues to grow with new stores and initiatives. What’s next?

We are always looking for opportunities to expand to new locations across Western Canada. Renovating current stores is also a priority, as is introducing some of our successful innovations company-wide.

Regarding our independent grocers, we are committed to ensuring they have all the tools they need to be successful, and that we support them to reach their goals as unique banners.

How would you sum up the last few years for independent grocers?

The pandemic years have been difficult for everyone, especially independent grocers whose size limited them when they lost part of their workforce due to illness. But consumers know their independents well and, throughout the pandemic, customers felt comfortable shopping in smaller establishments where they know the staff and could see the efforts being made to keep people safe.

When you speak with independents (in your capacity as a CFIG board member), what are some of their biggest concerns right now?

We are in a time of transition. Changes in the workforce are a concern right now, especially for independents. Things like turnover and the labour shortage continue to be of concern and owners are retiring, looking to sell their businesses. And, like all retailers, independents are concerned with inflation and rising costs to run their businesses.

You mention owners retiring—how big of a concern is succession?

I think it’s a big concern and we continue to take calls from different independents. Now, some have done a really good job of succession planning; they’ve been building their teams and working with family [members] to continue the business, but there are a lot of 36 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

single-store operators out there who are wondering what the future holds for them.

Would you say it’s a good time to be an independent grocer? What do independents need to do to thrive in the current marketplace?

The Canadian grocery landscape needs a mix of large, national, regional, local and independent retailers to thrive—there will always be a place for the independent. Consumers across the country are looking for what they need closer to home and from people they can trust. Independent grocers need to be community-minded to thrive; supporting local and really knowing their customer is what’s going to help them deliver. They need to focus on what they do really well and be the best at those things. The advantage of independents is they can make decisions, pivot and innovate quickly relative to larger players.

What do you hope to accomplish in your year-long term as chair of CFIG? The team at CFIG does a fantastic job at standing up for the independents and supporting them with everything from training to government relations. I see my role as a support role to help the team communicate their vision and ensure, as an organization, we are listening and prioritizing our resources where the needs are greatest.

Achieving a grocery code of conduct has been a years-long effort and priority for CFIG. Where do things stand with the code right now?

Are things progressing as hoped?

I am confident that an industry-wide code of conduct will come together by the end of the year. I fully believe that all industry participants including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers will be pleased with the outcome, and will benefit from participating.

Surveys show grocers’ reputations have taken a bit of a hit due to inflation/higher prices. What can grocers do to win favour with customers again?

Grocers need to be transparent with their customers and suppliers and business partners. Focus on relationships with local growers and producers and showcase quality and value.

What opportunities lie ahead for independents?

Independents have huge opportunities to be nimble, flexible and offer consumers new, innovative services and products before national retailers. Fostering relationships with their communities is key to their success. Criticism from the public tends to focus on large, national retailers, giving independents an opportunity to earn public favour and become the store of choice in their communities. CG

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Generation Next thinking

HOW CAN RETAILERS PREPARE FOR A

RISKIER WORLD?

Expecting the unexpected—and putting the right emergency preparedness plan in place—will help grocers weather the next disaster

SHUTTERSTOCK/DILOK KLAISATAPORN

By Rebecca Harris

RETAIL IS ANYTHING but predictable. Today, grocers are impacted by a range of external factors, from an unstable economy and rising inflation to shifts in consumer demands and fluctuating spending habits.

Add in unexpected events such as weather catastrophes, cyberattacks, geopolitical crises and public health scares, and—if you’re not ready—you have a recipe for disaster.

“The worst thing you can do is say ‘it’s not going to happen to me.’ If you take that attitude, chances are it’s going to be very painful,” says Roberto Zegarra, director of education and product development at Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) International, a

non-profit that helps organizations prepare for and recover from disasters.

The solution is one word: preparedness, adds Zegarra. “You must think of the things that can go wrong. This is happening. This is not a meteor that’s hitting Earth once every 10 million years … You have to plan for [the unexpected] and you must do due diligence and due care.”

Though risks and threats are nothing new, retailers are now thinking differently about them, says Marty Weintraub, partner, national retail leader at Deloitte Canada. That’s because recent crises retailers have just come through—the pandemic, war in Ukraine

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Generation Next thinking and extreme weather events—are still top of mind.

However, Weintraub worries this may not last.

“In my experience … retailers, unfortunately, tend to have short-term memories and tend to focus on what they do best, which is retailing,” he says.

And retailers are often faced with more burning issues, Weintraub adds. If given a choice, rather than put resources towards scenario-planning, most retailers would “attack the opportunity immediately staring them down the barrel, which is sales, margin, inventory,” says Weintraub. “That’s the conundrum we live in on this topic.”

However, retailers must have a plan in place to remain resilient in the face of an emergency or disaster. “If you take the attitude of ‘there is a possibility of this happening and, when it does happen, this is how we’re going to attack that problem,’ you will mitigate a lot of the damages and impact to your organization,” notes Zegarra.

In addition, retailers doing due diligence are showing their customers, community and employees they are “a strong, resilient and responsible organization,” adds Zegarra. “This is key because [those groups] know they’ll be able to rely on these organizations when bad things happen … People will say, ‘It happened, but they were ready. They’re strong.

We can trust them.’”

THE CHANGING NATURE OF RISKS AND RISK PREPAREDNESS

While the retail industry is no stranger to the unexpected, risk preparedness and risks themselves are evolving. For strategist David Ian Gray, it comes down to today’s more complex and interconnected world.

“In the past, emergency threats to Canadian retailers tended to be economic shocks or brand hits related to social injustice or eco-disasters elsewhere [in the world],” says Gray, founder of DIG360, a Vancouver-based retail consultancy. For example, Loblaw’s Joe Fresh clothing brand was connected to a garment factory in Bangladesh that experienced a deadly fire in 2013.

When it comes to risk assessments, they were traditionally “fairly rote and small scale, for example, a vendor going out of business,” says Gray. “Looking broadly at what was going on in [the retail] universe, there was no need for [emergency preparedness] for a long time.”

Fast-forward a few years to the COVID-19 pandemic and it was “sink or swim” for retailers across the board, says Gray. “It jarred many executive teams and a lot of them rose to the occasion,” he says.

“They started to adopt new practices quickly in a short time frame … They did develop a nimbleness and a triage approach that they could draw on the next time something happens.”

One lesson learned from the pandemic is the importance of sharing information in times of

disaster. Though competitors typically keep things close to the chest, Gray says there was “an unprecedented amount of co-operation—competitors sharing information and letting their guard down a bit to jointly solve some big issues. I’d never seen anything like that and hopefully some of that stays … Sharing is not going to harm their competitive abilities, but it’s going to make sure they can all do better together.”

The pandemic also opened people’s eyes to how precarious our systems are, adds Gray. As retail became more global with interdependency across the supply chain, Gray says “we built complex systems that only seemed simple … The ‘normal’ now is that the world is quite complicated and hiccups across the system can cause unexpected ripple effects that can be big in magnitude.”

In response to the pandemic, many retailers—grocers included—diversified their supply chains and turned to new vendors amid ongoing disruptions.

“What we now realize is there is a huge risk to being beholden to one source of supply,” says Gray.

The shift may have been kick-started by COVID, but it was heightened by the war in Ukraine affecting wheat and canola exports; rising oil prices; and shipping and port problems. “The ‘what if’ is what if one place has a problem?” says Gray. “Do we have other places that we’re drawing from?” That diversification, he adds, “could be from the source all the way through to how [retailers] set up distribution across the geography they operate in.”

Supply chain diversification is apt in a lot of emergency scenarios, including severe weather events.

“In the last few years, we have seen more and more major weather events create havoc for communities and retailers,” says Gray. In 2021, for example, catastrophic flooding and mudslides in B.C.’s Fraser Valley closed major highways and rail lines and led to many empty shelves in grocery stores.

“When the floods occurred in the Fraser Valley and washed out roads, there was a shortage of supply for grocery,” says Gray. “A lot of crops were wiped out and food stock—[cows], chickens and other animals—perished. That was a supply hit, but also just delivering goods to stores was incredibly disrupted.”

IDENTIFYING EMERGENCY THREATS AND THEIR POTENTIAL EFFECTS

Retailers must also brace for the possibility of an increased onslaught of emergency threats. “We’re seeing the impact of disruptive events that are becoming more frequent and are having higher magnitude,” for example, wildfire events and cyber disruptions, says Edward Matley, partner and national crises and resilience leader at PwC Canada. That means organizations may have to respond to more than one crisis at a time–and those crises can be different types, he adds.

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 41

Generation Next thinking

Research (not to mention near-daily headlines) bears out the scope of the problem. According to IBM Security’s annual X-Force Threat Intelligence Index, for example, retail is the third most-attacked industry in Canada (tied with the government), accounting for 10% of all the cyberattacks IBM X-Force cyber threat management responded to in 2022.

In the grocery sector, high-profile cases made clear how retailers and manufacturers are vulnerable. Last fall, Maple Leaf Foods was hit with a cybersecurity incident the company said would cost at least $23 million in direct and indirect economic impacts. Earlier this year, Empire Company was the victim of a cybersecurity breach at its grocery banner Sobeys, which cost the business around $32 million.

On an earnings call with analysts in March 2023, president and CEO Michael Medline spoke about how the company is shoring up its cybersecurity. “We did have a robust cybersecurity system in place that obviously was breached,” he said. “We have made 42 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

significant changes to all elements of our cybersecurity … Over the next few years, we’ll spend a little bit more, which will really improve our cybersecurity in the short- and medium-term.”

A PLAN TO WEATHER THE NEXT DISASTER

As the threats keep coming and evolving, grocers must analyze their risks and develop or revisit their emergency preparedness plan. “If an organization [fared well during] the pandemic in 2020, that plan is three years old now and is most likely not going to work,” says DRI’s Zegarra.

On a practical level, Zegarra says companies need to run through various scenarios and ask questions about how they’ll respond, especially in three priority areas: cyber, supply chain and weather events.

“Whether it’s a cyberattack or a major flood, look at your operations and ask, ‘what are our top products and where are they coming from?’” he says. “If there is a distribution centre in a flood-prone area or in an area where, if we have a huge snowstorm, we won’t have access to it. How are we going to deal with that?” And in the event of a cyberattack, the question might be: “How will I be able to sell my products and keep track so that we can continue our business while IT and information security is getting rid of the problem?” says Zegarra.

PwC’s Matley says risk management starts with being aware of the risks to your organization, and then making sure you apply the appropriate level of investment and focus to mitigate them, including putting preventative measures in place.

From there, build plans for what you’d do when something goes wrong. “Those plans shouldn’t be big red binders of information that we used to have, like business continuity,” says Matley. “[It’s about] having a pragmatic approach, a plan for what to do when those threats are realized because increasingly, they are being realized.”

The third step, in Matley’s view, is making sure the people who have responsibility for responding to disruptions have been through training and have exercised those plans in a realistic environment. “[This will] help build muscle memory so when they are involved in responding to a disruption, they feel they’re capable, they’ve done it before … so the response will be much more effective.” CG

Generation Next Thinking is an ongoing series that explores the cutting-­­edge topics that are impacting grocery retail today and in the future.

GETTY IMAGES/BLACK_KIRA

According to PwC’s latest biannual Global Crisis and Resilience Survey, nine in 10 organizations report they’ve experienced multiple major disruptions. More than three-quarters (76%) said disruptions had a medium to high impact on operations, disrupting critical business processes and services and causing financial and reputational issues. The top five reported disruptions include the pandemic, employee retention and recruitment, supply chain, technology disruption or failure, and cyberattacks.

When it comes to more unexpected events, though, Matley sees cyberattacks as the No. 1 threat today.

“Cyber is, not surprisingly, the big one,” he says.

“Even though public health emergencies shot up materially in terms of where they’ve landed on the risk scales for a lot of organizations, cyber has quickly gone back to being No. 1.”

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Loyalty

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT To lock in loyalty, grocers need to get THE NEW

creative with their rewards programs

GETTY IMAGES/CNYTHZL

By Rosalind Stefanac

AS CONSUMERS SEARCH for savings in the face of ongoing inflation, grocers face a serious dilemma: how to keep their customers coming back. “Loyalty is arguably the No. 1 battleground for grocers right now to keep foot traffic in stores,” says Sylvain Charlebois, a professor in food distribution policy and senior director at the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University. “[Consumers] are becoming nomads as they’re always looking for deals and willing to change [stores]—a lot.”

Enticing customers with loyalty programs seems like an obvious solution,

with good reason. More than half (57%) of Canadians ranked grocery rewards programs as the single most valuable type of loyalty program, outpacing any other category, according to a 2023 Consumer Survey from Givex, a cloud-based global customer engagement and business insights platform. Almost all (98%) respondents said they’ve used rewards or points from a loyalty program at least once to make a purchase. “Rewards programs have been around for so long because they work—in airlines, for credit cards and for grocery, too,” says Bill Gray, president of Givex Rewards, which is

headquartered in Toronto.

Yet having a loyalty program that offers deals and promotions ad hoc is no longer sufficient. With so many options available to consumers, industry analysts say grocers need to get their loyalty programs just right to keep shoppers engaged.

“Right now, we’re going through loyalty programs 2.0 in the grocery business,” says Charlebois. “First it was just about increasing foot traffic and now it’s grocers thinking about the competition and how they can differentiate themselves through these programs—and provide as much value as possible.”

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 45

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Loyalty FINE-TUNING PROGRAMS TO KEEP CUSTOMERS LOYAL

P C Optimum, which is operated by Loblaw, is considered the gold standard among loyalty programs, says Joel Percy, regional director, Canada at Eagle Eye, a digital marketing company that has worked with some of the largest loyalty programs in the world (including Loblaw’s). “PC Optimum has been around for a while and is still a leader in the space, and the one others are looking to … as one of the most sophisticated programs, in part, because of a heavy emphasis on personalization,” he says.

Ryan Markle, senior vice-president, loyalty at Loblaw Companies, says loyalty programs have been a fundamental part of its business for decades. “To give our customers the most value possible, we merged [Shoppers Optimum and PC Plus] programs together and launched PC Optimum in 2018,” he says. “With nearly 16 million active members, we are one of the most trusted loyalty programs in Canada and last year our members earned over $1 billion in points.”

Markle says the secret to the program’s success is that it’s continually evolving to better serve its customers. “We’re always looking for more ways to deliver more value and savings to help manage the cost of essentials for Canadians,” he says. In addition to personalized offerings based on shopper behaviour, delivering more

value includes expanding the program’s suite of points offerings to all Loblaw’s retail stores and introducing “members-only pricing” to provide immediate discounts. “Our loyalty program also makes it easy to redeem points at Esso for savings on fuel, and we’re introducing exciting new partners like Apple to give access to new services.” (Through the PC Optimum app, members now have extended free trials of Apple services, including Apple TV+, Apple Music, Apple Fitness+, Apple Arcade and Apple News+.) “We’re always looking for new ways to reward our customers and that includes exploring program extensions in new areas like entertainment,” says Markle. “With the breadth of offerings within our network, there’s something for everyone to get excited about.”

With PC Optimum and other loyalty programs around the world getting creative with their rewards offerings (see sidebar below), other Canadian grocers are following suit by engaging customers with rewards beyond just groceries.

Scene+, a partnership between Empire Company (owner of Sobeys), Scotiabank and Cineplex, is a good example, allowing members to earn points on banking, dining, movies and other entertainment.

Earlier this year, Metro launched the “Moi” rewards program across its banners, which includes the no annual fee Moi RBC Visa card. It gives users double

the points earned on eligible purchases with the grocer’s network and one times the points on purchases everywhere else.

The grocer says the new program is an evolution of the Metro&Moi program, which launched in 2010 in Metro stores in Quebec and had more than 1.2 million active members. Speaking about the new program during a call with analysts in August, president and CEO Eric La Flèche said the results were encouraging, with more than one million new members joining the program for a total of 2.2 million members and growing.

“Overall, customer response has been positive … and we see a higher basket spend from Moi customers across all banners,” he said.

After extensive research, Calgary Co-op also launched an app and rewards program to its employees this June with a public launch scheduled for late September. Penney McTaggart Cowan, vice-president marketing and member experiences, says the grocer looked at other co-operatives around the world and learned that many have the same issues in terms of aging members, price perception issues and a need to connect with younger shoppers.

In researching what Calgary Co-op members wanted in their loyalty program, she says the top asks were a more simplified model, immediate access to patronage and more ways to save. “Being

GROCERS GET CREATIVE TO ENGAGE CUSTOMERS Here’s a look at what some grocers outside of Canada are doing to earn shopper loyalty: » At WOOLWORTHS in Australia, shoppers can pay for a monthly subscription service called Everyday Extra from Everyday Rewards for a host of discounts and perks, including 10% off one shop a month on all in-store purchases. » British supermarket chain ASDA has a strictly app-based rewards program that compensates users in currency instead of points. The money earned in a member’s “cashpot” is converted into a voucher to use in-store or online. For the month of April this

year, the grocer was offering all members £5 (about $8.50) in their cashpot the first time they scanned their rewards app. There are also meal-themed incentives such as a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner in February that will earn members cash back. » Shoppers who are part of KROGER’S loyalty program in the United States can redeem rewards for a variety of gift cards, including Apple and Google Play, and also donate to charities with their points. For the subscription

Kroger Boost program, members get free grocery delivery and double the fuel points for discounts at Kroger gas stations. » Members of ALBERTSONS for U program in the United States get a treat offer up to US$10 value in their loyalty account at the beginning of their birthday month. Members also have access to the Pet Health Savings Card that can save them up to 80% on pet medications at participating pharmacies.

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a co-operative is unique as our members are already invested (they had to purchase a share to join), but they also have a need for instant gratification and to be rewarded for their shopping behaviour.”

McTaggart says this is the first app of its kind in North America designed to reflect the uniqueness of being a co-operative, while providing visibility to annual estimated patronage earnings (the profit sharing provided back to its member-owners.) “This is a game changer for our members, providing more instant gratification and savings,” she says.

With the app, members get bonus cash earned on selected items each week. Then each dollar of bonus cash is redeemable for an equal amount in credit towards purchases at Calgary Co-op. There are also weekly personalized offers based on how members shop. McTaggart says the patronage model will be simplified, fully transparent and more immediate. “Our goal is to show members how their shopping behaviour directly connects to their estimated patronage earnings,” she says.

“Even though they will not receive their patronage payout until it is approved by our member elected board of directors, they will see a nice little nest egg accumulating in the app.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LOYALTY PROGRAMS?

To better understand changing shopping habits and loyalty and promotional approaches across grocery and retail sectors, Eagle Eye surveyed consumers and loyalty program managers in North America, Asia, Australia and the United Kingdom. The results showed a great value in personalization, but more needs to be done in terms of engagement strategies such as gamification or real-time notifications. Of consumers surveyed, 71% said they would consider buying an item or find it helpful if they got a promotion for that item while in-store, and more than one-third said they’d welcome receiving offers on or before their shopping day. Two-thirds of global consumers would or already do take part in games, contests or challenges through their loyalty program or app to save money, earn rewards and win prizes.

Percy points to Sephora as a company that has done a stellar job in taking personalization beyond value and promotions with tailored beauty recommendations that fully engage consumers in

the shopping experience. “Ten years ago in grocery, you could knock someone’s socks off by giving them a really personalized recommendation and now they’re disappointed if you don’t,” says Percy. “It comes from years and years of using Spotify, Netflix, Amazon and others leading the way with personalization.”

In addition to engaging more customers and increasing basket spend, personalization will benefit grocers by giving them a massive advantage in being able to spend more strategically themselves, says Percy. “Personalization gives you this whole set of levers to know where to dial back or invest more in this quarter, for example,” he says. As artificial intelligence becomes more and more accessible, Percy says personalization strategies will become even more enhanced in helping retailers know what people will buy at what time of the week so they can invest in the right items.

Gray, of Givex Rewards, says the sweet spot for loyalty programs going forward is in grocers being able to predict what consumers need and getting that out in front of them before they even realize they need it. “At Givex Rewards, we find the deals from vendors to communicate to consumers, which increases store trips and sales,” he says. “The real benefit of loyalty programs is matching deals from vendors with shoppers based on shopping history and predictive history of what they’re going to be needing.”

While technology will undoubtedly enhance customer experience, grocers are still grappling with how to ensure their older, cost-conscious and more tech-averse patrons can reap the benefits of their loyalty programs. Just as seniors “learned to Zoom” during the COVID-19 pandemic, Percy says new behaviours can be learned when there is a compelling reason, such as cost-savings and real value. “There is a generation of digital engagement factors coming up that will become the norm and much more mainstream,” he says.

Some grocers are also combatting this issue by using front-of-store kiosks that display digital ads customers can save and use when shopping in-store. “They don’t even need an email but just key in their phone number at the cash to access the deals they [digitally] clipped when they walked in,” says Gray. “It makes it easy for seniors to participate in digital deals, too.” CG

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Aisles

PRODUCTS || STORE OPS || CUSTOMERS || TRENDS

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

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EAT AND BE MERRY! Though inflation is an ongoing concern, Canadians are ready to celebrate the holiday season. Here’s how grocers can help

By Chris Daniels

The yuletide season will be upon us before we know it and well-prepared grocers can be confident of good tidings. After all, this will be the second year in a row without pandemic restrictions, and Canadians’ appetite to create memories with friends and family is as strong as ever, with festive mains, appetizers and sweet treats important considerations to a successful get-together.

In fact, nine in 10 shoppers (88%) spend more on food and drink when hosting a seasonal celebration, reports the Ipsos FIVE Consumption Tracking Service from June 2023. In other words, this is an important time in any grocer’s calendar. But 2023 home entertaining trends won’t be a mirror image of last year.

Citing “pandem-flation concerns (post-pandemic plus rising pricing pressures/inflation),” Kathy Perrotta, vice-president of market strategy and understanding at Ipsos Canada, says there are new barriers to entertaining (cost, return to office, lack of confidence in hosting) that have led

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 51

Aisles Canadians to thinking outside the box when it comes to entertaining at home.

The Ipsos FIVE market research shows that hosts are looking to share the cost of entertaining through “pot lucking” (18% increase versus the 2019 holiday period) and a focus on quality and simplicity to ease workload (12% increase versus pre-pandemic times).

“This ‘less is more’ approach and sharing in the cost and work is newly trending,” says Perrotta. “It presents a unique opportunity for retailers to provide solutions and messaging around this mindset, extending from food and beverage to accents like napkins and candles.”

This is good news for grocers. “People are more open to premium-priced products when they’re only responsible for a component of a meal,” she says.

INFLATIONARY IMPACT Still, promotional pricing in an inflationary environment moves product. Mintel data from April 2023 indicates that 74% of Canadians always/often look at what’s on sale before shopping for regularly priced items, and 64% always/often compare prices at different retailers and buy wherever the best deal is.

“Canadians have always been savvy deal-finders and those skills have been honed as a way of battling inflation,” says Scott Stewart, associate director, lifestyles and retail, Canada, at Mintel.

“They’ll likely be more in tune with promotions and sales this season than they have in the past.”

Shoppers might be seeking deals this holiday season, but limited-edition products are expected to perform well.

Between 2018 and 2022, seasonal product launches at Christmas increased in Canada and the United States by 15%, according to Innova Market Insights. The firm’s Consumer Surveys 2023 found 41% of Canadian and U.S. consumers are more likely to make an impulse purchase when the food or beverage is in limited release.

Lu Ann Williams, global insights director at Innova, says the popularity of limited-edition products are explained by one of its top 10 trends of 2023, “revenge spending,” with 14% of consumers having increased socializing with food to compensate for the missed experience and enjoyment of sharing good times with family and friends during the pandemic.

“Themed or limited-edition products provide a great opportunity for grocers, with continued interest from consumers and less scrutiny on price than yearround offerings from popular brands,” explains Williams.

When well merchandized, “typically, promoting pricing is not necessary when it’s only available for the holiday season,” says Lesya Chapman, marketing manager at Canadian ice cream manufacturer, Chapman’s, which is bringing its Holiday Moments portfolio of ice cream sandwiches, cones, bars and tubs in limited-edition flavours such as peppermint, shortbread and gingerbread back for a third straight year. “The sales performance of holiday flavours has been very steady and consistent with slight growth in sales from year to year,” says Chapman.

This year, under its Great Value private-label brand, Walmart Canada is putting its stamp on popular baked goods, explains Morgan Ferris, vice-president,

Walmart brands at Walmart Canada. The retailer is launching creme-filled cookies in Cinnamon Bun and Oatmeal Chai as well as Mini Eggs, an Easter favourite reimagined in Christmas-themed candy-coated shells.

Meanwhile, Group Bel Canada launched its Boursin Truffle Salt and Hint of Pepper as a limited-time holiday offer in 2022 and the product is “back permanently this year due to popular demand,” says Chantal Pelletier, Group Bel’s director of marketing.

PREMIUMIZATION Not every grocery trip will have the same goal in mind, given a shopper might be looking for a premium appetizer for a potluck on one visit and an affordable protein for a family dinner on another.

In their seafood sections, grocers should appeal to both value and premium choices, advises Tony Vartivarian, director of marketing at Lagoon Seafood, which has 600-plus SKUs. “Consumers might opt for more budget-friendly seafood options like pollock instead of Canadian haddock, or smaller quantities of more expensive product,” he says. “But during holiday entertaining, they may also be more inclined to splurge on premium fish and seafood like lobster, crab, smoked salmon and exotic seafood varieties, given they’re perceived as luxurious and fitting for celebratory meals.”

TWISTS ON TRADITION There is a reason turkey, ham, cranberry sauce, yams and green beans are synonymous with Christmas. Mintel data indicates that 46% of people return to the

Holiday merchandising tips BE EARLY, GO BIG “In recent years, customers have shopped earlier for the season, and we expect that trend to continue,” says Sourabh Malik, merchandising—food, for Walmart Canada. The retail giant is also planning for “bigger and bolder holiday” marketing both in-store and online, with messaging focused on “quality and value for every occasion.”

SUGGEST PAIRING IDEAS This is especially effective in the deli section, where cheese suggestions can be a big purchase driver of both categories, explains Chantal Pelletier, director of marketing for Group Bel Canada. “The more festive the deli section is with impactful POS, the more it will incite festive holiday shopping.”

DEVOTE PRIME REAL ESTATE TO VALUE CUTS Given inflation has sent some meat prices skyrocketing, consider giving display to more affordable choices. “Meatloaf, meatballs and stuffed peppers are gaining popularity,” says Todd Van Eyk, merchandising manager at Canada Beef. Better placement can boost the category.

MAKE STORE DECOR SHOPPABLE Summerhill Market transforms its stores into holiday wonderlands each year with decorations available for sale. “That has helped us become a strong destination for decor in addition to food and drink,” says president and co-owner Brad McMullen.

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 53

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Aisles same dishes they grew up with. Still, only 22% say they have set holiday recipes and 33% like to add their own creativity to traditional dishes.

“Tradition, structure and nostalgia are powerful motivators, but relatively few consumers are entirely committed to the same dishes year after year,” explains Mintel’s Stewart. “Threading that needle is where the opportunity is.”

He says it can be “cranberry chutney instead of cranberry sauce or bok choy instead of Brussels sprouts,” with appetizers, desserts and beverages particularly opportune for a slight twist.

Chefs at Toronto’s Summerhill Market are developing unique, ready-to-eat items, particularly with appetizers to accompany the usual mains. “We’re thinking an hors d’oeuvres board, which traditionally take a bit of work at home, but that we could curate in a box with instructions on how to assemble,” says Brad McMullen, president and co-owner of the gourmet grocery chain.

INCREASED PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT To help spark ideas, grocers and manufacturers are providing recipe inspiration. Ahead of the season, Farm Boy will launch a digital magazine, inSeason, filled with recipes, entertainment ideas “and seasonal offerings from all departments,” says Alessandra Bisaillon, Farm Boy’s director of marketing.

Launched earlier this year, Canada Beef’s online portal, The Canadian Beef Information Gateway, features more than 300 recipes with video tutorials on how to make holiday classics such as tourtière (a French-Canadian meat pie usually served on Christmas Eve) and Wellington made with traditional beef, but also cost-effective ground beef.

SWEETEST THING “Though concerns about sugar persist in daily decision-making,” says Ipsos’s Perrotta, “sweet dessert traditions remain a staple requirement at holiday gatherings, led by home-baked goods (cookies, pies, squares, cupcakes), chocolate treats, fresh fruit and frozen novelties.”

Returning seasonal favourites at Farm Boy include its store-brand eggnog cruffies (croissant-meets-muffin pastries), gingerbread loaf cake, mincemeat tarts and seasonally flavoured Swiss rolls.

And rather than large-size mincemeat or apple pies, Tree of Life Canada is expecting individually packaged treats to be popular this holiday season.

The food distributor is forecasting an uptick for snack-size indulgences imported from Italy, including Condorelli nougats smothered in pistachios, hazelnut and chocolate; Paese Mio chocolate figs with almond; and Balconi chocolate tiramisu wafers.

“Individualized packaging allows for more control of serving size and less waste,” explains Yuriko Kitano, Tree of Life Canada’s senior marketing insights manager. “The packaging makes them perfect for display in-store.”

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1 MOVE OVER, TOFU

Tempeh Four things to know

Aisles 3 RECIPES FOR SUCCESS

To maximize the sales potential, Part of the soy family “demonstrate for consumers with tofu (which it’s how easy tempeh is to prepare,” says Kathy Perrotta, viceoften merchandized president of market strategy and next to), tempeh understanding with Ipsos Canada. th Why? “Because for the first dates to 16 century time last year, cost was up there Indonesia and is alongside health consciousness and environmental consciousness made by fermenting as to why people are reducing soybeans and

By Chris Daniels their meat consumption,” Perrotta explains. “And so, people who forming them have been hearing about tempeh into a firm, but sitting on the fence are now willing to try it.” dense, cakeGrogan says Lightlife is “focused like structure on tempeh recipe development, including with food influencers” that can be and “providing recipe and product sliced, crumbled inspiration” on shelf signage and online. (Think Southwest tempeh or cubed. tacos or Buffalo tempeh salad!)

Nicole Ensoll, Nature’s Emporium, which registered holistic carries Lightlife, Henry’s Tempeh and Noble Bean Tempeh, is nutritionist and collaborating with “nutrition category manager experts to develop and share recipes” featuring tempeh on at Ontario social media, says Ensoll. grocer Nature’s Emporium, says the fermen­tation 4 THE “EH” IN TEMPEH of the legume Tempeh is becoming increasingly popular in Canada. improves “its Lightlife was the brand leader in the 52 weeks end 2 PLANT-BASED OUTLIER digestibility, ing June 17, 2023, with 59% share of the tempeh market, according to sales data from NielsenIQ Canada.

While sales in the ensuring that Other players include Kitchener, Ont.-based Henry’s refrigerated plant-based your body can meat alternatives category Tempeh. Founded in 2002, co-owner and managing declined 13% over the partner Phil Diceanu says the brand has taken off in efficiently absorb 52 weeks ending June 17, grocery, having started out as a supplier to restauits goodness.”

2023, tempeh sales have rants. Sales of Henry’s Tempeh—which is available in remained flat (at $3 million), That goodness Original, with Basil, with Red Pepper, and Crumble— according to NielsenIQ are up 200% from five years ago. Recent momentum includes “amino Canada. Adam Grogan, includes a local supplier engagement agreement with president of alternative acids, essential Sobeys (putting the brand in 75 Ontario Sobeys and proteins at Maple Leaf Foods and president of B vitamins, and Foodland stores); a listing in six Longo’s stores; and its subsidiary Greenleaf— a distribution agreement with UNFI Canada that has vital minerals such which makes Lightlife expanded Henry’s Tempeh to Western Canada. as iron and calcium.” brand refrigerated Brothers Michael and Liam Makhan, who own and tempeh—says the fact operate vegan restaurant Aux Vivres in Montreal, Higher in protein tempeh “is not being bought Noble Bean Tempeh in 2014. Available in impacted” the same as content than tofu Original, 3 Grains, Quinoa & Sesame, and Sea Vegeother meat alternatives with a “nutty tables, Michael Makhan says, “our brand has experigives the company “great confidence” enced significant expansion,” with grocery sales up flavour,” Ensoll in its growth potential.

17% since 2020. Noble Bean Tempeh is sold in select calls it “an excellent IGA, Metro, Avril Supermarché Santé, Walmart and meat alternative.”

Provigo locations.

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 57

New on shelf!

1 OATBOX ORIGINAL AND BARISTA OAT BEVERAGES Oatbox, the Montreal startup that launched in 2014 as a direct-to-consumer subscription service specializing in oat-based products including oat bars, granola and oatmeal, is expanding into the oat beverage market with its Original and Barista blends. The new beverages are dairy-free, contain no added sugar and are made from 100% Canadian oats.

2 BEN’S ORIGINAL 10 MEDLEY Ben’s Original has expanded its line of readyto-heat rice to include grain, vegetable, herb and legume medleys in four flavours: Chinese Style Five Spice, Caribbean Style, Smoky Southwest and Tomato & Herbs. Sold in 240gram, BPA-free pouches, each medley has at least 10 grams of fibre, 10 grams of protein and is free of artificial flavours and preservatives.

3 QUE PASA ROUNDS The summer entertaining season might be winding down, but it’s never too late to take a dip. Nature’s Path Organic Foods has launched what it’s calling “the perfect dip-ready chip” with its gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, Canada Organic Certified and non-GMO Project Verified Que Pasa Rounds tortilla chips.

Aisles The latest products hitting shelves

1 2 3

4 LIBRA BEVERAGE CO.’S LIME LAGER Libra Beverage Co., a non-alcoholic craft beer company based in Charlottetown, P.E.I., has launched Lime Lager, which it says is light on calories but big on taste. Lime Lager is the company’s seventh non-alcoholic craft beer and has only 20 calories and four grams of carbs. The new brew is available at Sobeys locations across Atlantic Canada.

5 FRESH EXPRESS CHOPPED SALAD KITS Inspired by global cuisines, Fresh Express has added to its line of chopped salad kits with Twisted Caesar Mexican Fiesta (green leaf and iceberg lettuce, chili lime tortilla crisps, sweet corn kernels, cheese and Mexican Fiesta caesar dressing); Smokehouse (iceberg and green leaf lettuce, red cabbage, carrots, barbecue croutons, shredded smoked Gouda, and smoked bacon dressing) and With the Works (green leaf lettuce, shredded broccoli, red and green cabbage, carrots, green onion, mini bagel toasts, sesame and poppy seeds, garlic and onion seasoning, and ranch dressing). CG

4

5 September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 59

Fresh

TRENDS || TECH || MERCHANDISING || PRODUCTS

PRODUCE TECH

SHUTTERSTOCK/PHOTO SMILE

RIPE FOR REVOLUTION Advancements in technology are helping prevent produce and profit margins from ending up in the trash

By Chris Powell

There have been several major “technology” milestones in the evolution of the grocery business, from Memphis, Tenn.’s Piggly Wiggly becoming the first store to offer self-serve shopping in 1916, to Oklahoma City’s Humpty Dumpty introducing shopping carts in 1937, and the introduction of the self-checkout in 1992.

But today’s technology is transforming the grocery industry unlike anything before. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and blockchain, to name a few, are irrevocably reshaping all aspects of the business.

“I think technology will dramatically change the face of retail in the next 10 to 15 years,” predicts Dain Charette, chief revenue officer with Afresh, a San Francisco-based company that uses AI and machine-learning to help grocers optimize their fresh supply chain. “I’m really excited to see it.”

September/October 2023 || CANADIAN GROCER 61

Fresh While these advancements are being introduced across multiple store departments, they’re having a seismic impact on the heartbeat of every grocery store: the produce department.

Perhaps it’s no surprise, given produce’s fragility and short shelf life, that many of the applications seem to be oriented towards reducing waste. Research from Value Chain Management International (VCMI) and Second Harvest, estimates the value of avoidable food loss and waste—including things like bruised apples that don’t get sold—in Canada equates to $49.5 billion per year.

A wave of technology companies is committed to tackling the challenges endemic to the growing, harvesting, transportation, and stocking of fruits and vegetables, adding up to what might be the most exciting time in the 12,000-year history of agriculture.

These tech solutions are not only helping the industry reduce food waste, which has become a priority in recent years, they’re also making a material contribution to grocers’ bottom lines—a welcome development in an industry accustomed to operating under razor-thin margins.

DEMAND FORECASTING “The ascendance of AI tools has significantly influenced the landscape of trend forecasting. Fresh Del Monte harnesses tools such as Tastewise, an AI-infused platform dedicated to tracking food and beverage trends,” says Walter Liu, the Florida-based company’s senior director of category management.

“This innovative platform delves into the analysis of social media engagement and evolving menu trends, offering a valuable stream of market intelligence,” Liu explains. “This real-time data serves as a wellspring for fostering innovation, steering marketing strategies and driving sales efforts.”

Launched in 2017, Afresh is helping grocers make “smarter decisions” throughout their fresh supply chain. The company works with grocers operating more than 3,000 stores across 40 U.S. states, including Albertsons, Heinen’s, Cub and WinCo Foods.

According to Charette, Afresh controls about 13% of produce ordering in the country—up from about 1% a little more than three years ago—and has set a target for about 23% of all fresh, perishable goods ordering in the United States by the end of 2024.

62 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

The company is solely foucsed on the U.S. market right now, but Charette says Canada represents a “logical extension” when it looks to embark on an international expansion strategy.

Afresh uses AI to optimize the traditional grocery supply chain, which uses a simple formula: How much of a product was shipped, minus sales and spoiled inventory. That number is combined with a demand forecast to produce an order recommendation.

Afresh claims to provide its customers with an average sales lift of 3%, a 25% reduction in shrink, and says customers can expect to see a 40% or more increase to their produce operating margins.

The company’s success with its produce technology has led to it expanding its offering to include meat, seafood and deli departments. Charette says adoption for those products looks “very similar” to that of its produce-focused systems.

Like Afresh, Mississauga, Ont.-based Invafresh is built around managing fresh grocery ordering and forecasting, using real-time data enhanced by AI and its cloud-based Fresh Retail Platform.

Invafresh’s technology is currently being used by more than 300 retailers in 18 countries, with Canadian clients including Sobeys, Loblaw, Federated Co-operatives Limited and The North West Company. The company promises its customers a 40% reduction in shrink, a two-day increase in shelf life, 15% fresh sales growth and $100,000 in realized annual benefits.

“Retailers can leverage prescriptive analytics to determine optimal inventory levels, reduce waste and ensure that popular products are consistently available to customers,” says Invafresh’s vice-president of marketing Stephen Midgley. “Prescriptive analytics also play a key role in reducing food waste across the grocery industry by providing insights into customer behaviour, inventory management and supply chain efficiency.”

But while so many of these technology applications primarily benefit grocers, they can also have a trickledown effect that, ultimately, impacts customers, says Jim Morris, marketing communications manager with Pear Bureau Northwest in Milwaukie, Ore. Many shoppers have what Morris calls a “buy now, eat now” mentality when it comes to pears, for instance, which invariably leads to dissatisfaction as they

end up trying to eat products that have not yet achieved optimal freshness.

A U.K. company called SmartHarvest, though, has introduced Mobile Ripening Units equipped with its proprietary “ripening control system.” It includes LED lighting, ethylene and CO2 sensors, and a chilled water system, enabling the ripening process to begin when the pears are still on the way to their final destination.

“This way, retailers can offer their customers pears that are optimally ripe at the time of purchase, which increases customer satisfaction and, therefore, captures repeat purchase,” explains Morris.

Ensuring freshness on the often-long journey from tropical climates to North America is a key area of focus among technology providers. Chicago-based Hazel Technologies specializes in what it describes as “shelf-life extension” products that enable a wide variety of produce, ranging from apples (which it describes as its anchor commodity) to avocados, berries and grapes, to better survive the journey from farm to store.

Its flagship product is Hazel 100, a sugar pack-sized sachet that can be tossed into a box of produce for transit to slow down the aging process. Each sachet contains the chemical 1-Methylcyclopropene (or 1-MCP), which reduces the release of ethylene, a natural gas that induces ripening.

SMART PACKAGING Other companies have developed coating technologies designed to keep foods fresh during transport and beyond. Among them is Boston-based anti-waste company Mori. It uses protein derived from a silk moth to create an all-natural protective layer that is edible and tasteless and capable of keeping the cocooned food fresher for up to twice as long.

Similarly, the California company Apeel applies a microscopic amount of “purified mono- and digylcerides, derived from sustainably sourced, nonGMO plant oils” that mimic the natural protection that already exists on fruits and vegetables. This breathable layer of protection slows spoilage by retaining moisture and keeping oxygen out. Apeel says a typical avocado weighs approximately 200 grams, with Apeel adding only about 0.06 grams.

But, with so many options, the key for grocers is to know which technologies can be additive to their business and which are merely window-dressing. CG

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Express Lane

THE ROBOTS ARE COMING HERE!

How to prepare your business for AI

By Kristin Laird

How can artificial intelligence help grocers respond to operational challenges and shifting customer demands?

MORRIS: One way is around product and supply chain enhancement, and the other is around enhancing consumer experience. From a grocery perspective, the places we see it coming to life—and where there’s the most demand for it—is in forecasting, route optimization, reducing waste or creating a sustainable supply chain, and then, overall supply chain optimization. From a customer experience perspective, there is a lot going on around personalization. So, being able to target and then appeal to customers on a more individual basis, based on either their profile or on specific pieces of information has been big. And, customer service, more broadly.

How are grocers currently using artificial intelligence?

MORRIS: We’re still in very early stages.

66 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2023

I think everyone’s excited by, let’s call it market-facing activations. The use cases I’ve seen are in a couple areas including personalization. I’ll give a specific example: there is a product listing writer that EY has that automatically creates product descriptions for e-commerce. [AI] takes a fraction of the time creating those descriptions, which is otherwise a very manual process. But, more importantly, the tool uses product reviews to build the descriptions. It helps represent the voice of the customer in a more dynamic way and adjusts what the product description is, based on customer reviews.

that drive more impact in many cases.

The experiences I’ve had with employee resistance doesn’t look any different than any other time you introduce a new tool to the workplace.

How should companies prepare to introduce artificial intelligence to employees who might be wary of it?

Ethical concerns surrounding AI, particularly around generative AI, have emerged. How can a company ensure the technology is used responsibly?

ULLAH: Some companies leverage what we call a centre of excellence model. They create a team that’s not just IT-focused, but has key [players] from each part of the business to create an education plan. The benefit of that is, as you’re educating and you’re sharing more information with the organization, the fear of leveraging these tools will diminish and hopefully the adoption rate will increase.

MORRIS: Disproportionately, the use cases that exist today are ones that help employees get to better answers, faster.

Of course, it takes organizational support and organizational preparation and strong strategy and preparation but, at the end of the day, it does help employees get to more sophisticated answers

What about frontline workers who are worried it will take their jobs away?

MORRIS: I don’t want to speak for individuals but, in many cases, AI is being broadly applied against places where people don’t want to do the work, where the work is either boring or very low skill.

And in many of those cases, it’s difficult to find labour to do that type of work.

ULLAH: An organization, as part of an AI or tech strategy, needs to develop a proper governance model to know what its customer privacy policies are, because those will naturally extend to whatever [AI] tooling the organization is using. So, understanding how those AI tools will be compliant within the constraints of that company and ensuring the right level of privacy … I think that’s where most organizations will start, by extending their governance model into leveraging these third-party tools. CG

FOR MORE Q&A WITH ELLIOT MORRIS AND IMRAN ULLAH VISIT CANADIANGROCER.COM

SHUTTERSTOCK/MR.GOOD

AS THE USE of artificial intelligence (AI) becomes commonplace, ethical and operational concerns persist, leaving the grocery industry to navigate both the promises and the pitfalls associated with it. Canadian Grocer recently spoke with Elliot Morris, EY Canada grocery leader and Imran Ullah, EY Canada national cloud strategy leader, about the benefits of AI, how to introduce it to skeptical employees and how to harness the technology responsibly. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

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TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE TUES. OCT 24. 2023

WED. OCT 25. 2023

Conference: 9:00AM – 11:00AM Trade Show: 11:00AM – 4:30PM

Conference: 7:00AM – 11:00AM Trade Show: 11:00AM – 4:00PM

TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BLDG. GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

NEW! CRACKER BARREL SIGNATURE SMOKED CHEDDAR RANGE. NATURALLY SMOKED FOR EVERY MEAL OCCASION.

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Best New Product Awards - over 12,600 Canadians participate. Winners are 100% consumer-voted by real shoppers who bought these products.

For more information, please contact your Lactalis Canada Sales Representative.

All trademarks owned or used under license by Lactalis Canada, Toronto, ON M9C 5J1 © Lactalis Canada 2023. All rights reserved.

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

CONTENTS

CFIG STAFF MEMBERS

GENERAL INFO

3.................. CFIG Staff 5.................. Welcome Message 7.................. General Information 8.................. 2023 CFIG Board of Directors 9.................. CFIG Associate Members’ Council 19................. Thank You to Our Sponsors

CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 11.................. Speakers 16................. Schedule

THOMAS SHURRIE

President & CEO

LAURA COLLATON

Senior Vice President & COO GARY SANDS

Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy ANDREA ALMARZA

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS

20................ Trade Show Floor Plan 22................ Exhibitors by Company Name 40............... Exhibitors by Product Category 45................ Exhibitors by Booth Number

2024 SAVE THE DATES!

Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and to the VP of Finance and Administration FRAN NIELSEN

Vice President, Finance & Administration NANCY KWON

Vice President, Marketing & Communications CINDY SUH

Trade Show Operations Coordinator IRMELI KOSKINEN

Coordinator, Member Services SUZANNE REGIMBAL

Member Services, Account Manager

GROCERY & SPECIALTY FOOD WEST 2024 APRIL 22 & 23, 2024 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST BUILDING www.gsfshow.com

JOE SAWAGED

Director, Member Services & Industry Relations TYSON SMITH

Account Representative DIANA STEVENSON

Director, Conference & Events ROLSTER TAYLOR

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA 2024 OCTOBER 29 & 30, 2024 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING www.GroceryInnovations.com

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Director, Sales & Operations To learn more about the benefits and types of membership (Retail/Associate/Affiliate) contact: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers: 1-800-661-2344 X240 | WWW.CFIG.CA Visit us at CFIG Members’ booth beside registration area.

#GICShow23

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Contact Us: Rick.Winslow@CROSSMARK.com or Danielle.Cook@CROSSMARK.com

Visit us at GIC 2023

Booth 1132 5580 Explorer Dr #200, Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y1, Canada

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

WELCOME TO GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA A MESSAGE FROM TOM SHURRIE, PRESIDENT & CEO We welcome all of grocery to this year’s event at a time when there are significant pressures. It’s more important than ever to engage, network and collaborate as an industry and Grocery Innovations Canada is the only grocery event where all facets of the sector can meet face to face to take on the challenges together. We encourage all attendees to download the GIC Show App in order to make meetings, set schedules and take in all the events and sessions during the two day event. It’s A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES at the show; with MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS. With some 500+ exhibits and 850+ companies and over 120,000 sq. ft., attendees can find everything under one roof. Must-see pavilions: Sustainability Sentral Pavilion featuring all the latest green, and sustainable products and services; Choose Ontario; and First Timers. Keep a look out for the exclusive show specials/offers. Don’t miss the innovations in the New Product Showcase in the main lobby; and for the first time, all exhibitors can participate 1:1 in the Retailer Connect meeting program.

Take advantage of the free networking events: Monday’s opening reception and Tuesday’s Mix and Mingle Networking cocktail prior to the Merchandising Excellence Awards night, where the best merchandising displays will be celebrated in front of the industry.

Hear exclusive data and insights only at GIC! From the grocery code to the latest trends and opportunities, there are morning conferences and afternoon sessions over two days that will enrich your business. Benchmark your business against other after listening to FMS’ Annual Financial Survey or check out the latest foods and flavours on the trade floor.

At GIC, both sides of the business are celebrated at prestigious award galas. Tuesday’s Master Merchandiser Awards celebrates in-store merchandising displays followed by Wednesday’s Independent Grocer of the Year gala honouring the best grocers in Canada.

We look forward to connecting with you at GIC 2023!

NETWORK AND CONNECT AT GIC: Monday, Oct. 23—Opening Reception—5:30-7:30PM (All Welcome) Toronto Congress Centre (TCC)—NORTH Building (Main Stage)

Tuesday, Oct. 24— Networking Event & Merchandising Excellence Awards—4:30-6:30PM (All Welcome) TCC—NORTH Building (Ballrooms, A, B, C)

Wednesday, Oct. 25—Independent Grocer of the Year Awards *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TCC—NORTH Building (Ballrooms A, B, C)

Get ready for business at Canada’s premier grocery conference and exhibition!

TOM SHURRIE PRESIDENT & CEO, CFIG www.facebook.com/CFIGFCEI/ @CFIGFCEI

https://ca.linkedin.com/company/canadian-federation-of-independent-grocers

www.instagram.com/gicshow

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

#GICShow23

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Labour Saving Solutions !

Visit GIC Booth 1103 Self Checkout Kiosks

Electronic Shelf Labels

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

GENERAL INFO REGISTRATION HOURS

Sunday, October 22, 2023.......................8:00AM – 4:00PM Monday, October 23, 2023.......................8:00AM – 4:00PM Tuesday, October 24, 2023......................7:00AM – 4:00PM Wednesday, October 25, 2023...............7:00AM – 6:00PM

CONFERENCE HOURS

Tuesday, October 24, 2023......................9:00AM – 11:00AM OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS

Toronto Congress Centre (TCC)-NORTH Building (A. Lassonde Stage, Hall H)

Wednesday, October 25, 2023...............7:00AM – 11:00AM *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SESSIONS

TCC-NORTH (Ballrooms A, B, C)

SERVICES FIRST AID OFFICE

The First Aid Office is located by Hall H (wood doors). For any emergency, contact Toronto Congress Centre Building Security (Door 4) at: 416–688–6469

WHEELCHAIR SERVICES

There will be wheelchairs available at the First Aid Office, located on the northeast corner of the floor. Attendees borrowing a wheelchair will be required to leave their driver’s license with the First Aid service agent until the wheelchair is returned.

MEDIA OFFICE

TRADE SHOW HOURS Tuesday, October 24, 2023......................11:00AM – 4:30PM Wednesday, October 25, 2023...............11:00AM – 4:00PM TCC-NORTH (Hall I)

EVENTS

Monday, October 23, 2023

Nancy Kwon is the key media contact for Grocery Innovations Canada 2023.

All media must be registered before entrance into the trade show. The media office is located beside the trade floor. nkwon@cfig.ca

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE

OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

5:30PM – 7:30PM Opening Reception TCC-NORTH (A. Lassonde Stage, Hall H)

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Tuesday, October 24, 2023 Merchandising Excellence Awards— Smart Casual Conference—Business Casual Trade Show—Business Casual Wednesday, October 25, 2023 Evening Dinner & Awards—Business

OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS

4:30PM – 6:30PM Merchandising Excellence Awards Master Merchandiser & Top 10 Awards announced TCC-NORTH (Ballrooms A, B, C)

Wednesday, October 25, 2023 *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

5:30PM – 6:15PM *Independent Grocer of the Year Reception

BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

BADGE COLOURS

RED Retailers/Wholesalers GREEN Manufacturers/Suppliers/

Restaurant/Foodservice YELLOW Distributor/Importer/Exporter BLUE Exhibitors GREY Media

TCC-NORTH (Collaboration Corridor)

6:30PM – 9:15PM *Dinner & Awards TCC-NORTH (Ballrooms A, B, C) GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

2023 CFIG BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) is governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership and reflecting a regional distribution. A national office consisting of the President and staff implement the federation`s operations in a manner consistent with the policies established by the Board.

The Board and the President also receive ongoing input from advisory committees consisting of members established across Canada.

* Executive Committee

THOMAS SHURRIE

DOMINIC ARSENAULT

BRIAN BRADLEY

✶

Stong’s Markets, Vancouver, BC

Vice Chair, Pattison Food Group, Surrey, BC

DAN BREGG

GENE COLEMAN

BRAD FLETCHER

NEIL KENNEDY

JIM HAMILTON

*ERIN HIGDON

BROOKE KYNOCH

CHRISTOPHER LEE

*MIKE LONGO

EMMY MIN

*JAMIE NELSON

RICK RABBA

JUSTIN SCHLEY

*GIANCARLO TRIMARCHI

DEBBIE UNICK

✶

President & CEO CFIG, Toronto, ON

Village Grocer, Markham, ON

Southside Market AG Foods, Revelstoke, BC

Quality Foods, Errington, BC

8

IGA Coaticook, Coaticook, QC

Sobeys Strathmore, Strathmore, AB

Treasurer, Longo Brothers Fruit Markets, Vaughan, ON

Honorary Past Chair, Vince’s Market, Newmarket, ON

Secretary, Powell’s Supermarket Ltd. Bay Roberts, NL

Hammy’s, Ponoka, AB

Korea Food Trading/ Galleria Supermarket, Vaughan, ON

Vice Chair, Pattison Food Group, Langley, BC

Federated Co-operatives Ltd., Saskatoon, SK

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

#GICShow23

Coleman Group of Companies - Corner Brook, NL

Safety Mart Foods Chase, BC

The J. Rabba Company Ltd., Mississauga, ON

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS’ COUNCIL

Co-operation and communication between supplier and retailer have become increasingly important in grocery retail. CFIG’s Associate Members’ Council (AMC) has in turn become more integral to the direction of the federation as a whole. The Associate Members’ Council is a group of senior executives representing a variety of Canadian grocery product companies. The AMC meets quarterly and provides professional guidance to the Board of Directors on industry news and trends.

MICHAEL BATKE

PETER BOWMAN

GREG COLES

TODD JOHNSTON

PATRICK HEFFERNAN

JOHN KOTSOPOULOS

STEVE LAMONTAGNE

SCOTT LORIMER

*MIKE LUST

SAM MAGNACCA

COLIN MANN

TIM MCNERNEY

VINCENT NADEAU

MARTIN PAYANT

TRACI WILDISH

SVP Sales, Procter & Gamble

VP Sales & Trade Marketing, The J.M. Smucker Co.

VP Market Development, General Mills Canada Corp.

Sr. VP, Retail & Food Service Sales, Saputo Dairy Products Canada

VP Sales & Head of Canada Sales, Kruger Products Inc.

VP National Sales, Coca-Cola Company

Chief Customer Officer, Nestlé Canada Inc.

Sr. VP Retail Sales, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

VP Sales, Kraft Heinz Company

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Co-Vice Chair, VP Customer Sales, Lactalis Canada

Chair, VP Customer Development, PepsiCo Foods Canada

Sr. Director, Unilever Canada

#GICShow23

VP Sales, Tree of Life Canada

VP & GM, Acosta Canada

VP Canada Consumer Sales and North American Retail Operations, McCormick & Company

9

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

APPEARING AT GIC Gavin Barrett, Founder, CEO and Chief Creative Officer, Barrett and Welsh. Gavin heads one of Canada’s top 40 creative agencies. His 30+-year advertising career has included creative/leadership roles in Mumbai, Hong Kong and Toronto, in Lintas, DentsuY&R, JWT, McCann, Leo Burnett, Vickers & Benson Arnold and Barrett and Welsh.

Audrey Boitson, Compliance Promotion Officer, Environment Protection Branch, ECCC. Audrey Boitson represents Compliance Promotion’s Prairies and Northern Region on the national Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations Implementation Working Group.

Since joining ECCC in 2018, Audrey has worked with various regulatory groups. Prior to joining ECCC, Audrey has worked for environmental non-profit organizations and municipal and provincial governments.

Leonard Brody, Multi-Exit Entrepreneur, Business and Technology Visionary Leonard Brody has been called “a leader of the new world order” and was recently named one of top 30 management thinkers in the world. Brody is an award-winning entrepreneur, venture capitalist, bestselling author, and a two-time Emmy-nominated media visionary. Brody has helped in raising hundreds of millions in capital for startup companies, been through taking a company to a six billion market cap IPO and has been involved in the founding and successful exit of numerous companies to date. Currently, Brody is the co-founder and executive chairman of Caravan, a joint venture with Creative Artists Agency.

Chef David Burnett, Sr. Culinary Development Manager at McCormick & Company Chef David Burnett has been in love with food his entire life starting from an early age making pickles and masalas with his great aunts and grandmother. Burnett studied at the Stratford Chef School and ran some of the top restaurants in London and Stratford. With an extensive television and media background doing multiple shows on Food Network Canada and Global, Burnett has spent the last 10 years of his career focused on product development and manufacturing developing products for both the grocery retail and foodservice sides of the business.

Tony Chapman, Radio Host, Podcaster, Speaker Tony Chapman is the creator and host of Chatter that Matters, a media platform that includes two national radio shows, podcast and a blog. Tony Chats with ordinary people who do extraordinary things and uncovers life lessons that inspire us to do more and to be more.

Tony’s guests have included Harry Connick Jr, Brooke Henderson, Penny Oleksiak, Bryan Baeumler, Dan Ariely, Chris Hadfield, Dr Ann.Cavoukian and many more. Tony is also an inductee into the Marketing Hall of Legends, and the Canadian Marketing, Advertising and PR Hall of Fame.

Looking forward to seeing you at the Arneg booth 1519

Your success is our success, thanks for considering Arneg Canada a proud Canadian Manufacturer.

www.arneg.ca

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

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From farm to table

WE KNOW EGGS fresh eggs

heat & eat eggs

Visit us at booth

1034

THE ALL-IN-ONE BULK SOLUTION THAT CHECKS ALL THE BOXES weigh as you fill

WEIGH AS YOU GO!

weigh as you scoop

weigh as you pour 3 types of scales for different containerfilling methods and dispenser types

Learn more

sales@ca.digi-group.com |

www.digisystem.com

HOW IT WORKS 1. Dispense item into container 2. Price and weight is transmitted to the scale 3. Select item on-screen 4. Print item label

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Jie Chen, Co-Founder and President, Chens Enterprises Corporation (Chens) Jie has led Chens, a prominent Canadian CPG distribution company headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario. Over the past 15 years, Jie and his team have excelled in bridging the gap between Canadian mainstream and multicultural markets. Chens has successfully introduced renowned mainstream brands, including P&G, Kraft Heinz, Smuckers, Reckitt Benckiser, Clorox, Unilever, ESKA, Naya, and more, into Canadian multicultural supermarkets such as T&T, H-Mart, Seafood City, Adonis, Oceans, Foody, and others.

Jim Farrell, VP Sales, Solink. After spending 8 years working in grocery stores, Jim developed a career in technology focusing on emerging trends such as Big Data and Cloud. After over 20 years of helping various retailers, restaurants, and other types of companies adopt new forms of tech, Jim landed at Solink.

Robert Graybill, President and CEO, FMS Robert Graybill joined the company in 2000, and has over 20 years of experience in the retail grocery industry. Currently, Robert leads the FMS team in meeting their goal of helping retailers to succeed through benchmarking, best practices, and decision support.

Michael Graydon, CEO, Food Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) Michael Graydon is Chief Executive Officer of FHCP, the national association voice of Canada’s food, health and consumer products sector. A seasoned business executive, Michael has more than 20 years of visionary CEO leadership across multiple industries, driving proactive and collaborative stakeholder engagement and consistent corporate results.

Kevin Lacey, Sr. VP of Consulting Services, Environics Analytics. Kevin brings over 25 years of sales and insights experience in consumer-packaged goods. Through his 23 years at PepsiCo, Kevin had the opportunity to work across foods and beverage categories and to manage and work with customers across all channels.

Kevin’s mandate as Senior Vice President of Consulting Services is to work with Environics Analytics’ (EA) clients and strategic partners to help solve their key business challenges with data-driven consumer insight and location intelligence.

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Elizabeth Lafontaine, Chief Retail Analyst, Ensemble IQ. Backed by nearly a decade of retail experience, Elizabeth uncovers emerging trends in consumer behavior to help retailers and brands tap into new insights and create winning strategies in the ever-evolving world of commerce.

Her analyses and commentary help businesses deepen their industry knowledge while also identifying ways to win with an ever-evolving consumer.

Loretta Lam, Founder and Chief Strategist, Focus Communications Inc. Loretta leads the award-winning Canadian consultant firm offering multicultural marketing insights, strategies, communication services, and cultural training to client corporations in North America, including PepsiCo, P&G, Clover Leaf, Weston Bakery, Harry Rosen, The Macallan, T&T Supermarkets, Yorkville Village, TD Bank Group, and Sun Life. Loretta is a frequent speaker and article contributor on entrepreneurship, multicultural marketing, and diversity, inclusion and equity.

Rachel Loui is a visionary international growth executive who helps companies use quantitative and qualitative data to inform innovation, expansion, and market differentiation. Rachel was most recently at Google as an International Growth executive. There, she helped clients identify and optimize market expansion opportunities across a multitude of industries, including retail.

Douglas Porter, Chief Economist and Managing Director Economics, BMO Financial Group.

Douglas has over 30 years of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets. As Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group and author of the popular Talking Points, he oversees the macroeconomic and financial market forecasts and co-writes the firm’s weekly flagship publication, Focus. Douglas manages the team that has won numerous forecasting awards. Most recently, Douglas led the team to a #1 ranking for Top U.S. Forecaster among 60 global firms in the 2023 Focus Economics Survey, and #1 for Top Canadian Inflation Forecaster among 28 firms.

#GICShow23

13

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Justin Poy, Founder, Justin Poy Agency Justin is an award-winning 31-year veteran of the ad industry and a filmmaker that was one of the early pioneers of “multicultural marketing” in the early 90’s in Canada. Having won numerous awards including the Chinese Canadian Media and Marketing Association (CCMMA) awards and Best of Show in the Emerging Media Awards (SUMMIT) for his use of holographic technology, Justin is always pushing the boundaries of technology and niche market advertising. He is is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences discussing the differences and nuances of multicultural digital advertising platforms. His Agency helped to launch the initial Chalo FreshCo brand of stores, a sub-chain specializing in South Asian products and has helped to launch a countless number of products for the Chinese and South Asan markets.

Gary Sands, Sr. VP Public Policy & Advocacy, CFIG. Gary Sands is Sr. Vice President with CFIG and has been with the association for 21 years.

Gary has worked at the political level of all 3 levels of government as a Chief of Staff.

He was the Chair of the Small Business Matters Coalition, composed of over 23 national trade associations; and most recently part of the steering committee drafting the Grocery Code of Conduct. Gary was also the recipient of CFIG’s Spirit of the Independent Award.

Brandon Seegmiller, VP Canada Business, Reverse Logistics Group. Brandon’s focus is providing the best customer service while empowering a circular economy within the Canadian marketplace. With over 15 years of experience across major fortune 500 companies, Brandon is known as a legislative policy expert in the information technology and compliance services industry. As leader of the Canada sector, Brandon owns the rapid RLG Canada team expansion to ensures strategic initiatives for packaging, electronics, and deposit return solutions.

Don Seo, Director of Sales, Korea Food Trading & Sr. Sales and Marketing Manager, Galleria Supermarket. Don is a sales development leader specializing in sales, marketing and operations professional with 8+ years of experience at Korea Food Trading. Highly skilled at leading teams of inbound and outbound sales development representatives via call coaching, role playing, strategy sessions, etc. He is passionate about using analytics to identify and track consumer trends and behaviors.

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GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

B.K. Sethi, Founder & President, B.K. Sethi Marketing Ltd. B.K. Sethi, immigrated to Canada in 1972, and started his food importing, distribution and marketing business in early 1982, a family tradition for three generations. B.K. saw great opportunities in catering to newcomers/immigrants to Canada in early eighties by providing them the food/brands that they grew up with. Within short period of 10 years, B.K.’s “Ethnic” brands became available in most major chains across Canada.

B.K. expanded his business to cover all of Canada.

Kimberly Simon, Cybersecurity Expert Kimberly Simon is a cybersecurity expert, thought leader and the author of “Case for Investing in Cybersecurity Compliance.” For over a decade, Kimberly has helped organizations identify and adopt cybersecurity frameworks that provide solid benchmarks for their cybersecurity programs.By skillfully combining her global experience in technology, marketing and strategic partnerships,Kimberly advises Fortune 500 companies on the value of cybersecurity compliance.

Amar Singh, Sr. Director, Kantar. Amar leads thought leadership on health and wellness, home improvement, and Canadian retail. He creates insights that inform strategic decisions related to key drug, home improvement, discount, convenience, grocery, and digital channels. Amar is a seasoned brand, shopper, and advertising researcher.

Before joining Kantar in 2018, he managed consumer insights at a leading CPG brand in Canada, which included brand management, packaging optimization, and product innovation. Amar has an MSc in marketing and consumer studies from the University of Guelph.

Giancarlo Trimarchi, Partner, Vince's Market Giancarlo Trimarchi, partner at Vince’s Market and 2021-22 chair of CFIG, is a secondgeneration grocer with five stores north of Toronto. Vince’s Market won the DCI 2022 CIGBA/DCI Social Responsibility Award; 2021 Canadian Grocer Impact Award, in 2020 its Tottenham location was awarded the national gold award in small surface.

Giancarlo also was one of the 4 CFIG representatives on the Grocery Code Working Group and the sole CFIG representative on the special sub-committee established to help expedite resolution of some key issues.

Ken Wong, Professor of Marketing, S.J. Smith School of Business, Queen's University Ken Wong is an award-winning faculty member at Smith School of Business at Queens University. A member of the Marketing Hall of Legends, his comments on strategy frequently appear in national and international media.

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Your One Stop Full Service Food Wholesaler Committed to the Independent Grocer and C-Store Markets

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sobeyswholesale.com

#1 for retailers in Canada Booth #1529 Design for the times

2020’s Gen Next winners The lure of seafood

Specialty Grand Prix cheese please! winners

year What’s next for click-and-collect? Aforbigproduce

AUGUST 2021

MARCH/APRIL 2021

JUNE/JULY 2022 DECEMBER 2020 • JANUARY 2021

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Michael MEDLINE talks Voilà, private label

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ADRIENNE » PAGOTGERAULT LACTALIS CANADA

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star WOMEN

Darrell Jones The SaveOn-Foods president talks expansion, e-comm and always going the extra mile for customers

CALGARY CO-OP’S MISSION

CEO Ken Keelor on making his stores the most trusted places to shop and putting more “Calgary” in Calgary Co-op

#1 Reach #1 Frequency #1 Website #1 E-Newsletter To subscribe visit: canadiangrocer.com To advertise contact: Vanessa Peters, vpeters@ensembleiq.com

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

PROGRAM SCHEDULE MONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2023

10:50AM | GIC OPENING CEREMONY

8:00AM | INDUSTRY TOUR

11:00 AM-4:30PM | TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION TCC–North Building (Hall I)

Westin Toronto Airport Hotel

REGISTERED RETAILERS ONLY

12:00-2:00PM | TOP 10 IN GROCERY BEST BOOTH JUDGING

SPONSORED BY:

5:30-7:30PM | OPENING RECEPTION

TCC–North Building @ A. Lassonde Stage (P. Anka Lobby, Hall H)

OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS, DELEGATES

INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE SESSIONS

SPONSORED BY:

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023

TCC–North Building @ A. Lassonde Stage (P. Anka Lobby, Hall H)

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS, DELEGATES

8:00-9:00AM | REGISTRATION/ CHECK-IN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SPONSORED BY:

Feder ated Insurance

9:00-9:30AM | CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT GROCERS’ ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Updates from CFIG, Tom Shurrie, President & CEO

9:30-10:15AM | A GROCERY CODE OF CONDUCT IS NOW HERE! WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

After over two years of industry collaboration under the auspices of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture and Food, a Grocery Code of Conduct has now been finalized. The Code was developed out of a recognition that certain practices and behaviours in the Food industry needed to be addressed and corrected. Canada’s new Grocery Code will govern the entire industry and the principles laid out will apply equally to retailers and suppliers. Don’t miss the opportunity to now learn what the Code will mean for your business and how you can ensure it benefits you in the years ahead.

Members of the Industry group who constructed the Code will go through key provisions and answer your questions.

Panelists: Giancarlo Trimarchi, Vince’s Market; Michael Graydon, FHCP; and Gary Sands, CFIG.

10:15-10:45AM | KEYNOTE: DOUGLAS PORTER

Hear from BMO’s Chief Economist and Managing Director Economics, Douglas Porter about the macroeconomic and financial market trends affecting the grocery sector and consumer retailing, and how to leverage those opportunities.

12:00-12:30PM | B.K. SETHI IN CONVERSATION WITH TONY CHAPMAN Tony Chapman sits down with BK Sethi, one of the pioneers and inventors of the ethnic marketplace.

Learn his story and take away insights and ideas for your business. Learn what you need to do to meet your consumers in the ethnic food aisle!

1:00-1:30PM | HORIZON SCANNING: Developing Packaging and Plastics Regulations in Canada. An overview of what extended producer responsibility is and global trends of plastics regulations, thresholds for application and implications for their business. Presented by Brandon Seegmiller, RLG Systems Canada.

2:00-2:30PM | INDEPENDENT GROCER SURVEY RESULTS: Data and insights to benchmark your business. Robert Graybill, FMS 3:00-3:30PM | DEFENDING AGAINST RANSOMWARE Safeguarding Independent Grocers with Proactive Cybersecurity. Kimberly Simon sheds light on the pervasive threat of ransomware, particularly targeting independent grocers. This session is an illuminating guide for businesses, establishing resilient security frameworks in an evolving digital landscape.

4:30-5:00PM | MIX & MINGLE NETWORKING EVENT Join industry colleagues for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

TCC–North Building (Mitchell Lobby Hall, Hall H) Ballrooms A, B, C

OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS SPONSORED BY:

SPONSORED BY:

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GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

5:00-6:30PM | MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

near future and how leaders and organizations can better prepare for it. Presented by Leonard Brody, Multi-Exit Entrepreneur, Business and Technology Visionary SPONSORED BY:

MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Awards will be presented to Master Merchandiser Winners for best in-store displays; Top 10 in Grocery, and Best Booths from GIC. Co-hosts Tom Shurrie, Tony Chapman

9:30-9:40AM | COFFEE BREAK SPONSORED BY:

9:45-10:15AM & 10:20-10:50AM

SPONSORED BY:

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS [REPEATED] Rooms 1-4 SPONSORED BY:

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 TCC–North Building (Hall H) Ballrooms A, B, C PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SESSIONS

7:00AM | BREAKFAST 7:25-8:00AM | TOP OF THE MORNING BREAKFAST SESSION

Join Tony Chapman of Chatter That Matters. Put the In into Independent. In a softening economy there is a flight to price. 5 ideas to make sure the consumer doesn’t fly by you.

SPONSORED BY:

8:00-8:45AM | SECTOR INSIGHT: CAPTURING THE ETHNIC CONSUMER

Today’s consumers are more diverse than ever. What opportunities are being missed by grocery chains or independent stores when it comes to recognizing special holidays, marketing and advertising opportunities using ethnic media and social channels? What about payment systems such as WeChat Pay, AliPay and OTTPay? Moderator: Justin Poy, Justin Poy Agency with Gavin Barrett, Barrett and Welsh; Jie Chen, Chens Enterprises Corp.; Loretta Lam, Focus Communications; Don Seo, Galleria/Korea Food Trading SPONSORED BY:

[ ROOM 1 ] DATA: Optimizing differentiation and growth with big and small data using innovative technologies to disrupt the competitive landscape. Hear about secrets to success from a former Google International Growth executive, Rachel Loui. [ ROOM 2 ] SHOPPER INSIGHTS: Do you have plans and strategies in place to maximize your share of growth with new Canadians? Retailers and brands must understand the needs and preferences of these consumers and what regions and channels in Canada will likely have the largest opportunity to satisfy those needs. Kevin Lacey, Senior Vice-President of Consulting from Environics Analytics will share multicultural insights, grounded in geography, to inform local activation that will maximize trips, volume and market share. [ ROOM 3 ] TECH: Understand how digital tools are optimizing stores' back-end efficiencies, driving engagement, and impacting the shopper journey, presented by Amar Singh, Kantar, Sr. Director. [ ROOM 4 ] RETAILER INSIGHTS: A look at some

of the US independent retailers in that market are doing, where they are finding success, what the challenges are, changing consumer trends, buying habits.

Elizabeth Lafontaine, EnsembleIQ Chief Retail Analyst

11:00AM-4:00PM | TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION

8:45AM-9:30AM | THE NEXT 730 DAYS: WHAT TO EXPECT IN TECHNOLOGY, THE ECONOMY, AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

TCC–North Building (Hall I)

History has shown that we can only accurately predict two years ahead, or 730 days. So, while many are sharing their 5, 10, 15, 20-year forecasts, often with conflicting ideas and notions, this keynote is your antidote. A clear, narrow-focused exploration of the forces shaping our GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

5:30-9:15PM | EVENING EVENT

TCC–North Building (Mitchell Lobby Hall, Hall H) Ballrooms A, B, C

INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE SESSIONS

*PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

5:30-6:15PM | RECEPTION SPONSORED BY:

12:00-12:30PM | FLAVOUR FORECAST McCormick’s Chef David Burnett shares the latest trends that influence what we cook and eat from the brand’s Flavour Forecast report.

1:00-1:30PM | SINGLE-USE PLASTICS: A look at the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations and what it means for your business.

Presented by Audrey Boitson, Environment and Climate Change Canada 2:00-2:30PM | THE PROOF IS IN THE PRICING Queen’s Marketing Professor Ken Wong explores how grocers can show they are loyal to consumers; work with consumers to reduce costs; and maintain transparency etc.

3:00-3:30PM | STATE OF CLOUD VIDEO (SURVEILLANCE) & AI-BASED ANALYTICS wAI in Grocery has limitless potential to stop theft, and avoid fraud/lawsuits, but also provide operational insights such as inventory tracking, end-cap analytics, traffic, impressions, and even how the fast-moving consumer goods companies can improve their sales working with Grocers who can quantify the value of placement in the stores.

Presented by Jim Farell, Solink.

2024 SAVE THE DATES!

6:30-9:15PM | INDEPENDENT GROCER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Awards will be presented to the best grocers in Canada.

DINNER SPONSORS:

AWARD SPONSORS:

DRAW FOR FINAL FOUR FOR GRAND PRIZE TRIP TO NGA SHOW IN LAS VEGAS! SPONSORED BY:

DAILY SHUTTLE:

EVERY 15-20 MINUTES Westin Toronto Airport Hotel to/from Toronto Congress Centre

GROCERY & SPECIALTY FOOD WEST 2024 APRIL 22 & 23, 2024 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST BUILDING www.gsfshow.com GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

Monday, October 23, 2023 4:45PM -8:00PM Tuesday, October 24, 2023 7:00AM – 7:30PM Wednesday, October 25, 2023 6:30AM –11:00PM

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA 2024 OCTOBER 29 & 30, 2024 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING www.GroceryInnovations.com 18

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS*

Grocery Innovations Canada 2023 thanks the following sponsors for their support. *As of SEPT 14, 2023

FCC Food and Beverage Financing

Feder ated Insurance

MC

OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Independent Grocer of the Year

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

First Time Exhibitor

Sustainability Sentral

Ice Machine

2023 Collaboration Corridor

Workshops

Media Room Show Office/ Conference Office

A. Lassonde Main Stage

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

2023

New Product Showcase

CFIG Membe Loung

G ers’ ge

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Insights & Innovations Stage

Ice Machine

Choose

Ontario

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

EXHIBITOR BY COMPANY ✪ Show Special

Member

2.0 FOOD

7000 Emile Nelligan Trois-Rivieres, QC G8Y 7C1 T: (819) 995-0422 E: michael@20food.ca www.en.20food.ca 2.0 Food is behind the Snö brand. They offer a wide variety of the most decadent frozen desserts without compromise.

CERTIFIED VEGAN, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Palm oil-free. Booth #735

3 ANGRY CATS

PO Box 64 Carrying Place, ON K0K 1L0 T: (343) 263-4933 E: info@3angrycats.com www.3angrycats.ca Booth #1940

A1 CASH AND CARRY

6400 Kennedy Road Mississauga, ON L5T 2Z5 T: (647) 962-4471 E: marketing@a1cashandcarry.com www.a1cashandcarry.com We are a distributor and wholesaler of restaurant equipment, small wares, janitorial, food packaging, proteins, produce, dairy, frozen foods, bulk grocery, and beverage.

Booth #1235

ACOSTA

2700 Matheson Blvd. East Mississauga, ON L4W 4V9 T: (905) 238-8422 E: tal.dovas@mosaic.com www.acosta.com Acosta provides trusted brands with integrated sales and retail merchandising solutions to move products off shelves and into shopper’s baskets.

Booth #1424/1424A

ADCO DISPLETECH

1310 Rue Chabanel O Montreal, QC H4N 1H4 T: (514) 381-2396 E: info@displetech.com www.displetech.com Store equipment and shelf supplier for retail, grocery, or pharmacy. Electronic Shelf Label hardware and software provider.

Booth #410

ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS

60 Courtney Park Dr. W., Suite #3 Mississauga, ON L5W 0B3 T: (905) 475-9623 E: aleks.djurdjevic@advantagesolutions.net www.advantagesolutions.net

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Advantage Solutions is a leading provider of outsourced sales and marketing solutions to consumer goods companies and retailers. Help Clients execute their go-to-market strategies.

Booth #725

programs, with +10 million active collectors, representing more than half of Canadian households.

Booth #933

✪ AIVA WTR

21 East Wilmot St, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 1A3 T: (905) 763-2929 E: info@affinitysales.ca www.affinitysales.com/canada Affinity Group is an experienced broker in all aspects of the foodservice and retail industry. Booth #835+838

348 Thimbleweed Crt. Milton, ON L9E 1T2 T: (647) 459-4699 E: hello@drinkaiva.com www.drinkaiva.com Aiva WTR is an innovative relaxation beverage, infused with L-Theanine, that provides a non-drowsy, calming effect and champions a more balanced lifestyle.

Booth #1639

AGENDRIX

✪ AKETRONIKS

AFFINITY GROUP

779 Rue Paul-Desruisseaux Sherbrooke, QC J1J 4L9 T: (888) 982-9307 E: sales@agendrix.com www.agendrix.com Employee scheduling software. 12 000+ SMBs use Agendrix to: better manage employee schedules, Track clock-in/ clock-out hours, manage their HR and communicate with their teams.

Booth #424

✪ AGMD MEDICAL AND SAFETY

7300 Torbram Road (Unit 1) Mississauga, ON L4T 3X2 T: (647) 616-2094 E: admin@agmdgroup.com www.AGMDsafety.com Leaders in providing personal protective equipment, medical and safety supplies, cross country distribution, logistics services, promotional products and so much more! Booth #514

AGROPUR DAIRY COOPERATIVE

4600 Rue Armand-Frappier Saint-Hubert, QC J3Z 1G5 T: (800) 268-7777 E: peter.alfonsi@agropur.com www.argropur.com Agropur Cooperative is a producer of highquality dairy products for the retail food service and industrial markets.

Booth #626

AIR MILES REWARD PROGRAM

100 King St. W., 21st Floor Toronto, ON M5X 1A1 T: (416) 226-5171 E: businessdevelopment@loyalty.com www.airmiles.com The AIR MILES Reward Program is one of Canada’s most recognized loyalty

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Fevzi Cakmak Mahallesi, Ahmet Petekci Caddesi, Kobisan Sanayi Sitesi, A Blok, No: 17/O 42050, KARATAY Konya, Anatolia 42050, Turkiye T: (332) 239-0403 E: info@aketroniks.com.tr www.aketroniks.com.tr/en RF-Paper is an Aketroniks brand.

We provide Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) solutions to remove labour costs and maximize effectiveness for retailers, grocery stores, and markets worldwide!

Booth #430

✪ AKL – MOKAL GROUP

1315 North Service Road East Oakville, ON L6H 1A7 T: (416) 732-3430 E: carriers@aklcorp.com www.aklcorp.com AKL specializes in freight and logistics of dry, cold, frozen, and heated products from your suppliers to your customers. Join our loyalty program. Booth #412

A. LASSONDE INC.

170, 5e Avenue Rougemont, QC J0L 1M0 T: (888) 477-6663 E: info.sales@lassonde.com www.lassonde.com Lassonde is the North American leader in the development , manufacture and sale of fruit and vegetable juices, beverages and snacks. Booth #1003

ALSAFA FOODS CANADA LTD. 201-435 North Service Rd. Oakville, ON L6M 4X8 T: (647) 642-3529 E: connect@alsafafoods.com www.alsafahalal.com

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Alsafa Foods is the largest North American Halal Food Brand. For 25 years, our focus has been to empower Muslims by offering halal guilt-free convenience foods.

Booth #1329

AMERLUX

178 Bauer Drive Oakland, New Jersey 07436 USA T: (973) 882-5010 E: info@amerlux.com www.amerlux.com Manufacturer of innovative lighting solutions that captivates, inspires, and commands attention. Enhancing retail commercial, hospitality and supermarket environments while focusing on quality and service excellence. Booth #734

47-3176 Ridgeway Dr. Mississauga, ON L5L 5S6 T: (905) 569-3652 E: info@arvindas.com www.arvindas.com Great Indian cooking begins with great spices! Arvinda’s perfectly balanced premium masalas are especially designed for cooks to prepare truly authentic, healthy, tantalizing Indian meals.

Booth #1728

ATLANTIC STAINLESS FABRICATORS LTD.

62 Howden Rd. Scarborough, ON M1R 3E9 T: (416) 285-5535 E: mrafik@bellnet.ca www.atlanticstainless.ca Manufacturer of stainless-steel tables, sink, cabinets, racks, custom design and build.

Specialize in design and manufacture of seafood ice table, olive, and antipasto bars.

Booth #1133

AMINO BALLS

7110 Torbram rd Mississauga, ON L4T 4B5 T: (416) 669-9392 E: brian@aminosnacks.com www.aminoballs.com HEALTHY SNACKS THAT TASTE LIKE DESSERT Booth #502

BAD MONKEY POPCORN INC

9900 Boulevard Louis-H. La Fontaine Montreal, QC H4R 0J2 T: (514) 585-0387 E: fabio@badmonkeyinc.com www.badmonkeypopcorn.com Bad Monkey Popcorn is currently one of the largest manufacturers of Popcorn in North America & is distributed in over 30,000+ points of sale. Booth #538

AM/PM SERVICE® POINT OF SALE SOLUTIONS

1110 – 2237 Hawkins Street Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 0M2 T: (604) 421-5677 E: inquiries@ampmservice.com www.ampmservice.com AM/PM Service® is a trusted provider of the world's leading POS solutions for the grocery, hospitality, and retail industries across North America.

Booth #931

✪ BANK OF MONTREAL

ARBUTUS FARMS KITCHEN

301-5301 Chaster Road Duncan, BC V8L 0G4 T: (250) 216-0541 E: info@jadefinefoods.com www.arbutusfarms.ca The Evolution of Fast Food! Fully cooked and seasoned Rices and Potatoes. Fresh not frozen. Just add protein for a complete meal. Booth #635

ARNEG CANADA

✪ ARVINDA’S INDIAN SPICE BLENDS

18 Richelieu Lacolle, QC J0J 1J0 T: (289) 795-5012 E: sfeere@arnegdml.com www.arneg.ca Arneg Canada is proudly manufacturing refrigeration cases and compressor multi racks built in Canada for the food and grocery industry. Booth #1519

33 Dundas Street West-4th Floor Toronto, ON M5G 3C2 T: (416) 523-2566 E: jeffrey.woo@bmo.com www.bmo.com/business BMO Business Banking is pleased to offer a full suite of financial services for your business through our Independent Grocers Program and more! Booth #1302

BAXTER’S BAKERY (COBOURG) 200 Consumers Rd., Unit 700 Toronto, ON M2J 4R4 T: (647) 331-1681 E: avalenti@baxtersbakery.ca www.baxtersbakery.ca Booth #1944

BEE MAID HONEY LIMITED

625 Roseberry St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0T4 T: (204) 298-5967 E: honey@beemaid.com www.beemaid.com Discover the essence of Canada with BeeMaid’s 100% Canadian Honey, harvested directly from our dedicated beekeeper owners. Pure, natural goodness– a true gift from our bees. Booth #1304

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

BEER NUTS INC

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: dalia@beernuts.com www.beernuts.com Snackin' since 1953. We welcome you to our nutty beer nuts® family. Don't be late to the party. Original peanuts and bar mixes.

Booth #1708

BEVERAGE WORLD INC.

590 South Service Rd. Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2W1 T: (905) 643-7713 E: info@beverageworld.ca www.beverageworld.ca Brand owners of the PoP Shoppe & Canadian exclusive importer of Alo & Calypso Lemonade. Servicing customers across Canada. Booth #1203

BFG ENTERPRISE SERVICES

170 Travail Road Markham, ON L3S 3J1 T: (905) 472-1056 E: tim.watt@bfg.ca www.bfg.ca BFG provides end-to-end national IT Services for enterprise customers with badged employees leveraging experience to deliver quality and economy.

Booth #1336

✪ BIG 3 FROZEN DETROIT STYLE PIZZA 555 Church St. Toronto, ON M4Y 2E2 T: (416) 877-3876 E: big3pizza@gmail.com www.big3pizza.ca First ever line of FROZEN Deep-dish (Detroit-Style) pizzas. The pizzas are fully baked, flash frozen, vacuum packed, shipped, and stored frozen!

Booth #1736

BIG CHIEF MEAT SNACKS INC.

3900 52 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T3J 3X4 T: (403) 264-2641 E: michelle@bigchief.ca www.bigchiefmeatsnacks.com Gluten-free beef jerky made form 100% Canadian beef, available in a variety of flavours and convenient package sizes for a satisfying snacking experience.

Booth #416

BIMBO CANADA

2 International Blvd., Suite 100 Etobicoke, ON M9W 1A2 T: (800) 465-5515 E: CRelations@grupobimbo.com www.bimbocanada.com

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP » Bimbo Canada is the country’s largest and oldest bakery, feeding Canadians delicious and nutritious food for more than 110 years.

Booth #1403

BOB BAKERY WORLD LTD.

#210 20285 Stewart Cres.

Maple Ridge, BC T: (778) 233-9081 E: bob@bobbakeryworld.com www.bobbakeryworld.com One Stop Bakery Supplier, offering Equipment, Decorations, Decorating Tools, Edible Products and Custom Tables. We are here to exceed your expectations.

Booth #530

BOS SMOKED FISH INC.

1175 Pattullo Ave. Woodstock, ON N4S 7W3 T: (519) 537-5000 E: rein@bossmokedfish.com www.bossmokedfish.com Smoked Fish Company since 1989 serving food service, deli, grocers, airlines, and export.

Booth #1924

BOZKURT ZIRAI URUNLER SAN TIC LTD.

180 Frobisher Dr., Unit 2 Waterloo, ON N2V 2A2 T: (519) 884-3505 E: contactus@brittles.ca www.brittles-n-more.com Canada’s largest gourmet Copper Kettle Brittle and Fudge maker. Everything handmade, fresh-to-order! Brittles 21 varieties, Beer nuts 15 varieties, plus Sponge Toffee & Chocolate Pizzas. Booth #1739

✪ BSI GROUP

6205B Airport Rd. Mississauga, ON L4V 1E1 T: (647) 937-2807 E: inquiry.MSCanada@bsigroup.com www.bsigroup.com/en-CA BSI believes the world should be supplied with safe, sustainable, and socially responsible food. We offer a broad range of certification and risk management services. Booth #1010

BURNBRAE FARMS LIMITED

940 Matheson Blvd. E. Mississauga, ON L4W 2R8 T: (905) 624-3600 F: (905) 624-3363 E: imcruvie@burnbraefarms.com www.burnbraefarms.com

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA

81 Bay St. Toronto, ON M5J 2K6 T: (416) 834-7748 E: matthew.kenny@bdc.ca www.bdc.ca We are the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. Keeping your business forward with our flexible financing solutions and expert advisory services. Booth #513

CALIFORNIA RIPE OLIVES

2565 Alluvial Ave. Suite 152 Clovis CA 93611 USA T: (905) 220-6577 E: nicole@marenmarcoux.com www.calolive.org Compliment recipes & enjoy as a snack, California Ripe Olives have a buttery texture & natural flavour. Whole, sliced & organic available. Booth #404

CALNORT

110 Keewatin Ave. Toronto, ON M4P 1Z8 T: (437) 988-3544 E: thebozkurty@gmail.com Booth #1902

BRITTLES ‘N MORE LTD.

Burnbrae Farms is excited to present our unique, innovative, ready-to-eat eggs and present our NEW Solar sku’s!

Booth #918

4717 Boul Couture Montreal, QC H1R 3H7 T: (514) 829-5126 E: calnortcanada@bicd.ca www.calnortcanada.ca Bouillon, Condiments, Soups, Dessert.

Booth #606

CANADA BEEF

2550 Argentia Rd., Suite 210 Mississauga, ON L5N 5R1 T: (905) 821-4900 E: info@canadabeef.ca www.canadabeef.ca Canada Beef Inc. is an independent national organization representing the research, marketing and promotion of the Canadian cattle and beef industry worldwide. Booth #1538

✪ CANADIAN GIFT CONCEPT

2160 Highway 7 Concord, ON L4K 1W6 T: (905) 738-4804 E: danielle@canadiangiftconcept.com www.cgconline.ca Canadian Gift Concept (CGC)—your wholesaler for retailer-proven giftware & fashion brands, servicing Canada wide.

Booth #418

CANADIAN GROCER

20 Eglinton Ave. W., Suite 1800 Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 T: (647) 830-6561 E: contactus@canadiangrocer.com www.canadiangrocer.com

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Canadian Grocer is the #1 magazine, website, and e-newsletter for the Canadian grocery industry, with an audience of 150,000+ retailers and decision makers.

Booth #1529

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

162 Cleopatra Dr. Ottawa, ON K2G 5X2 T: (613) 218-3832 E: hurban@cmpa.ca www.cmpa.ca CPMA is an organization that represents companies that are active in the marketing of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables in Canada.

Booth #1814

CANADIAN WOMEN IN FOOD

66 Billings Ave. Toronto, ON M4L 2S4 T: (647) 408-1417 E: info@canadianwomeninfood.ca www.canadianwomeninfood.ca We are the place where entrepreneurs in food who crave connection come to grow themselves and their business.

Booth #407

CANBRANDS SPECIALTY FOODS

3500 Laird Rd. Unit 4 T: Greg@416 450 0915 T: Katie@905 466 4974 E: info@canbrands.ca www.canbrands.ca Canbrands Specialty Foods specializes in 100% gluten free baked goods (breads, rolls, tortillas, muffins, cookies, cupcakes etc.) marketed under the PaneRiso brand and custom packaged/private label across all retail and foodservice channels.

Booth # 1825

CANDA SIX FORTUNE ENTERPRISE CO. LTD.

Unit 2, 420 Nugget Ave. Toronto, ON M1S 4A4 T: (416) 298-6632 E: marketing@candasixfortune.com www.candasixfortune.com Experience exceptional quality Asian delights from Canda Six Fortune. Indulge in Long Phung Vietnamese Sausage, Flying Goose sauce, UFC beverages, and G7 Coffee.

Booth #1239

CARE BAKERY

3823 29 Street Northeast Calgary, AB T1Y 6B5 T: (403) 801-7535 E: kerrybennet@carebakery.com www.carebakery.com Care Bakery is a Canadian company specializing in high quality gluten free breads and buns. Booth #1812

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

CASA BONITA FOODS

700 Progress Ave. Unit 13 Scarborough, ON M1H 2Z7 T: (416) 727-9676 E: sergio@casabonitafoods.com www.casabonitafoods.com Soft corn tortillas and tortilla chips made in Canada with limited quality ingredients.

Tajin Mexican seasoning and an authentic line of authentic Mexican salsa.

Booth #631

CAVENDISH FARMS

CCC PACK

CIRCULR INC.

455 Addison Hall Cir., Unit 405 Aurora, ON L4G 3X8 T: (800) 994-9396 E: support@cccpack.com www.cccpack.com At the CCC Pack we create the best custom-made stand-up pouches for your products here in Canada.

Booth #503

69 Riverwood Parkway Toronto, ON M8Y 4E4 T: (647) 895-8714 E: charles@circulr.ca www.circulr.ca Circulr is a platform enabling companies to reuse packaging. Circulr sources packaging and operates collections and washing systems while handling deposits and creating consumption insights.

Booth #535

✪ CHAEBAN ARTISAN

390 Osborne Street.

Winnipeg, MB R3L 1Z9 T: (204) 881-6698 E: joseph@chaebanartisan.com www.chaebanartisan.com Chaeban Artisan makes every batch of cheese using wholesome and local dairy that’s sourced right here in Canada.

Booth #845

CJR WHOLESALE GROCERS

100B- 7050 Telford Way Mississauga, ON L5S 1V7 T: (905) 672-0741 E: customer.service@signatureculinary.com www.signatureculinarysolutions.com At Chef Brandz Inc., we’re not just a meal provider-we’re your partner in delivering exceptional dining solutions. Flexibility is our hallmark. Booth #1829

✪ CHENS ENTERPRISE CORPORATION

5830 Coopers Ave. Mississauga, ON L4Z 1Y3 T: (905) 624-1188 E: chens@chensec.com www.chensec.com National wholesale distributor of Food & Household goods servicing large chains, supermarkets, cash & carries & food services. We offer 300 renowned brands at competitive pricing. Booth #1030

CHOOSE LIFE FOODS

326 Adelaide St. W. – Fl. 6 Toronto, ON M5V 1R3 T: (437) 263-1315 E: info@chooselifefoods.com www.chooselifefoods.com Choose Life Foods, the Home of plantbased Caribbean Goodness taps into the growing demand for diverse flavours in the plant-based market with Jamaican patties.

Booth #434

100 Midland Dr. Dieppe, NB E1A 6X4 T: (506) 858-7777 www.cavendishfarms.com Cavendish Farms is sampling a variety of frozen products, including French Fries and Hash Browns at booth #1033.

Booth #1033

CHEF BRANDZ INC.

CHEP CANADA INC.

7400 East Danbro Cres.

Mississauga, ON L5N 8C6 T: (905) 790-2437 E: nigel.sankar@chep.com www.chep.com CHEP helps move more goods to more people, in more places than any other organization on earth.

Booth #1525

260 Brunel Rd. Mississauga, ON L4Z 1T5 T: (905) 361-1081 E: sales@cjrwholesale.com www.cjrwholesale.com Family-owned & independent for 30+ years, offering 7,500+ products, CJR’s your one-stop-shop for grocery, refrigerated, freezer, specialty & product innovations. Specializing in distribution & supply-chain-solutions.

Booth #1224

CLEARSIPS

391 Victoria Ave. N. Hamilton, ON L8L 5G7 T: (905) 220-0823 E: info@clearsips.ca www.clearsips.ca Clearsips is an Ontario-based, familyowned business dedicated to bringing premium, great-tasting non-alcoholic beverages to grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and retailers across Canada.

Booth #528

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

COKE CANADA BOTTLING HEAD OFFICE

335 King Street East Toronto, ON M5A 1L1 Booth #1409

COLOUR INNOVATIONS/ RAINING BRAND & DESIGN

161 Norfinch Dr. Toronto, ON M3N 1Y2 T: (416) 663-6703 E: sales@colourinnovations.com www.colourinnovations.com www.raininginc.com Colour Innovations is your printing partner for all things packaging. From product design for brand building and creating mock-ups: we are BRGCS certified to print budget-friendly, food safe, and eye-catching packaging.

Booth #1533

CONCORD NATIONAL LLP

2515 Meadowpine Blvd., Unit 2 Mississauga, ON L5N 6C3 T: (905) 817-0403 E: tony.dalleva@concordnational.com www.concordnational.com At Concord National, we build great brands. Our sales, marketing and management experience spans virtually every product category and nearly every corner of the world. Booth #611

CONGLOM

2600 Marie-Curie Ave. St-Laurent, QC H4S 2C3 T: (514) 333-6666 E: ksande@conglom.com www.conglom.com We are a manufacturer and distributor of a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Booth #1413

CONTIPAK INC.

Unit 3Z, 1160 Birchmount Rd. Scarborough, ON M1P 2B8 T: (4160 321-6444 E: marketing@contipak.ca www.contipack.ca Conitpack Inc. is a Toronto-based flexible packaging company, offering diverse solutions to global clients in industries like food, cosmetics, and more.

Booth #537

COPELAND CANADA

145 Sherwood Drive Brantford, ON N3T 1N8 T: (519) 756-6157 E: canadainfo.climate@copeland.com www.copeland.com From field to loading dock to aisle to checkout, we’re helping grocers with every element that impacts food safety, energy consumption and operational efficiency.

Booth #1528

#GICShow23

25

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP » CORDOBA FOODS LLC

4477E 11 AV Hialeah, FL 33013 USA T: (305) 733-7468 E: karina@cordobafoods.com www.cordobafoods.com Manufacturers of dulce de leche and chimichurri. Booth #1603

CORRIGAN CORPORATION

104 Ambrogio Dr. Gurnee, IL 60031 USA T: (847) 263-5955 E: sales@corriganmist.com www.corriganmist.com Préserve is a safe, no reservoir produce preservation system that creates a high humidity environment that protects produce and reduces shrink to increase profits. Booth #1141

COSTCO BUSINESS CENTRE

3 North Service Road St. Catharines, ON L2N 7R1 T: (289) 434-6021 E: w0143mkm@costco.com www.costcobusinesscentre.ca Wholesale food service vendor.

Booth #1820

COUNTRY PRIME MEATS & THE BUTCHER’S COMPANION 3171 Highway 97 Lac La Hache, BC V0K 1T1 T: (604) 245-5263 E: info@countryprime.com www.countryprime.com Booth #1904

COVERED BRIDGE POTATO CHIPS

35 Alwright Crt. Waterville Carleton Co, New Brunswick E7P 0A5 T: (506) 375-2447 E: info@coveredbridgechips.com www.coveredbridgechips.com/en We are a vertically integrated 4th Generation Family potato farm and food manufacturing facility. We produce dark russet potato chips, kettle-cooked popcorn, Chickpea Chips.

Booth #1325

CRAFTY RAMEN

85 Willis Way Unit 119 Waterloo, ON N2J 0B9 T: (151) 984-1318 E: adam@craftyramen.com www.craftyramen.com Crafty Ramen brings restaurant-quality ramen to the frozen aisle for consumers to enjoy in the comfort of their home in just 7 minutes. Booth #1729

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✪ CRAVE STEVIA

9400 Smiley Rd. Chemainus, BC V0R 1K4 T: (778) 762-0888 E: info@bvsales.ca www.cravestevia.ca A natural, sugar-free sweetener for your wellness journey. Elevate your creations with this plant-derived option, perfect for a guilt-free treat. Booth #1233

CREATIVE POS LTD.

DANAVATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

21 Roybridge Gate Woodbridge, ON L4H 1E6 T: (833) 386-8800 E: cdimartino@danavation.com www.danavation.com At Danavation, our state-of-the-art Digital Smart Labels enable companies to automate labelling, pricing, product information and promotions in real-time.

Booth #1237

DANCING BEE EQUIPMENT/ THE BEE WORKS

2600 Skymark Ave. #104 Mississauga, ON L4W 5B2 T: (416) 894-0446 E: info@creativepos.ca www.creativepos.ca We understand your needs.

Booth #1135

CROSSMARK CANADA INC.

5580 Explorer Dr., Suite 200 Mississauga, ON L9Z 2S7 T: (905) 366-6333 E: contactuscanada@crossmark.com www.crossmark.ca Brand solutions to accelerate market impact & drive winning results. From HQ strategy to executing at store. From sales planning to path of purchase.

Booth #1132

5029 Country Rd. 2 Port Hope, ON L1A 3V5 T: (905) 753-0070 E: beeworks.giftshop@gmail.com www.beeworks.com We will have honey, food processing equipment, jars, labels and kits.

Booth #1828

DANIAL’S DISTRIBUTION INC.

DAIRY FOUNTAIN

7-2370 Meadowvale Blvd.

Mississauga, ON L5N 0H1 T: (905) 858-0330 E: sales@danialsdistribution.com www.danialsdistribution.com Distributor of consumer-packaged goods servicing the convenience, discount, drug, grocery, and specialty retail markets.

Booth #1014

DAMASCUS BAKERY

100 Rue de Lauzon Boucherville, QC J4B 1E6 T: (450) 655-7331 E: serviceclientele-canada@danone.com www.danone.ca Activia, Oikos, Two Good, Danino, Silk, International Delight, Stock, and So Delicious sampling. Barista station served with Danone’s coffee creamers.

Booth #1009

1080 Fewster Dr. Mississauga, ON L4W 2T2 T: (905) 238-0000 E: info@dairyfountain.com www.dairyfountain.com Dairy Fountain provides premium cultured dairy products for food service and retail, including various types of yogurts, yogurt drinks, kefir, and sour cream.

Booth #1726 1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: george@damascusbakery.com www.damascusbakery.com Since 1930. Baking delicious bread for over 80 years. Pita. Natural Lavash roll-ups & wraps. Panini. Brooklyn bread. Pizza crusts.

Booth #1709

DANA INDUSTRIES

109 Woodbine Downs Blvd. Unit 1 Toronto, ON M9W 6Y1 T: (416) 798-0880 E: sales@danaindustries.com www.danaindustries.com For over 30 years, our signage and merchandising fixtures have acted as an in-aisle meeting point between products and customers. Booth #1918

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

DANONE

DARK HORSE ESTATE WINERY

70665 B Line Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0 T: (519) 238-5000 E: marketing@darkhorseestatewinery.com www.darkhorseestatewinery.com Dark Horse Estate Winery is an estate winery on the shores of Lake Huron in Grand Bend, featuring estate-grown wines & fine dining. Booth #1732

DAUPHINAIS

4136 Unit 8 South Service Rd. Burlington, ON L7L 4X5 T: (800) 864-7879 E: i nfo@dauphinais.co www.dauphinais.co/en Dauphinais specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

We are your complete solution for choice, distribution, and sales of the highestquality food products. Servicing the smallest convenience stores to the largest national retailers.

Booth # 1808 and 1810

refrigerated commercial display cases for food retail (supermarkets chain, convenience stores, pastry and butcher shops, seafood markets, etc.).

Booth #1335

DELMAR FOODS

25 South Service Rd. St. Marys, ON N4X 1A7 T: (519) 349-3017 E: sales@delmarfoods.ca www.delmarfoods.ca Delmar Foods offers a wide range of dressings, sauces, marinades, and spreads for the retail and food service markets.

In-house development available.

Booth #1631

DEMETRES

DOLE FOODS OF CANADA COMPANY

111 Strada Dr. Woodbridge, ON L4L 5V9 T: (416) 544-3411 E: hello@demetres.com www.demetres.com Demetres has launched our line of Ultra-Premium Ice Cream Pints, built on 30+ years of craft ice cream making experience. Booth #1831

80 Tiverton Court, Suite 301 Markham, ON L3R 0G4 T: (905) 754-0073 E: Christopher.renner@doleintl.com www.dolesunshine.com Dole will be highlighting our new exciting nutritious snacks and probiotic sodas at our show booth. Come and see what we have to offer! Booth #834

DEB’S DIPS

DRAKKAR INTERNATIONAL, INC.

202-379 Amelia St. Newmarket, ON L3Y 2V5 T: debsdips@rogers.com www.debsdips.com Booth #1936

DECOPAC

3500 Thurston Ave. Anoka, MN 55303 USA T: (800) 332-6722 E: stacee.ficek@decopac.com www.decopac.com We are proud to be your partner in bringing celebrations to life with products, technology, and service. Booth #526

DIGI CANADA INC.

87 Moyal Ct. Concord, ON L4K 4R8 T: (416) 648-2243 E: cara.tulloch@ca.digi.inc www.digisystem.com/ca/en DIGI CANADA Inc. is a proven global leader in the food industry offering a complete line of food equipment for over 25 years.

We offer across-the-store solutions for quality weigh-wrap-labelling equipment, POS systems, bulk solutions, ESLs, consumables, and industrial equipment.

Booth #919

DIRECT PLUS FOOD GROUP

8621 201 Street Langley, BC V2Y 0G9 T: (604) 245-5246 E: info@directplus.ca www.directplus.ca

✪ DISTRIBUTION CANADA INC.

3425 Harvester Rd., Suite 102c Burlington, ON L7N 3N1 T: (905) 681-3933 E: admin@distributioncanada.ca www.distributioncanada.ca DCI is a national organization of retailers & wholesalers that fosters collaborative selling relationships between its members, manufacturers, and key stakeholders in the Canadian market. Booth #1543

910, Jean-Neveu St. Longueuil, QC J4G 2M1 T: (450) 651-9137 E: rnormand@drakkarinternational.com www.chariotshopping.com Since 1998, Drakkar International designs, manufactures, and markets the largest selection of shopping carts and material handling equipment in Canada. Now, we are proud to present our new line of shopping carts having our Quality Canada Painting Seal. Booth #1612

DR. SHICA’S (BTE IMPORT-EXPORT)

5002 Silent Lake San Antonia, Texas 78244 USA T: (210) 275-7548 E: seebillwilliams@gmail.com www.drshicasbakery.com Plant-based crunchy cookie snacks— dairy free, egg-free, nut free, and no artificial ingredients. Booth #803

✪ DUTCHMAN’S GOLD

300 Carlisle Rd. Carlisle, ON L0R 1H2 T: (905) 659-6371 E: info@dutchmansgold.com www.dutchmansgold.com Dutchman’s Gold is Canadian & familyowned since 1981. We offer bee-friendly premium unpasteurized Canadian honey, maple syrup, beehive superfoods, bee pollen and hive infused skincare.

Booth #1741

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

✪ DYNA-PRO ENVIRONMENTAL

575 Roseberry St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0T3 T: (204) 774-5370 E: larryj@dyna-pro.com www.dyna-pro.com Dyna-Pro Environmental has provided Ultra-Pure’s reverse osmosis water dispensing machines, water treatment systems, and customized solutions to water problems across Canada for over 30 years.

Booth #602

EASYWELL CONSUMER PRODUCTS INC. 855 Matheson Blvd E Unit 11 Mississauga, ON L4W 6L4 T: (289) 805-9448 E: info@easywellproducts.com www.easywellproducts.com Consumer products distribution company that delivers high quality products at competitive prices. Booth #1905

EAT MY SHORTBREAD

1077 Boundary Road Oshawa, ON L1J 8P8 T: (289) 385-9969 E: info@eatmyshortbread.com www.eatmyshortbread.com Nut free and uniquely delicious, our handmade Shortbread and Craic, the salted caramel snack is not to be missed. 100% Canadian, 100% buttery Goodness.

Booth #1345

EFI SALES LTD.

515 Hanlon Creek Boulevard Guelph, ON N1C 0A1 T: (519) 822-1892 E: info@efifoodequip.com www.efifoodequip.com EFI Sales Ltd. offers an extensive product lineup for the commercial foodservice industry – including refrigeration, preparation & cooking equipment, shelving, tabling, sinks and more! Booth #439

ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA (ECCC)

4905 Dufferin St. Toronto, ON M3H 5T4 T: (647) 285-8855 E: plastiquesuu-suplastics@ec.gc.ca www.canada.ca/single-use-plastic-ban Sharing information about the Single-use Plastics ban on manufacture, import and sale of single-use plastic checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware, ring carriers, stir sticks, straws. Booth #548

✪ EQUATOR COFFEE ROASTERS 451 Ottawa Street Mississippi Mills, ON K0A 1A0 T: (613) 256-5960 E: sales@equator.ca www.equator.ca

#GICShow23

27

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP » At Equator, coffee is more than a beverage, it’s a way of changing the world. We believe in sourcing ethically and growing organically. Booth #1933

honeys, pepper jellies, wine jellies, jarred fruits, condiments, syrups, nut butters & more. Booth #1731

EASYWELL CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC

102-455 De Baets Street Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2J4M3 T: (204) 918-8999 E: john@funtymefoods.com www.funtymefoods.com Concession supplies, confectionary, and snacks. Booth #1613

855 Matheson Blvd E Unit 11 Mississauga, ON L4W 6L4 T: (289) 805-9448 E: info@easywellproducts.com www.easywellproducts.com Consumer products distribution company that delivers high quality products at competitive prices. Booth #1905

106 North Queen St. Etobicoke, On M8Z 2E2 T: (647) 225-1173 E: sales@futurebakery.com www.futurebakery.com Booth #1744

FCC

GARDAWORLD SECURITY SYSTEMS

2540 boul. Daniel-Johnson, Suite 110 Laval, QC H7T 2S3 T: (514) 730-6781 E: mauro.ditullio@federated.ca www.federated.ca Federated Insurance offers customized insurance solutions designed for the grocery store industry and features industry-leading coverage such as product recall, transit, computerized equipment, and infestation. Booth #1313

FMS SOLUTIONS LTD.

800 Corporate Dr. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33334 USA T: (877) 435-9400 E: stan.mcclintock@fmssolutions.com www.fmssolutions.com FMS provides a comprehensive suite of financial applications specifically for the retail grocery industry including critical accounting functions, payroll services, and retail inventory management.

Booth #1008

FIRE IN THE KITCHEN

700 Bush St. Belfountain, ON L7K 0E5 T: 647-200-0530 E: christian@fireinthekitchen.ca www.fireinthekitchen.ca Booth #1845

✪ FRUIT OF THE LAND

1 Promenade Circle – Box 977 Thornhill, ON L4J 8G7 T: (905) 761-9611 E: info@fuitoftheland.com www.fruitoftheland.com Fruit of the Land features local, award winning, specialty foods including jams,

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634 Strasburg Road Kitchener, ON N2E 2G8 T: (519) 904-4628 E: kris@gingergoat.ca www.gingergoat.ca ginger Goat’s award winning hot sauces are Ontario made, all natural and are known from the hit YouTube Series Hot Ones Season 15 + 22!

Booth #1946

GIOVANNI RANA

FUTURE BAKERY + M-C DAIRY

100-120 Research Lane Guelph, ON N1G 0B5 T: (888) 332-3301 E: csc@fcc-fac.ca www.fcc.ca FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, dedicated to the industry that feeds the world. Booth #1913

FEDERATED INSURANCE

FUN TYME FOODS LTD.

✪ GINGER GOAT HOT SAUCE

2100A South Sheridan Way Mississauga, ON L5J 2M4 T: (103) 641-6587 E: douglas.sales@garda.com www.securitysystems.garda.com/ business-security Protect your business with our comprehensive security systems that combine intelligence, innovation and performance with human expertise. Booth #505

GBS FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT, INC.

25 – 1195 Queensway E. Mississauga, ON L4Y 0G4 T: (905) 276-7262 E: sales@giovannirana.ca www.giovannirana.ca From Giovanni Rana’s kitchen in Italy to yours, we share our love and passion for fresh pasta. Always in the refrigerated section.

Booth #1013

GLOBAL REACH CONFECTIONS

141 Gateway Dr. NE Airdrie, AB T4B 0J6 T: (800) 667-4418 E: billing@globalreachconfections.com www.globalreachconfections.com We are a Canada wide importer and distributor of Dutch products to major chains and mom and pop shops.

Booth #435

2871 Brighton Rd. Oakville, ON L6H 6C9 T: (905) 829-5534 E: pdouglas@bscooks.com www.gbscooks.com Canada wide stocking distributor of foodservice equipment focused on the retail/grocery HMR channel. GBS is your one stop resource.

Booth #1217 & 1317

294 Walker Dr. Brampton, ON L6T 4Z2 T: (416) 900-4050 E: paul@globepos.ca www.globepos.ca Globe POS Systems is your retail technology expert. Any technology solutions you require you have we can provide.

Booth #1332

GCF ALCOHOL-FREE WINES

GOGO QUINOA

7022 Boulevard Saint Laurent Montreal, QC H2S 3E2 T: (514) 603=6429 E: camilla.deveregreen@lgcf.fr www.nozeco.buzz Leading producer of alcohol-free wines from Europe. Showcasing Nozeco: alc-free sparkling wines that are the #1 selling in UK Grocery. Booth #629

GENERAL MILLS

1875 Buckhorn Gate Suite 201 Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5N9 T: (905) 212-4872 E: tobias.bourdeau@genmills.com www.generalmills.ca General Mills, Making Food the World Loves. Join us to experience exciting new products for your family to enjoy.

Booth #719

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

GLOBE POS SYSTEMS

2300 Michelin St. Laval, QC H7L 5C3 T: (514) 224-1237 T: (438) 380-3330 E: jad@gogoquinoa.com www.gogoquinoa.com In business for over 19 years, based in Montreal area, Canada. A facility with multiple manufacturing lines with highcapacity production and packaging.

Booth #836

GOLDEN FOOD & MANUFACTURE LTD. 241 Snidercroft Rd. Concord, ON L4K 2J8 T: (905) 660-3233 F: (905) 660-4321 E: gfmproducts@gmail.com www.goudas.ca

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Golden Food & Manufacture Ltd. provides food manufacturing for wholesale, retail, and food services. We also provide private labelling services. Booth #403

✪ GORPWORLD.COM

4576 Yonge Street, Suite 700 Toronto, ON M2N 6N4 T: (647) 710-0643 E: info@gorpworld.com www.gorpworld.com WE MAKE FOOD THAT’S GOOD FOR YOU. FOOD THAT WILL POWER YOUR DAY. All-Canadian. Gluten-Free. Dairy-Free.

Cleanest Energy Products on the Market.

Booth #1502

GRAY RIDGE EGG FARMS/ EGGSOLUTIONS

1390 Hopkins St. Whitby, ON L1N 2C3 T: (905) 666-9395 F: (905) 666-0224 E: beverley@greatcanadianmeat.com www.greatcanadianmeat.com We are Canada’s Premier Meat Snack Company that produces tasty, 365-day shelf-stable meat snacks using the finest Canadian ingredients. Booth #1625

GREEN FARM PISTACHIO INC.

165 Boulevard Industriel Chateauguay, QC J6J 4Z2 T: (514) 814-7079 E: info@greenfarmnuts.com www.nutlyfoods.com www.greenfarmnuts.com Our products are nuts, dried fruit snacks in packages under our brand NUTLY. Booth #438

GROCERY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

PO Box 23103 Longworth PO Bowmanville, ON L1C 0H0 T: (905) 697-0467 E: admin@grocerybusiness.ca www.grocerybusiness.ca Grocery Business Magazine is Canada’s leading grocery publication and eNews provider, serving independents across Canada with trending information they can use to increase profit.

Booth #737

HARVEST TO GATHER

150 Nantucket Blvd.

Scarborough, ON M1P 2P1 T: (437) 799-3844 E: info@gsmpaperstraws.com www.gsmpaperstraws.com We are Manufacturers of Biodegradable/ Eco Friendly Paper Straws and Distributors of Tableware/Takeout Containers/Cutlery. We offer the Highest Quality of Eco-Friendly Disposables Products for your Business. Booth #441

HEALTHY CRUNCH

(A BRAND OF PROMAX WELLNESS INC.)

✪ HALENDA’S

644 Wright Street Strathroy, ON N7G 3H8 T: (800) 387-0087 E: info@lhgray.com www.lhgray.com Gray Ridge Eggs. Golden Valley Eggs.

Sparks Eggs. ES-Vanderpols Eggs. EggSolutions. Together, we’re L. H. Gray & Son: All Things Eggs In Canada. Since 1934.

Booth #1034

GREAT CANADIAN MEAT COMPANY

✪ GSM PAPER STRAWS

15 Brydon Dr. Etobicoke, ON M9W 4M7 T: (416) 819-6154 E: jennifer@halendasmeats.com www.halendascharcuterie.ca Offering you top-of-the-line dried, smoked and cured sausages, peameal bacon, back bacon, and more! Old-world artisanal recipes using locally sourced meats.

Booth #427

✪ HANDY CANDY LTD.

980 Adelaide St. South London, ON N6E 1R3 T: (519) 694-4665 E: sales@handycandy.ca www.handycandy.ca Candy Salt Water Taffy Pouches.

Natural Nuts Taffy. Booth #1644

966 Concession 6 Woodhouse Simcoe, ON N3Y 4K4 T: (519) 426-2000 E: info@harvesttogather.ca www.harvesttogather.ca Based in Norfolk County, Ontario.

Family owned and operated, farm-to-fork meat supplier, specializing in regenerative farming, pasture-raised, small herd beef, Ontario pork and ABF chicken. Booth #1629 160 Matheson Blvd. East, Unit 4 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1V4 T: (416) 575-9531 E: julie@healthycrunch.com www.healthycrunch.com At Healthy Crunch we’re on a mission to create better-for-you foods that taste great and are good for you. We believe eating whole real food makes you feel good inside and out! Booth #647

HELA SPICE CANADA INC.

119 Franklin St. Uxbridge, On L9P 1J5 T: (905) 852-5100 E: eric.nummelin@helaspice.com www.helaspice.com Booth #1833

✪ HERBALAND

PO Box 32015 Richmond, BC V6X 3R9 T: (604) 374-2643 E: hanif@hanifsfoods.com www.hanifsfoods.com Booth #1344

12340 Horseshoe Way Richmond, BC V7A 4Z1 T: (604) 284-5050 E: wholesale@herbaland.ca www.herbaland.ca Herbaland is a Vancouver-based company that sells vegan, high-quality gummy vitamins and snacks packaged in 100% compostable packaging. Booth #630

HAPPY POPS

✪ HEYJUTETM

HANIF’S FOODS LTD.

130 Bermondsey Rd Toronto, Ontario, M4A1X5 T: (416) 854-2949 E: info@Happypops.ca www.happypops.ca Happy Pops are all natural frozen treats crafted with real fruit and without the use of artificial ingredients. They are vegan and gluten free. Booth #1830

HARTYBAKE LLC

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: sean.geoghagan@hartybake.com www.hartybake.com The pearls of waffles. Individually Wrapped Liége Waffles. Sliced Liége Waffles-a new way to sandwich. HartyBake. A true craft bakery. Booth #1709

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

24 Manor Ridge Trail Mount Albert, ON L0G 1M0 T: (905) 473-4090 E: heyjuite@megalith.net www.HeyJute.com Canada’s most reliable solution for ecofriendly, sustainable, home compostable food packaging, shopping bags, tableware & promotional products designed for the Grocery Industry. No Greenwashing.

Booth #1822.

HOBART CANADA

105 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 801 Toronto, ON M2H 3P8 T: (888) 334-2371 E: marketing@hobart.ca www.hobart.ca Hobart Canada offers the broadest line of equipment including cooking, food preparation, refrigeration, bakery systems,

#GICShow23

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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ware washing and waste systems, and weighing, wrapping, and labeling systems.

Booth #1504

HOWELL DATA SYSTEMS

5732 Highway #7, Suite #9 Woodbridge, ON L4L 3A2 T: (800) 410-6871 E: sales@howelldatasystems.com www.howelldatasystems.com Howell Data Systems with 21 Canadian offices provides, Enterprise Management, Point-of-sale (POS) Self-Checkouts, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) Smartphone Loyalty Apps, E-Commerce, Gift Cards, and Digital-Video, Surveillance.

Booth #1103

INCREDIBLE GROUP

53 Aviasozlar 2 Yashnabad District, Tashkent 100207 Uzbekistan T: (865) 654-7434 E: export@iskoworld.com www.iskoworld.com ISKO is a renowned confectionery company, established in 2007. We offer a diverse range of delicious confectionery products including cookies, wafers, cakes, crackers, and more. We also provide private label services. Booth #426

INFIN8 BRANDS INC.

500 Esna Park Dr., Unit #5 Markham, ON L3R 1H5 T: (905) 604-4066 E: sofiya@infin8brands.com www.infin8brands.com We believe in healthy products, and we supply Halal certified products.

Booth #408

ITALPASTA LIMITED

116 Nuggett Court Brampton, ON L6T 5A9 T: info@italpasta.com www.italpast.com Providing the highest quality pasta with love and care isn’t just our job, it’s our purpose. Because it’s not just pasta, it’s Italpasta. Booth #1125

INSTACART

50 Beale Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, California, 94105 www.instacart.com/company Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, works with grocers and retailers to transform how people shop. Booth # 741

✪ JACK DANIEL’S BBQ & SHAQ BURGERS/GWFG

5181 Everest Dr. Mississauga, ON L4W 2R2 T: (877) 879-2962 E: info@instoreproductssolutions.com www.instoreproductssolutions.com At InStore Products Solutions, we offer a multi-functional, reusable, recyclable, and Eco-friendly alternative to the traditional single-use plastic bag; helping retailers reduce supply costs.

Booth #628

IN-STORE WATER SYSTEMS

112 Oakdale Rd. Toronto, ON M3N 1V9 T: (800) 508-7125 E: sales@instorewatersystems.com www.instorewatersystems.com

30

ISHIDA CANADA INC.

2220 Argentia Rd., Unit 7 Mississauga, ON L5N 2K7 T: (888) 517-1556 E: info@ishidacanada.ca www.infoishidacanada.ca Ishida Canada is a world leader in the design, manufacturing, and installation of multi-head weighing machines and complete weighing and packaging line solutions. Booth #928

✪ ISKO

1707 Flint Rd. Toronto, ON M3J 2W8 T: (416) 663-9900 E: jayme@incrediblegroup.com www.incrediblegroup.com Incredible Group is the ultimate creator, wholesaler, and distributor of all things INCREDIBLE! Booth #929

INSTORE PRODUCTS SOLUTIONS

Introducing Prodew Misters, Foggers & humidifiers, and Waterline POU systems.

Continuing to supply and service StoreUse water treatment, refill machines, coolers, POE systems and softeners.

Booth #445

4401 S Downey Rd. Vernon, CA USA 90058 T: (818) 726-4701 E: info@gwfg.com www.gwfg.com Visit us for Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce (Bottled), Jack Daniel’s BBQ Ready to Eat Meats and for Meat District Shaq Burgers and Wings. Booth #936

JAKEMAN'S MAPLE PRODUCTS

454414 Trillium Line, RR1 BEACHVILLE, ON, N0J1A0 T: (519) 539-1366 E: chad@themaplestore.com www.jakemansmaplesyrup.com The Jakeman Family has been producing our award-winning blend of 100% pure Maple Syrup since 1876.

Booth # 1725

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

JACK LINK’S

2476 Argentia Rd., Suite 103 Mississauga, ON L5N 6M1 T: (416) 803-8804 E: info@jacklinks.com www.jacklinks.ca Meat Snacks-Jerky, Bites, Nuggets, Strips, Sticks and Combos. Booth #935

✪ JIMMY ZEE’S DISTRIBUTOR’S INC.

119 1551 Broadway St. Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6N9 T: (604) 945-9337 E: sales@jimmyzees.com www.jimmyzees.com Maple Buds and Rosebuds are back at long last, check out all our Retro Candy, and TikTok Trending Items and Guy Gifts at www.Jimmyzees.com. Booth #1512

JODY’S GOURMET POPCORN

2842 Cromwell Rd. Norfolk, Virginia 23509 USA T: (416) 729-0285 E: dave@jodyspopcorn.com www.jodyspopcorn.com Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn is created with only the finest, freshest ingredients to guarantee the most delicious popcorn flavours. Booth #803

JRTECH SOLUTIONS

2365 Guenette St. Saint-Laurent, QC H4R 2E9 T: (514) 244-3995 E: info@jrtechsolutions.com www.jrtechsolutions.ca JRTech Solutions is the largest supplier of electronic shelf labels in North America.

Booth #819

✪ KARLA REWARDS

T: (514) 815-5668 E: robin@co-karla.com www.karlarewards.com Unlock growth for your grocery business!

CFIG members join Canada’s largest rental rewards network for free! Visit us at Booth #1911, Grocery Innovations Canada 2023.

Booth #1911

KARMALIS

3445 Semenyk Court Mississauga, ON L5C 4P9 T: (647) 618-8695 E: Michael.leibold@karmalis.com www.karmalis.com Manufacturer of soups, entrees, meal kits, salads, and hand held items such as burritos, made with wholesome locally sourced ingredients.

Booth #1636

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KAWARTHA DAIRY

KRACKCORN

89 Prince St. W. Bobcaygeon, ON M6R 1K4 T: (647) 980-5240 E: jfarlinger@kawarthadairy.com www.kawarthadairy.com Kawartha Dairy is a local produce of premium ice cream, milk, cream, eggnog, and butter. Booth # 1724

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: cody@krackcornpopcorn.com www.krackcornpopcorn.com Welcome to The Ultimate Snacking Experience!® Sweets & Snacks-Most innovative new product awards winner 2022.

Booth #1708

KING RETAIL SOLUTIONS

3850 West 1st Avenue Eugene, OR 97402 USA T: (541) 686-2848 E: business.relationships@kingrs.com www.kingrs.com Elevate your grocery store with King Retail Solutions: Industry leaders in cost-effective, seamless interior branding. From design to production and installation, we enhance shopper experience. Booth #607

KIS HOLDINGS INC.

T: (905) 479-0303 E: david.wu@kispacific.com www.kisholdingsinc.com 210 Cochrane Dr., Unite 5 & 6 Markham, ON L3R 8E6 We strive to present the trendy products to our customers through innovative methods and channels. Booth #546

✪ KOREA FOOD TRADING

8500 Keele St. Vaughan, ON L4K 2A6 T: (905)532-0325 E: info@koreafood.ca www.koreafood.ca Korea Food Trading (KFT) is the leading distributor of Korean products in Canada.

Booth #1435

KOST KLIP MANUFACTURING LTD.

2 St Clair Ave W Toronto, ON M4V 1L5 T: (416) 368-3399 E: info@kotra.ca www.buykorea.org There would be Various Korean Products such as snacks, beverages, skincare products, and products for kids.

Booth #1703

207 Queens Quay W., 7 FL Toronto, ON M5J 1A7 T: (416) 441-5000 E: info@kraftheinz.com www.kraftheinzcompany.com Kraft Heinz provides high quality, great taste, and nutrition for all eating occasions.

Kraft Heinz’s iconic brands include Kraft Peanut Butter, Heinz Ketchup, and KD. Booth # 1225

KRUGER PRODUCTS INC.

2 Prologis Blvd, Suite 500 Mississauga, ON L5W 0G8 T: (416) 302-9580 E: Steve.Turner@krugerproducts.ca www.krugerproducts.ca Kruger Products is Canada’s leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household, industrial, and commercial use.

Booth #1208

LACTALIS CANADA

119-1611 Broadway St. Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M7 T: (604) 468-1117 E: sales@kostklip.com www.kostlip.com Kostklip’s solutions include data label strips, printed plastic ShelfTalkers, shelf management product organizers, sign holders, product merchandisers and fixture mounts for electronic shelf labels. Booth #1609

✪ KOTRA

KRAFT HEINZ

405 The West Mall Toronto, ON M9C 5J1 T: (437) 226-4822 E: contactus@lactalis.ca www.lactalis.ca With nearly 140 years of brand heritage in Canada dairy industry, Lactalis Canada is committed to the health and wellness of Canadians. Booth #1119

LA PRESSERIE

1401 Morningside Avenue Scarborough, ON M1B 3J1 T: (647) 351-5433 E: infor@lapresserie.com www.lapresserie.com La Presserie is a Toronto-based manufacturer of innovative premium foods and beverages that set the benchmark for delicious taste, artisanal quality, and nutrition.

Booth #825

✪ LAVAZZA

1520-60 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ON M4W 3B8 T: (647) 300-2417 E: andrea.chiaramello@lavazza.com www.lavazza.ca/en Lavazza has dedicated over 120 years to creating the best blends of coffee beans from all over the world: come discover the new capsules range! Booth #539 GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

LEMONTREE PRODUCE DISPLAYS

32 Pioneer Drive Erin, ON N0B 1T0 T: (416) 895-6955 E: info@lemontreeproducts.com www.lemontreeproducts.com LemonTree is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality produce displays systems. Booth #938

LOBLAW AFFILIATED INDEPENDENTS GROUP

1 President’s Choice Circle Brampton, ON L5Y 6S6 T: (905) 459-2500 E: businessdevelopment@loblaw.ca www.freshmart.ca/affliates Come visit us at Booth 1503 and explore the benefits of wholesale programs!

Booth #1503

LOCAL EXPRESS INC.

700 N Brand Blvd., Suite 910 Glendale, CA 91203 USA T: (818) 405-9777 E: dennisa@localexpress.io www.localexpress.io Create your online grocery store and catering plus in-store ordering kiosk for deli, bakery, and hot-prepared foods. An easy-to-use eCommerce builder with POS and payment integration and delivery apps.

Booth #440.

✪ LUE & PEREZ-MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION LTD.

Lot 1C Chootoo Rd., El Socorro El Socorro, Port of Spain 00000 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO T: (868) 785-3337 E: lue.perez.md@gmail.com www.instagram.com/lueandperez Creative company based in Trinidad & Tobago specializing in Caribbean Novelty & Traditional food products, we specialize in product development/manufacturing/private labelling and sourcing for import/export.

Booth #429

✪ MAD MEXICAN PREPARED FOOD PRODUCTS LTD

64 Crockford Blvd.

Toronto, ON M1R 3C3 T: (647) 352-2555 E: info@madmexican.ca www.madmexican.ca We craft preservative-free, authentic Mexican food using quality, fresh ingredients, preserving the true enjoyment of food as intended.

Booth #1941

#GICShow23

31

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP » MAMA YOLANDA’S GOURMET LASAGNA

439 King Street West Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 T: (866) 622-2461 E: consumeraffairs@mccain.ca www.mccain.ca Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food. McCain showcases its new Shareable Appetizers and Plant-Based Meals, plus world famous Potato Products, Desserts and Handheld Snacks. Booth #1719

MAPLE LEAF FOODS INC.

6987 Financial Drive Mississauga, ON L5N 0A1 T: (800) 285-5000 E: eric.bond@mapleleaf.com www.mapleleaffoods.com Maple Leaf Foods is Canada’s largest prepared meats and poultry producer and a carbon neutral company passionate about food, sustainability, animal care, diversity, and community. Booth # 1025

MARKETING IMPACT LIMITED

50 Planchet Rd. Concord, ON L4K 2C7 T: (905) 738-0888 E: alex@displaypeople.com www.displaypeople.com Marketing Impact offers North America’s most comprehensive, innovative, proven range of merchandising products, systems and solutions for every retail application.

Booth #624

MARS CANADA

37 Holland Dr, Bolton, ON L7E 5S4, Canada T: (905) 857-5700 www.can.mars.com Mars Wrigley: Inspire moments of everyday happiness Booth #1537

MARTINI NON-ALCOHOL

3250 Bloor St. W., Suite 1050 Etobicoke, ON M8X 2X9 T: (604) 360-6270 E: nehuth@bacardi.com www.martini.com Martini Dolce 0.0–Alcohol Free Sparkling Beverage; Marini Vibrante-Non-alcoholic Aperitif; Martini Floreale-Non-alcoholic Aperitif. Booth #406

✪ MAT TECH

137 rue martin Granby, QC T: (800) 363-6185 E: info@mattech.ca www.mattech.ca As a Canadian manufacturer, Mat Tech’s mission is to continue to offer innovative solutions for commercial entrance mats and ergonomic mats.

Booth #1308

32

MOM’S BEST GOURMET FOODS

MCCAIN FOODS

Unit #1 – 175 Nebo Rd. Hamilton, ON L8W 2E1 T: (905) 645-0447 www.mamayolandas.ca Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna: A timeless recipe crafted with love. Elevate your dining experience with our delicious, authentic Italian lasagna. Private label manufacturing options available.

Booth # 1632

MIDDLEBY CORPORATION

1400 Toastmaster Dr. Elgin, IL 60120 USA T: (781) 812-5131 E: sdans@middleby.com www.middleby.com 80 of the leading commercial foodservice equipment brands with manufacturing plants in Canada and the United States.

Your one stop for equipment and solutions.

Booth #1813

MIRVIK UNIFORMS & MERCHANDISE

845-A Rue Deslauriers Saint-Laurent, Quebec, H4N1X3 T: (514) 886-9152 E: info@mirvik.com www.mirvik.com Always on brand! Customized modern work uniforms and marketing merchandise. Bring your brand to life with quality customizable products your employees & customers will love. Booth #925

MOONG PANI

755 Queens East, Unit 26 Mississauga, ON L4Y 4C5 T: (647) 400 - 8623 E: anuparmar@scastrategies.com www.moongpani.com Moong Pani makes Ayurvedic superfoods sprouted mung sipping broths and risottos!

Delicious, high protein, high fibre, 100% plant-based, gluten-free - perfect for our on-the-go lifestyle. Booth #1347

MOTHER’S PREPARED FINE FOODS PO Box 71056, RPO Maplehurst Burlington, ON L7T 4J8 T: (289) 237-1323 E: brian@mothersrestaurants.com Booth #1925

MOTHER RAW

✪ MOTOROLA VALUE ADDED DISTRIBUTOR

633 Granite Court Pickering, ON L1W 3K1 T: (190) 562-6443 E: mvanderkooi@lenbrook.com www.lenbrook.com Lenbrook is the Canadian Value Added Distributor for Motorola Two-Way Radios and Body-Worn Cameras. Visit us to learn about the Curve Wi-Fi enhanced business radio! Booth #1213

MRAKOVIC FINE FOODS INC.

80 Galaxy Blvd, Unit 1 – 3 Etobicoke, ON M9W 4Y8 T: (416) 675-5656 E: info@mrakovic.com www.mrakovic.com Producer of smoked and frozen meat products. Booth #1837

MURRAY MARKET NATIONAL (KARMA WATER, WARHEADS SOUR! SODA) 6415 64 St. Delta, BC V4K 4E2 T: (604) 952-6025 E: jon@murraymarketnational.com www.murraymarketnational.com MMN is your one-stop-shop for sales and logistics services in Canada. We help fastmoving consumer goods companies get their products onto retailer’s shelves.

Booth #525

✪ NELLIE’S CLEAN INC.

114-2455 Dollarton Hwy. North Vancouver, BC V7H 0A2 T: (888) 984-7471 E: wendy@nelliesclean.com www.nelliesclean.ca Nellie’s provides you with a planetfriendly, simple and honest choice for all your cleaning needs. Not to mention our packaging sells itself! Booth #518

NESTLE CANADA INC.

1111 Finch Ave. W., Unit 16 Toronto, ON M3J 2E5 T: (519) 939-7473 E: info@motherraw.com www.motherraw.ca Organic, Healthy, Delicious, refrigerated Dressings, Dips, Queso. Introducing NEW Organic, Healthy, Delicious, Affordable, Shelf Stable MAYO and KETCHUP! All Clean and affordable! Booth #1630 GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

6435 Kestrel Rd. Mississauga, ON L5T 1Z8 T: (905) 696-8889 E: robert@momsbest.ca www.momsbest.ca Booth #1640

25 Sheppard Ave. West North York, ON M2N 6S8 T: (416) 512-9000 E: consumer.care@ca.nestle.com www.nestle.ca Nestlé Canada Inc has a wide variety of food, beverage, and nutrition products to help you and your family live happier and healthier lives. Booth #811

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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N H FOODS INC.

✪ NUMMY CREATIONS INC.

18 King St. E. Toronto, ON M5C 1C4 T: (416) 450-1969 E: nader@nhfoodinc.com Booth #1827

✪ NORTHERN DANCER SALES

1146 Glenridge Dr. Oakville, ON L6M 2K7 T: (416) 705-0807 F: (905) 825-2761 E: gingriselli@northerndancersales.com www.northerndancersales.com We pride our success on passion for the business, integrity, honour, and truth.

We align the consumers’ needs with the manufacturers we represent. Brands: Yummy Doh, Importations Papille, Galloni, Martelli Foods, Victory’s Kitchen, National Pasta, Wildly Delicious, Garofalo Pasta, Pellini Coffee, Harney & Son’s Fine Tea, Original Foods, and Queen Margherita Pizza Booth #504+507

✪ NOVO FARMS LTD.

Unit 12, Lot 5 & 6 Point Lisas Business Park Railway Rd., Brechin Castle Couva Couva, Caroni 00000 Trinidad and Tobago T: (868) 636-4545 E: support@novo.co.tt www.lifenovo.co Novo Farms is the Caribbean’s most modern, data driven Agricultural processor that manufactures authentic culinary food products which are healthy, convenient, and affordable. Booth #413

N'TAKE CUSTOM BAGS & PRODUCTS

BY SYRACUSE ENVIRO GROUP

2345 Stanfield Road, Suite 100 Mississauga, ON, L4Y 3Y3 T: 905-272-2247 E: s.mitchell@ntake.com www.ntake.com N’Take is Canada’s leading supplier of cost-efficient reusable Enviro bags and products. Contact our team to design a new Enviro bag program for your company.

Booth# 1205

NOVOLEX

26 Victoria Cres.

Brampton, ON L6T 1E5 T: (519) 260-4476 E: pp-inquiries@novolex.com www.novolex.com Novolex develops and manufactures diverse packaging products for the grocery, foodservice, delivery and carryout, food processor and industrial markets.

Booth #644

206 Courtland St. Blue Mountain, ON L9Y 4E4 T: (416) 357-7357 E: ahyodo@nummycreations.com www.nummycreations.com Nummy Creations is a caffeine-free coffee alternative that actually tastes like coffee!

It comes in 4 delicious flavours: Original, Vanilla, Caramel, and Pumpkin Spice.

Booth #419

NUTRALAB CANADA CORP.

980 Tapscott Rd. Toronto, ON M1X 1C3 T: (905) 752-1823 E: info@nutralabcorp.com www.nutralabcorp.com NutraLab Canada Corp. is your one-stop shop for all your private label vitamin and natural health supplement manufacturing needs. Booth #1809

OLD DUTCH FOODS LTD.

100 Bentall St. Winnipeg, MB R2X 2Y5 T: (800) 351-2447 E: consumercare@olddutchfoods.com www.olddutchfoods.ca Old Dutch Foods is a national snack food company, manufacturing and distributing a full assortment of your favourite Old Dutch and Humpty Dumpty snacks.

Booth #1408

ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

25 Enterprise Dr. London, ON N6N 1A3 T: (905) 301-0137 E: john@ontariobeef.com www.ontbeef.ca Promote Local Flavour with an Ontario Beef program and show your support for farmers and Ontario’s economy. Ask how we can help! Booth #829

ONTARIO IMPEX OF CANADA INC. 190 Statesman Dr. Mississauga, ON L5S 1X7 T: (905) 502-7277 E: ajay.dewan@oicfoods.com Booth #1824

ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING CORPORATION

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

1 Stone Road West Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2 T: (877) 424-1300 E: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca www.ontario.ca/page/ministryagriculture-food-and-rural-affairs Ontario is home to over 4600 food and beverage producers exporting food products to consumers globally. Let us connect you to Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Booth #1735

OUT OF THE BOX PACKAGING

581 Trethewey Dr North York, Ontario, M6M 4B8 T: (647) 546-0244 E: info@ootbinc.com www.ootbinc.com BeRaw - Superfood Bites and Overnight Oats Milk - Dairy Free Milk Nana Spice - Unique Spice Blends CoPack/Repack Experts. Booth #1908

PAN-OSTON LTD.

660 Neal Dr. Peterborough, ON K9J 6X7 T: (705) 748-4811 E: info@panoston.ca www.panoston.ca Pan-Oston is a manufacturer of checkouts and other various fixtures. Convertible Checkouts, Self Scan Cabinets, Produce & Bakery Tables, Refrigerated cases & shelving. Booth #1303

PAZO GLOBAL

35 Keys Crescent Guelph, ON N1G 5J7 T: (905) 460-4534 E: gary.taylor@pazoglobal.com www.pazoglobal.com Pazo Global was founded on a single principle, to help companies and brands (Red Baron and Bibigo) grow beyond their core markets and segments.

Booth #736

✪ PEAK PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

70 Foster Drive, Suite 800 Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6V2 T: (905) 317-0501 E: jmurdock@olg.ca www.olg.ca To generate revenue for the Province; invest in our communities to create a positive impact; and to uphold the highest standards of responsible gambling in

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

everything we do, while acting in the best interests of Ontario.

Booth #1542

6956 Columbus Rd. Mississauga, ON L5T 2G1 T: (416) 674-7325 E: info@pppinc.ca www.pppinc.ca Peak is a national distributor that brings innovative and in demand brands to Canadian Grocers. Categories include Natural Health and Wellness, Better for you Grocery and Snacks, Supplements, High Protein, Low Sugar and much more.

Booth #702+703

#GICShow23

33

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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PINE RIVER FOOD PRODUCTS INC

PECO PALLET

7521 Tranmere Drive Mississauga, ON L5S 1L4 T: (877) 227-7326 E: sales@pecopallet.com www.pecopallet.com PECO Pallet offers sturdy red wooden pallets for rental pooling across North America, providing efficiency, safety, and cost savings to major manufacturers.

Booth #636

22 Melanie Dr Unit 6 & 7 Brampton, ON L6T 4K8 T: (647) 515-9634 E: tauqir.hasan@pineriverfood.com www.pineriverfood.com Experience the legacy of our brand: offering premium Paneer, fresh Cheese curds, aged Cheddar, smooth Mozzarella, and authentic Cottage Cheese.

Booth #1931

PELEE ISLAND WINERY

POP DADDY SNACKS

455 Seacliff Dr. Kingsville, ON N9Y 2K5 T: (519) 733-6551 E: jessica@peleeisland.com www.peleeisland.com Pelee Island, Canada's premier grapegrowing region, nurtures our 700+ acre farm with a 150-year winemaking legacy.

Explore our exceptional, sustainable wines crafted for cherished customers, delivering beyond expectations.

Booth #1727

✪ PELMEN FOODS

777 The Queensway, Unit E Toronto, ON M8Z 1N4 T: (416) 451-8254 E: tony@pelmen.com www.pelmen.com Premium Frozen Perogy Manufacturer.

Booth #1628

PERMUL LTD.

610 21st Ave. E. Vancouver, BC VSV 1R7 T: (877) 441-5045 E: info@petparker.ca www.petparker.ca PetParker helps retailers transform the pet-owner customer experience. Our innovative solution enhances safety for all while boosting loyalty and sales. Join the PetParker family today. Booth #421

34

✪ POPPA CORN CORPORATION

REAL SWEETS BAKERY CORP.

5135 Creekbank Rd., Unit A Mississauga, ON L4W 1R3 T: (416) 678-3570 E: gregh@poppacorncorp.com www.poppacorn.ca Poppa Corn is Canada’s Fun Food Company–Celebrating 53 Years! Producers of Authentic Cinema Experience Popcorn, Gourmet Popcorn and Cotton Candy with Nationwide Presence. Booth #1803

PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.

3397 American Dr., Unit 5 Mississauga, ON L4V 1T8 T: (416) 999-6388 E: janet@permul.com www.permul.com High Speed Cooking, Hot Holding, refrigeration. Booth #846

✪ PETPARKER

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: mark.sarafa@popdaddysnacks.com www.popdaddysnacks.com Gourmet flavour without the guilt. 100% All natural ingredients and Kosher certified.

A healthy alternative to chips. Non-GMO. Resealable bags. Booth #1708

426 Nugget Ave. Scarborough, ON M1S 4A4 T: (647) 774-9384 E: ciao@eatporta.com www.eatporta.com PORTA is an authentic Italian manufacturer of ready-to-cook frozen meals. We will be sampling our frozen pizzas made with highquality ingredients & timeless techniques.

Booth #1641

2095 Matheson Blvd. E. Mississauga, ON L4W 0G2 T: (647) 321-4890 E: jason.ricketts@pepsico.com www.pepsico.ca PepsiCo Canada is the country’s largest food and beverage company with brands including Pepsi, Gatorade, Aquafina, Lay’s, Doritos, Tostitos, and Quaker. Booth #909

QUEEN MILLING INC.

701 Richmond St. Chatham, ON N7M 5J5 T: (519) 355-0557 E: graceg@queenmilling.ca www.queenmilling.ca Queen Milling Inc. is a dedicated gluten-free/allergen-free milling facility specializing in premium gluten-free flours packaged in 100% recyclable, compostable, sustainable paper packaging.

Booth #1842

PORTA

PEPSICO CANADA

ptifoods since 1975. Our in-house brands, PTI, Shakti, and Sohna, as well as our partner brands, Tata, Parle, Bikano, and many more, are committed to delivering genuine South Asian taste to North America. At PTI, we have a sharp focus on our values, brand loyalty, and strong relationships with our partners and clients.

Booth #946

4711 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6K8 T: (416) 730-4714 E: nazarec.tl@pg.com www.pg.com P&G has been doing business in Canada for more than 100 years. We are strongly committed to providing branded products and services of superior quality.

Booth #625

PTIFOODS

6885 Davand Dr. Mississauga, ON L5T 1J5 T: (905) 461-1585 E: rsharma@ptifoods.com www.ptifoods.com Millions of customers have trusted

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

244 South Service Rd. Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2N9 T: (289) 389-1454 E: azra@realsweetsbakery.com www.realsweetsbakery.ca We manufacture wide selection of natural products: pies, quiches, cheesecakes, and more. Booth #1926

REVERSE LOGISTICS GROUP

175 Bloor St. E. 9th Floor South Tower Toronto, ON M4W 3R8 T: (647) 501-8530 E: marissa.otto@rev-log.com www.rev-log.com RLG is a tech-enabled and asset-light organization with a highly scalable platform connecting all stakeholders within the reverse logistics value chain.

Booth #640

✪ RIVERCITY INNOVATIONS LTD.

201 -116 Research Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3 T: (306) 986-8888 E: jeff@rivercityinnovations.ca www.rivercityinnovations.ca Discover automated wireless cold chain temperature monitoring using loT, for reducing food loss and digitizing compliance data while making staff more efficient. Booth #934

RIZ BRANDS INC

Ochard Park, 5420 Hwy 6 North, Suite 355 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 T: (519) 835-8858 E: info@rizbrands.com www.rizbrands.com Riz Brands produces certified halal premium, convenience food products and snack options in CFIA licensed facilities.

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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Our ingredients are natural, without artificial flavours or preservatives.

Booth #1637

✪ SAPSUCKER

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PIES

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: mgrandinetti@rockymountainpies.com www.rockymountainpies.com From our flaky crusts, to hand-woven lattice pastry tops, to meringue and whipped cream pies, our quality sets us apart as a premier pie manufacturer.

Booth #1709

ROOT SMARTS

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: alejandro.falck@rootvf.com www.biondogroup.com/project/root-valley A family-owned farm located in the heart of Honduras–Root Smarts tuber chips. Farmto-Bag in 24 Hours. Fresh taste and nutrient-rich benefits.

Booth #1708

ROTOBALE COMPACTION SOLUTIONS INC.

7232 Arthur Rd. #5 W. Kenilworth, ON N0G 2E0 T: (519) 323-3673 F: (519) 323-3816 E: info@rotobalecompaction.ca www.rotobalecompaction.com Rotobale’s a Canadian manufacturer of compactors and balers with over 50 years experience. We design custom recycling equipment solutions for grocery retailers installing across Canada.

Booth #1338

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA

6880 Financial Dr. Mississauga, ON L5N 7Y5 T: (647) 921-6907 E: Nilesh.gandhi@rbc.com www.commercial.rbcroyalbank.com Commercial Advisory services, including lending, Cash Management, Leasing, Deposit, Foreign Exchange, and trade solutions, plus an array of beyond banking solutions.

Booth #612

✪ RTS RETAIL

1027 Industrial Place St. Clements, ON N0M 2M0 T: (800) 663-2803 E: info@rtscopmaniesinc.com www.rtsretail.com manufacturer of kiddie shopping carts since 2003 with an expanding product line including cart corrals, plastic dunnage racks, pallets and more.

Booth #1214

SCHOLTENS CANDY INC.

PO Box 266 Adelaide PO Toronto, ON M5C 2J4 T: (647) 501-8769 E: alex@sapsucker.ca www.sipsapsucker.com Sapsucker is sparkling water, naturally sweetened with organic maple sap. The subtle bubble and slight sweetness make it delicious, easy to drink and irresistibly refreshing. Booth #1838

279 Sumach Dr. Burlington, ON L7T 0B5 T: (905) 631-2999 E: info@scholtensinc.com www.scholtensinc.com We specialize in the importing, packaging and distribution of Candies, Nuts, and Trail Mixes! National DSD coverage & your Private Label EXPERTS! Booth #534

SALUMERIA IL TAGLIERE

16880 Centerville Creek Rd. Caledon East, ON L7C 3B5 T: (905) 584-7458 E: info@iltagliere.ca www.iltagliere.ca Il Tagliere is an artisan salumi producer in Caledon, Ontario. We specialize in traditional Italian style cured pork products with a focus on quality. Booth #1638

151 John Roberts Rd. South Portland, Maine 04106 USA T: (207) 772-6833 E: rsp@rsvp.com www.rsvp.com Sellers Publishing publishes RSVP®, Wicked Funny® and High Note® greeting cards, 200+ calendars, gift & trade books, and High Note® Premium Planners & Stationery. Booth #614

SAPUTO DAIRY PRODUCTS CANADA GP

✪ SHAN FOODS

101 Royal Group Cres.

Vaughan, ON L4H 1X9 T: (905) 266-8800 E: public.saputo@saputo.com www.saputo.ca Manufacturer/distributor of a vast range of fluid/cultured dairy products including specialty cheese. Some of our brands include Neilson, Milk2Go, Armstrong, Alexis de Portneuf and plant based Vitalite!

Booth #1419

SASKATCHEWAN TRADE & EXPORT PARTNERSHIP

#400-402 21st St. E. Saskatoon, SK S7K 0C3 T: (306) 270-1920 E: kjanhunen@sasktrade.sk.ca www.sasktrade.com STEP is the trade promotion agency for the province of Saskatchewan. Our products include healthy pulse-based snacks, beverages and specialty foods.

Booth #1127

SCHINKEL’S LEGACY

19 McGregor Place Chatham, ON N7M 5J4 T: (519) 351-0818 E: thomas@schinkels.ca www.schinkels.ca Schinkel’s Legacy is a family owned and operated business that was established in 1993, with roots back to 1963. We produce high quality meats for every meal.

Booth #1646

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

#GICShow23

✪ SELLERS PUBLISHING

11421 Allison Crt., Unit #3 Huntley, IL 60142 USA T: (647) 471-0702 E: sidra.sheikh@shanfoods.com www.shanfoods.com Shan Made with Love is a range of Authentic and Halal Frozen Meals made from real ingredients, all-natural protein, no artificial colours or flavours. Booth #1912

SHARMAN’S PROPER, INC.

1750 Plummer Street, Unit #20 Pickering, ON L1W 3L7 T: (416) 938-6871 E: toni@sharmansproper.ca www.sharmansproper.ca Featuring samples of our savoury pets.

Booth #1939

✪ SHELF EDGE SOLUTIONS

2425 Matheson Blvd. East, 8th Floor Mississauga, ON L4W 5K4 T: (416) 419-3296 E: sales@shelfedgesolutions.com www.shelfedgesolutions.com Shelf edge Solutions is a full-service provider of electronic shelf label technology.

Booth #524

SIR SOLUTIONS

3565 Rue Jarry Est. Montreal, QC H1Z 4K6 T: (514) 593-4760 E: mcournoyer@sirsolutions.com www.sirsolutions.com SIR Solutions is a Canadian leader in pointof-sale software and integrated innovations (self-checkout, electronic shelf label) for more than 25 years. Booth #1524

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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✪ SOLINK

#105 – 3738 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 5G7 T: (604) 434-0882 E: marketing@ppinc.ca www.smartlabelsolutions.com Smart Label Solutions helps businesses large and small improve operations, management, and the consumer experience through e-paper technology like Electronic Shelf Labels.

Booth #1310

390 March Rd., Suite 110 Kanata, ON K2K 0G7 T: (613) 282-5488 E: jbarbosa@solinkcorp.com www.solink.com Centralize video, transactions, and other in-store data from all of your locations on a single application. Booth #436

SOLMAZ FOODS

SMUCKER FOODS OF CANADA CORP.

80 Whitehall Dr. Markham, ON L3R 0P3 T: (905) 940-9600 E: john.kotsopoulos@jmsmucker.com www.jmsmucker.com Coffee, flour, peanut butter, fruit spreads, pre-made frozen sandwiches, canned milk, dog treats, dog food, cat food, cat treats, and condiments. Booth #1019

✪ SOBER CARPENTER

& CLEVER MOCKTAILS

9200 Rue Meilleur, Suite 303 Montreal, QC H2N 2A5 T: (514) 381-1863 E: hey@sobercarpenter.com www.sobercarpenter.com Sober Carpenter Canadian Non-alcoholic Craft Beer. Clever Mocktails non-alcoholic ready-to-drink cocktails made from botanical extracts, carefully infused.

Booth #1645

SOBEYS WHOLESALE

1020 64 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2E 7V8 T: (403) 730-3999 E: westcustomerservice@sobeys.com www.sobeyswholesale.com Sobeys Wholesale is a progressive Canadian food distribution group committed to offering our customers quality products and services in a mutually beneficial partnership. Booth #1209

SOFTCRUSH

3515 15th St. SW Calgary, AB T2T 4A4 T: (778) 892-0285 E: monica@softcrush.ca www.softcrush.ca Canada’s premier non-alcoholic beer wine and spirits distributor. Ideal alternatives for the sober curious. Our product portfolio provides refined options that don’t compromise on flavour. Booth #428

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16 Jutland Rd, Etobicoke, ON, M8Z 2G9 T: (416) 252-1300 E: info@solmazfoods.ca www.solmazfoods.ca Proudly Serving you since 2007, come by our store today and get the most delicious meat products for your next meal.

Booth #903

SOUTHERN UNITED STATES TRADE ASSOCIATION (SUSTA)

701 Poydras St., Suite 3845 New Orleans, Louisiana 70139 USA T: (504) 568-5986 E: lpixley@argylepr.com www.susta.org SUSTA help small companies in the Southern United States promote valueadded U.S. food and agricultural products to foreign markets. Booth #803

SOUTHERN RECIPE SMALL BATCH

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: mforbes@rudolphfoods.com www.southernrecipiesmallbatch.ca Small batch, carefully crafted and expertly seasoned pork rinds. Low carb and gluten free. Be Big, Be Bold, Be Adventurous.

Booth #1702

SPRING CREEK QUAIL FARMS

3625 Sixteen Rd. Saint Anns, ON L0R 1Y0 T: (905) 562-7277 E: stephan@springcreekquail.ca www.springcreekquail.ca Quail eggs, the new superfood. They’re naturally rich in a range of nutrients. High in protein, low in cholesterol , and rich in vitamins and minerals. Booth #1743

✪ SPRUCEWOOD

HANDMADE COOKIE CO.

628 Ontario St. Cobourg, ON K9A 3C4 T: (905) 372-0707 E: info@sprucewoodbrands.com www.sprucewoodbakery.com Artisan shortbread cookies in savoury and sweet SKU’s PL opportunities. 13-month shelf life, SQF, Kosher, Halal, diabeticfriendly flavours, nut free. Booth #1633

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

ST-ALBERT CHEESE CO-OP INC.

150 St-Paul, CP/PO Box 30 St-Albert, ON K0A 3C0 T: (613) 987-2872 E: info@fromagestalbert.com www.fromagestalbert.com Established in 1894, our dairy co-op manufactures cheese in our state-of-theart facility. Making fresh cheese curds daily and various cheese blocks. Booth #1841

STAR WHOLESALE LTD.

1430 – 246 Stewart Green S.W. Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 T: (403) 283-1443 E: bmarlow@starwholesaledsd.ca www.starwholesaledsd.com Star Wholesale Ltd. is a Full-service DSD Distribution Company Specializing in “Better-for-you” snack, beverage and grocery products. Booth #745

STE. ANNE’S BAKERY

252 Academy Hill Rd. Grafton, ON K0K 2G0 T: (905) 349-3704 E: bakery@steannes.com www.steannes.com/ste-annes-bakery Ste. Anne’s Bakery is a Canadian leader in gourmet Gluten-Free baked goods and meals. It’s so good, you won’t even know it’s Gluten-Free! Booth #1626

STICKLING’S SPECIALTY BAKERY LTD. 637 The Queensway, Unit 11 Peterborough, ON K9J 7J6 T: (705) 741-0777 E: michael@sticklingsbakery.com www.sticklingsbakery.com Booth #1928

STM DISPLAY SALES INC.

2230 Meadowpine Boulevard Mississauga, ON, L5N 6H6 T: (905) 814-5252 E: info@stmdisplays.com www.stmdisplays.com STM Display Sales is your source for Store Fixture & POP Display needs. Everything from steel shelving and gondola systems to Slatwall, Snap Frames, Hooks and Custom Acrylics. Booth # 1024

SUN RICH FOODS CANADA INC.

35 Bamtree Court Brampton, ON L9W 6G2 T: (905) 789-0200 E: ashleyv@sun-rich.com www.sun-rich.com At Sun Rich, we are proud to be a leading supplier in Canada of healthy, ready to eat products. Booth #1037

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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TEMPO FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

SUNSHINE PICKLES

TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS

30043 Jane Rd. Thamesville, ON N0P 2K0 T: (519) 692-4416 E: info@picklesplease.ca www.picklesplease.ca Sunshine Pickles grows and processes a variety of vegetables in Ontario. We offer conventional and certified organic pickles.

Branded and co-packing available.

Booth # 1740

2237 Industrial Park Road Innisfil, ON L9S 3V9 T: (705) 436-4442 E: contactus@tempoflexiblepackaging.com www.tempoflexiblepackaging.com Tempo Flexible Packaging is an innovative Canadian flexible packaging manufacturer that focuses on producing sustainablyminded packaging solutions for customers across North America. Booth #529

SUPER ASIA FOODS & SPICES

✪ TFB & ASSOCIATES

8905 Hwy 50 Vaughan, ON L4H 5A1 T: (437) 240-1601 E: hello@superasia.ca www.superasia.ca House of Super Asia Foods presents Sherbon- a brand of exotic juices including Chaunsa and Falsa berry from Pakistan.

Booth #442

3100 Steeles Ave. E., Suite 205 Markham, ON L3R 8T3 T: (705) 796-6047 E: maria.cernak@tfb.ca www.tfb.ca As importers and distributors of fine food, beverage, and confection products, we will display an assortment of our tasty treats from around the globe. Booth #1309

6185 McLaughlin Rd Mississauga, ON L5R 3W7 T: (905) 507-6161 E: info@treeoflife.com www.treeoflife.ca We are curators of unique brands, bringing elevated food and beverage experiences to Canadians.

Booth #1108+1108A, 1240

SWEETNESS SUGAR COOKIES

✪ THE BBQ CHEF INC.

TRIO BAKERY

11486 Winterburn Rd. NW Edmonton, AB T5S 2Y3 T: (780) 800-9522 E: hello@bysweetness.com www.colouringcookies.com We aim to provide a source of happiness, fun and positivity in people’s lives through the power of small indulgences. Booth #604

✪ SWIRLY’S CONFECTIONERY

AND SNACKS

1620 Charles St. Whitby, ON L1N 1B9 T: (289) 200-8112 E: info@bbqsmokebox.com www.bbqsmokebox.com Unique products of barbecuing. From wine infused grilling planks, Canadian cedar planks, all natural dry rubs, disposable smoke boxes and wood chips. Made in Ontario! Booth #1929

2233 Argentia Rd. Mississauga, ON L5N 6A6 T: (416) 520-7276 E: irwin@indigoworldwide.com www.swirlysworld.com Swirly’s Confectionery and Snacks is a premium vegetarian consumer product line, catering to all demographics. Visit us at Booth 945 to sample the Goodness!

Booth #945

THE FATHERS TABLE

TASTEFULLY YOURS BAKERS/ ARTHUR’S SMOOTHIES

✪ THE HEALTEA

6346 Viscount Rd. Mississauga, ON L4V 1H3 T: (416) 560-5993 E: Karolina.bell@oliviaspops.com www.olivias.com Booth #1938

✪ TEA SQUARED INC.

6 Curity Avenue Toronto, ON M4B 1X2 T: (647) 499-8222 E: info@teasquared.ca www.teasquared.ca Premium loose leaf teas, pyramid tea bags and chai lattes. Innovation that stands out. Local, artisanal, sustainable, ethical, non gmo, organic, natural.Private label services. Booth #425

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: cheryl.lawton@thefatherstable.com www.thefatherstable.com A national dessert manufacturer. From delicious creamy cheesecakes to homestyle cake rolls. Our desserts are all baked from scratch. Booth #1709 1926 Rue Ste Helene#101 Longueuil Montreal, QC J4K 3T3 T: (428) 356-6020 E: ariana@thehealtea.com www.thehealtea.com Our organic beverages are made from herbs, lemon juice, maple syrup and pure water, ensuring a truly unadulterated experience. Guided by our passion for well-being! Booth #1730

THORNBURY BAKERY INC.

12 Bruce St. S. Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0 T: (226) 665-0146 E: doug@thornburybakery.com www.thornburybakery.com Booth #1839

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

3901 S Miami Blvd., R1A13 Durham, NC 27703 USA T: (984) 444-3050 E: sarah.jensen.@toshibagcs.com www.commerce.toshiba.com Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions is a global market share leader in retail store technology and retail’s first choice for unified commerce solutions. Booth #603

TREE OF LIFE CANADA

3750A Laird Rd., Unit 2-5 Mississauga, ON L5L 0A2 T: (416) 782-0306 E: info@tribakery.ca www.triobakery.ca Booth #1935

TRG CANADA

815 Middlefield Rd. Scarborough, ON, M1V 2P9 T: (440) 471-8098 E: marketing@trgsolutions.com www.trgsolutions.ca TRG solves complex operational challenges by pairing your organization with bold endpoint solutions designed to streamline your operational efficiency.

Booth #1605

TRUE NORTH NUTRITION

88 East Beaver Creek Building A, Unit #1 Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4A8 T: (403) 909-2652 E: davidadricci@gmail.com www.truenorthnutrition.com For 25+ years, True North Nutrition has provided Canadian Retailers with Industry Leading Performance Nutrition Products: Featuring Mammoth Supplements and Bars, Mars Protein, SINFIT Syrup and Protein Chips. Booth #637

TRUST COOLING

105 Brisbane Rd., Unit 2 North York, ON M3J 2K6 T: (416) 451-0701 E: ali@trustcooling.ca www.trustcooling.ca The BEST commercial cooling systems that you can trust! Island freezer & cooler.

Bakery Patisserie – Plug in. Walk in cooler & freezer. Ice cream case. Booth #512

#GICShow23

37

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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TURNSTILE SECURITY

✪ UPTASTE

40 Erinpark Dr. Erin, ON N0B 1T0 T: (888) 371-222 E: sales@turnstilesecurity.com www.turnstilesecurity.com Turnstile Security Systems“The Secure Choice” Booth #1137

4355 Av. Beaudry Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8W2 T: (514) 775-3230 E: info@uptaste.ca www.uptaste.ca Uptaste offers automated in-store sampling during all opening hours without any additional labour. When working with us, we provide simplicity and consistency.

Booth #402

TUTTO GOURMET FOODS INC

175 SUN PAC BLVD UNIT 4 BRAMPTON, Ontario, L6S 5Z6 T: (905) 846-8886 E: info@tuttogourmet.com www.tuttogourmet.com Importers and distributors of top Italian food brands as well as local cheese manufacturers. Booth # 1509

UPFIELD CANADA INC.

UNILEVER

160 Bloor St. E., Ste 1400 Toronto, ON M4W 3R2 T: (416) 415-3000 E: canada.communicatioins@unilver.com www.unilever.ca Unilever Canada is excited to showcase its top innovations and wide product range in Beauty & Personal care, Household, Food, Vitamins/Supplements segment and more.

Booth #711

USA PEARS

UNITED SERVICES GROUP

4382 SE International Way Suite A Milwaukie, Oregon 97222 USA T: (403) 796-2407 E: pdent@usapears.com www.usapears.org Pear Bureau Northwest promotes Oregon and Washington fresh pears on behalf of the over 600 grower families.

Booth #1439

UNIQUE FOODS (CANADA) INC.

21-6809 Kirkpatrick Crescent Saanichton, BC V8M 1Z8 T: (250) 893-9962 E: info@vanillablossom.com www.vanillablossom.com Vanillablossom flavors is a Canadian small business on Vancouver Island, offering premium vanilla products and spices at accessible prices.

Booth #608

46 Hedgedale Rd. Brampton, ON L6T 5L2 T: (877) 289-4299 E: info@unitedservicesgroup.ca www.unitedservicesgroup.ca United Services Group provides industry leading janitorial and property maintenance services to markets including grocery, food service, warehouses, and office space.

Booth #420 4480 Cote-de-Liesse, Suite #210 Montreal, QC H4N 2R1 T: (514) 343-4973 E: info@uniquefoodscanada.ca www.alimentsunique.com We have had the pleasure of representing many amazing brands over the years while creating and cultivating incredible partnerships. Booth #1818

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPHCO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION

50 Stone Road East Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 T: (519) 546-4976 E: recruit@uoguelp.ca www.uoguelph.ca/coop Hire talent from the University of Guelph!

Post with us to access our more than 60 co-op programs, new grads and alumni: recruitguelph.ca. Booth #1327

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480 University Ave, Suite 803, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V2 T: (778) 549- 3346 E: kristen.powell@upfield.com www.upfield.com Upfield is a global leader in plant-based foods, at the forefront of driving positive change for both people, and the planet through their established power brands and investment in cutting-edge food research.

Their iconic brands include Becel, Violife, Country Crock and many more! Booth #1811

VANILLABLOSSOM FLAVORS INC.

VAN HOLTEN’S

1285 W. Broadway #600 Vancouver, BC V6H 3X8 T: (866) 779-9850 E: ericg@vanholtenpickles.com www.vanholtenpickles.com Van Holten’s Pickle in a Pouch. Low calorie, fat free, gluten free, low carb. From Dill to Tapatio to Warheads flavours–DILL-icious!

Booth #1709

VILLA RAVIOLI

11 765 4 avenue R-D-P Montreal Montreal, QC H1E 3C2 T: (514) 648-4552 E: info@villaravioli.com www.villaravioli.com

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Number #1 manufacturer of frozen pasta.

Come to see us for your frozen pasta selection: retail/food service/HMR & Deli.

Booth #1412

VM FOOD GROUP

60 Courtland Ave. Concord, ON L4K 5B3 T: (647) 526-5106 E: customerservice@vmfoodgroup.com www.vmfoodgroup.com Hot Cereals: Oatmeal (Instant, Quick, Regular, and Overnight), Grits, and Creamy Wheat (Instant) Booth #1930

✪ VISION FOOD INNOVATIONS INC.

114 Armstrong Ave. Georgetown, ON L7G 4S2 T: (519) 731-7612 E: warjan@visionbakeries.com www.naturesflairfoods.com Offering Plant Based muffins and cupcakes. Our products are packed with superfoods like oats, fava beans & turmeric, a perfect healthy snackable.

Booth #1738

VITO OIL SYSTEMS

Box 82045, 420 Hwy #7 East Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3K2 T: (416) 388-0707 E: sales@vitooil.com www.vitooil.com VITO is a global leader in portable Deep Fryer Filtration Equipment and related accessories. VITO products are made in Germany. Booth #634

WAJAX

2250 Argentia Rd. Mississauga, ON L5N 6A5 T: (877) 469-2529 E: info@wajax.com www.wajax.com Wajax is one of Canada’s leading distributors in sales, rentals, and aftersales parts of equipment, power systems, and industrial parts. Come visit Wajax!

Booth #1339

WALKER & SONS, LLC. (SLAP YA MAMA) 1679 West Main Street Ville Platte, Louisiana 70586 USA T: (504) 914-8369 E: lenny@walkerandsons.com www.slapyamama.com At Slap Ya Mama, we believe everyone is capable of making a delicious meal-just the way mama used to make. Booth #803

WANZL NORTH AMERICA

700 Technibilt Dr. Newton, North Carolina 28658 USA T: (800) 351-2278 E: Custserv.US.NEW@wanzl.com www.wanzl.com/na

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

Wanzl is North America’s leading solution provider to retail, grocery, and c-store markets, from shopping carts, retail shelving, and access gates, to custom turn-key solutions. Booth #619

Williwaw Dog Cookies! Made locally, Williwaw Premium Dog Cookies meet your growing demands for healthy Canadian pet treats. Baking Premium, Natural Dog Cookies since 1992. Booth #1624

WESTERN GROCER MAGAZINE

WILL’S FOOD INC.

675 Berry Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 1A7 T: (204) 797-2009 E: rbradely@mercurypublications.ca www.westerngrocer.com One of Canada’s oldest trade publications serving as a voice for Western Canadian grocery stores since 1916! We cover the grocery industry news out west! Booth #536

WESTERN IMPACT SALES & MARKETING 309 3223 5 Ave. NE Calgary, AB T2A 6E9 T: (647) 224-9988 E: mikep@impactsales.ca www.impactsales.ca Calbee Harvest Snaps; Poppi Sodas; 1642 Tonics/Mixers. Booth #1513

WESTERN U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE ASSOCIATION (WUSATA)

4601 NE 77th Ave., Suite 240 Vancouver, Washington 98662 USA T: (416) 526-3800 E: kelly@predhomme.ca www.wusata.org Fuel the fire of success with WUSATA’s dynamic global expansion support for U.S. agricultural businesses! Embark on a sizzling hot sauce adventure, igniting taste buds.

Booth #1907

WG PRO-MANUFACTURING INC.

10 Auction Lane Toronto, ON L6T 5V8 Our customized contract re-packing solutions are there for you. From our dedicated nut free, cold/frozen areas to co-packing your ambient food products, we are there to provide customized services just for you. Let us know how we can help you today. Booth #422

✪ WILD PLANET

Gervais Dr., Unit 604 North York, ON M3C 3S2 T: (647) 889-6751 E: fmonetti@sofinafoods.com www.wildplanetfoods.com Discover Wild Planet: tasty, eco-friendly, nutritious. Packed with protein, no fillers.

Enjoy straight from the can or elevate your recipes. Sustainably sourced, deliciously convenient. Booth #541

✪ WILLIWAW DOG COOKIES

595 Oster Lane Concord, ON L4K 2B9 T: (905) 660-7213 E: information@williwawtreats.ca www.williwawtreats.ca

1140 4 Ave SW Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1T1 T: (438) 777-2087 E: info@willsfood.ca www.willsfood.ca “Flavour of China” authentic Chinese cooking sauces, such as: Fried-Noodle Sauces, Stir-Fry Sauces, Noodle / Pasta Sauces, and others. Made in China. Booth #944

a superior spread that tastes naturally delicious. Booth #803

✪ XLITE CORPORATION

730 Cochrane Dr., Unit #2 Markham, ON L3R 8E1 T: (416) 356-1042 E: vince@xlitecanadainc.ca www.xlitecorporation.ca Leading Canadian Supplier of Utility BBQ Lighters, Pocket Lighters, Matches, Butane and Accessories. Leading OEM Manufacturer catering to customer specific requirements. Booth #414

✪ YIT AN ALTA COMPANY

103 Manville Rd. Toronto, ON M1L 4H9 T: (437) 980-5906 E: suraiya@wholesomecravings.ca www.wholesomecravings.ca Booth #1937

340 Hanlan Rd. Woodbridge, ON L4L 3P6 T: (905) 851-6620 E: info@yitaltg.com www.yitaltg.com YIT an Alta Company is a leading solutions provider of materials handling, warehouse integration, and robotics. Booth #519

WONG WING

YING YING SOY FOOD

WHOLESOME CRAVINGS

1875 Bercy Street Montreal, QC H2K 2T9 T: (438) 342-9492 E: edesforges@mlwfoods.com www.wongwing.ca/en-ca/Pages/default.html Asian inspired frozen meals for everyone!

Booth #1143

✪ WORD-CRAFT

336 Abbotts Harbour Rd., PO Box 64 Middle West Pubnico, NS B0W 2M0 T: (902) 307-4062 E: ingrid@word-craft.ca www.word-craft.ca Marketing agency specializing in organic social media strategy, content creation and community management in English/French for CPG clients. Current clients: Nestlé, King Cole Tea, Fatso. Booth #437

WORKPLACE SAFETY & PREVENTION SERVICES (WSPS)

5110 Creekbank Rd., Suite 300 Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1 T: (905) 614-1400 E: customercare@wsps.ca www.wsps.ca WSPS is a not-for-profit health and safety organization, serving more than 174,000 member firms and 4.2 million workers across the agricultural, manufacturing & services sectors. Booth #515

WORLD OF CHIA

26310 Oak Ridge Ste 38 Woodlands, Woodlands 77380 USA T: (281) 846-9613 E: fernando@worldofchia.com www.worldofchia.com Our products use only the cleanest and most honest sugars available to create GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

14-2359 Royal Windsor Dr. Mississauga, ON L5J 4S9 T: (905) 847-5592 E: info@yingyingsoyfood.ca www.yingyingsoyfood.ca Ying Ying Soy Food is a family-owned and operated artisan tofu producer proudly serving Canadians with the cleanest and best tasting tofu since 2001. Booth #1844

YOSO

25 Goddard Cres Cambridge, ON N3E 0B1 T: (416) 617-8030 E: info@YOSO.ca www.yoso.ca Booth #1840

YO-YO COOKIES®

47 Camp Buchan Road Belfast, PEI C0A 1A0 T: (902) 316-0331 E: wade@yoyocookies.ca www.yoyocookies.ca We are a great cookie in world full of cake!

Traditional Irish shortbread sandwich cookies, all-butter buttercream, six delicious flavours. Your Happy Snaccident!

Booth #1346

✪ ZORAW CHOCOLATES

6-6685 Pacific Circle Mississauga, ON L5T 1V6 T: (416) 300-6694 E: sales@zorawchocolates.com www.zorawchocolates.ca The world’s first chocolates fortified with protein, fibre and no added sugar! Made in Canada using only natural ingredients.

Booth #1932

#GICShow23

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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EXHIBITOR BY CATEGORY ADVERTISING/MEDIA/ MARKETING/PROGRAMS Air Miles Aketronics Canada Beef Canadian Grocer Grocery Business Magazine USA Pears PetParker Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) Distribution Canada Inc. Uptaste word-craft AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Rivercity Innovations Ltd. JRTech Solutions Uptaste YIT an Alta Company BAGS Contipack Inc. Novolex BAKED GOODS: FRESH/ FROZEN/REFRIGERATED Bimbo Canada Care Bakery Casa Bonita Foods Inc. Chaeban Artisan Chef Brandz Inc. Choose Life Foods CJR Wholesale Grocers Costco Business Centre DecoPac Dr Shica’s (BTE Import-Export) Damascus Bakery Eat My Shortbread Hartybake LLC McCain Foods Northern Dancing Sales Novolex Real Sweets Bakery Corp.

Rocky Mountain Pies Sharman’s Proper, Inc. Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. Ste-Anne’s Bakery Sweetness Sugar Cookies The Father's Table Vision Food Innovations Inc. Yo-Yo Cookies® BAGS HeyJuteTM N’Take Custom Bags & Products by Syracuse Environ Group Tempo Flexible Packaging BARCODING EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS Howell Data Systems JRTech Solutions

40

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE Canadian Gift Concept Costco Business Centre CROSSMARK Canada Inc. Danial’s Distribution Inc. Dutchman’s Gold Kotra Unilever BEER/WINE/CIDER Clearsips Dark Horse Estate Winery GCF Alcohol-Free Wines Sober Carpenter & Clever Mocktails soft crush BEVERAGES Acosta Aiva WTR A.Lassonde Inc. Beverage World Inc. Clearsips Costco Business Centre Danone Dairy Fountain Equator Coffee Roasters GCF Alcohol-Free Wines In-Store Water Systems Martini Non Alcohol Murray Market National (Karma Water, Warheads Sour! Soda) Nestle Canada Inc. PepsiCo Canada Sapsucker Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Sober Carpenter & Clever Mocktails soft crush TFB & Associates The Healtea Tree of Life Canada Western Impact Sales & Marketing BUYING GROUP CANNABIS XLite Corporation CARDS RTS Retail Sellers Publishing CARTS Atlantic Stainless Fabricators Ltd. Wanzl North America CEREAL Costco Business Centre General Mills GoGo Quinoa VM Food Group CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT Howell Data Systems Pan-Oston Ltd. SIR Solutions Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

COFFEE & TEA Advantage Solutions Arvinda’s Indian Spice Blends Costco Business Centre Equator Coffee Roasters Kraft Heinz Lavazza Nestle Canada Inc. Nummy Creations Inc. Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

CONDIMENTS & RELISHES Calnort Costco Business Centre Delmar Foods Ginger Goat Hot Sauce Jack Daniel’s BBQ & Shaq Burgers/GWFG Mother Raw Northern Dancing Sales Sunshine Pickles Unilever Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) CONFECTIONARY Acosta Brittles ‘n More Ltd. Costco Business Centre Handy Candy Ltd. Herbaland ISKO Jimmy Zee’s Distributors Inc. Nestle Canada Inc. Poppa Corn Corporation Swirly’s Confectionery and Snacks ZoRaw Chocolates CONSULTING SERVICES BSI Group Chef Brandz HeyJuteTM Uptaste word-craft Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) DAIRY & EGGS Agropur Dairy Cooperative Burnbrae Farms Ltd. Chaeban Artisan Costco Business Centre Dairy Fountain Danone Demetres Lactalis L. H. Gray & Son/EggSolutions Pine River Food Products Inc Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP St-Albert Cheese Co-op DISPLAY CASES Adco Displetech Arneg Canada Costco Business Centre

#GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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Dauphinais GBS Foodservice Equipment Inc. LemonTree Produce Displays Pan-Oston Ltd. Permul Ltd. DISTRIBUTION/WHOLESALE A1 Cash and Carry Adco Displetech Aketroniks Beverage World Inc. Calnort Canadian Gift Concept Canda Six Fortune Enterprise Co., Ltd. Chaeban Artisan CJR Wholesale Grocers Clearsips Conglom Costco Business Centre Dancing Bee Equipment/The Bee Works DecoPac Eat My Shortbread Equator Coffee Roasters Green Farm Pistachio Inc. GSM Paper Straws (A Brand of Promax Wellness Inc.) HeyJuteTM ISKO Loblaw Affiliated Independents Group Mad Mexican Prepared Food Products Ltd Murray Market National (Karma Water, Warheads Sour! Soda) Northern Dancer Sales Sapsucker Sobeys Wholesale soft crush The BBQ Chef Inc. Villa Ravioli ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES HeyJuteTM United Services Group FINANCIAL SERVICES Air Miles Bank of Montreal Dana Industries FCC Federated Insurance Company of Canada FMS Solutions Ltd. LemonTree Produce Displays Royal Bank of Canada RTS Retail FIXTURES: STORE Adco Displetech Dana Industries King Retail Solutions Kost Klip Manufacturing Ltd. LemonTree Produce Displays RTS Retail FLOORING Mat Tech

FOOD PREPARATION EQUIPMENT Atlantic Stainless Fabricators Ltd. Bob Bakery World Ltd. Costco Business Centre GBS Food Service Equipment Inc. Hobart Canada Middleby Corporation Permul Ltd.

Pelmen Foods Pine River Food Products Inc Will’s Food Inc. FOODS: FROZEN Alsafa Foods Canada Ltd. Big 3 FROZEN Detroit Style Pizza Cavendish Farms Chens Enterprises Corporation Colour Innovations/ Raining Brand & Design Costco Business Centre Crafty Ramen CROSSMARK Canada Inc. Danone Demetres Jack Daniel’s BBQ & Shaq Burgers/GWFG Karmalis Kawartha Dairy Kraft Heinz La Presserie Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna McCain Foods Mrakovic Fine Foods Inc. Nestle Canada Inc. Northern Dancing Sales Pazo Global Pelmen Foods Pine River Food Products Inc Porta Real Sweets Bakery Corp.

Shan Foods Villa Ravioli Wong Wing

FOODS: BABY Costco Business Centre GoGo Quinoa Nestle Canada Inc. FOODS: CANNED California Ripe Olives Chens Enterprises Corporation Costco Business Centre Dole Foods of Canada Company Golden Food & Manufacture Ltd. Shan Foods Wild Planet FOODS: DELI Chaeban Artisan Costco Business Centre Giovanni Rana Great Canadian Meat Company Halenda’s Mrakovic Fine Foods Inc. Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP St-Albert Cheese Co-op FOODS: DRY Acosta Beer Nuts Inc. Canadian Women in Food Casa Bonita Foods Inc. Chens Enterprises Corporation Costco Business Centre Crave Stevia CJR Wholesale Grocers CONGLOM Drakkar International, Inc. GoGo Quinoa Golden Food & Manufacture Ltd. Italpasta Limited Korea Food Trading KOTRA Northern Dancing Sales Pop Daddy Snacks

FOODS: HEALTH Care Bakery Crave Stevia Costco Business Centre GCF Alcohol-Free Wines GoGo Quinoa Gorpworld.com Nestle Canada Inc. Northern Dancing Sales Novo Farms Ltd. Southern Recipe Small Batch True North Nutrition

FOODS: ETHNIC Arvinda’s Indian Spice Blends Canda Six Fortune Enterprise Co., Ltd. Chens Enterprises Corporation Choose Life Foods Costco Business Centre CROSSMARK Canada Inc. Dairy Fountain Damascus Bakery Global Reach Confections Karmalis Korea Food Trading Northern Dancing Sales Pazo Global

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

FOODS: KOSHER Bee Maid Honey Limited Crave Stevia Costco Business Centre GoGo Quinoa Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn Northern Dancing Sales Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. Van Holten's Vision Food Innovations Inc. FOODS: NATURAL ORGANIC California Ripe Olives Canadian Women in Food Care Bakery Choose Life Foods Cordoba Foods LLC

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

Scan to download show app!

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP » Costco Business Centre Crave Stevia Dutchman’s Gold Ginger Goat Hot Sauce GoGo Quinoa Gorpworld.com Green Farm Pistachio Inc. Mad Mexican Prepared Food Products Ltd Mother Raw Murray Market National (Karma Water, Warheads Sour! Soda) Northern Dancing Sales Novo Farms Ltd. PepsiCo Canada Queen Milling Inc. Riz Brands Inc Roots Snack Ste. Anne’s Bakery Sunshine Pickles TFB & Associates Tree of Life Canada True North Nutrition Williwaw Dog Cookies ZoRaw Chocolates FOODS: PREPARED Arbutus Farms Kitchen Big 3 FROZEN Detroit Style Pizza Costco Business Centre Ginger Goat Hot Sauce Jack Daniel’s BBQ & Shaq Burgers/GWFG Karmalis Mother Raw Northern Dancing Sales Real Sweets Bakery Corp.

Riz Brands Inc Salumeria Il Tagliere FOODS: SEAFOOD Bos Smoked Fish Inc. FOODS: SNACK Advantage Solutions A. Lassond Inc. Bad Monkey Popcorn Inc Beer Nuts Inc. Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. Bimbo Canada Brittles ‘n More Ltd. California Ripe Olives Costco Business Centre Covered Bridge Chips Demetres Direct Plus Food Group Dole Foods of Canada Company Dr Shica’s (BTE Import-Export) Eat My Shortbread Global Reach Confections Green Farm Pistachio Inc. Korea Food Trading KOTRA Krackcorn Pazo Global Peak Performance Products

42

Riz Brands Inc GoGo Quinoa Great Canadian Meat Company Handy Candy Ltd. Hartybake LLC Herbaland ISKO Jack Link’s Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn Mad Mexican Prepared Food Products Ltd. McCain Foods Northern Dancing Sales Old Dutch Foods Ltd. PepsiCo Canada Pop Daddy Snacks Poppa Corn Corporation Roots Snack Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Southern Recipe Small Batch Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. Sun Rich Foods Canada Inc. Sweetines Sugar Cookies Swirly’s Confectionery and Snacks USA Pears Van Holten's VM Food Group Yo-Yo Cookies® ZoRaw Chocolates FOODS: SPECIALTY Aiva WTR Beer Nuts Inc. Big 3 FROZEN Detroit Style Pizza Bob Bakery World Ltd. Bos Smoked Foods Inc. Brittles ‘n More Ltd. Canadian Women in Food Costco Business Centre Colour Innovations/ Raining Brand & Design Crave Stevia Dairy Fountain Damascus Bakery Demetres Direct Plus Food Group Dr Shica’s (BTE Import-Export) Fruit of the Land Global Reach Confections GoGo Quinoa Gorpword.com Jodys Gourmet Popcorn Krackcorn Mrakovid Fine Foods Inc. Northern Dancing Sales Novo Farms Ltd. Nummy Creations Inc. Pelmen Foods Pop Daddy Snacks Queen Milling Inc. Rocky Mountain Pies Roots Snack Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Southern Recipe Small Batch GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

Ste. Anne’s Bakery Sweetness Sugar Cookies TFB & Associates Van Holten's Walker & Sons, LLC. (Slap Ya Mama) Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) Will’s Food Inc. Ying Ying Soy Food FOODS: SPREAD Bee Maid Honey Limited Cordoba Foods LLC Costco Business Centre Delmar Foods Dutchman’s Gold Fruit of the Land Northern Dancing Sales Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

World of Chia FOOD SAFETY & SANITATION BSI Group Copeland Canada Corrigan Corporation Costco Business Centre Rivercity Innovations Ltd. FOOD SERVICE Agropur Dairy Cooperative Beverage World Inc. Cheaban Artisan Chef Brandz Inc. Costco Business Centre Cordoba Foods LLC Dairy Fountain GoGo Quinoa HARTYBAKE LLC Northern Dancing Sales Novolex Rocky Mountain Pies St-Albert Cheese Co-op Sun Rich Foods Canada Inc. Swirly’s Confectionery and Snacks The Fathers Table Tree of Life Canada Villa Ravioli Will’s Food Inc. FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT Arneg Canada Corrigan Corporation Costco Business Centre Dancing Bee Equipment/The Bee Works GBS Foodservice Equipment, Inc. Ishida Canada Inc. Middleby Corporation FOODS: BABY Costco Business Centre FRUITS/VEGETABLES USA Pears Costco Business Centre FURNISHINGS & DESIGN LemonTree Produce Displays #GICShow23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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GARDEN/FLORAL/SEASONAL Canadian Gift Concept XLite Corporation United Services Group

MEAT: BEEF Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. Costco Business Centre Harvest To Gather Ontario Beef Market Development Program Schinkels Legacy

HERBAL TEAS Costco Business Centre The Healtea Northern Dancing Sales

MEAT PROCESSING Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Schinkels Legacy MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES Globe POS Systems

LABELLING & PRICING EQUIPMENT Adco Displetech Aketroniks Danavation Technologies Corp Dancing Bee Equipment/The Bee Works DIGI CANADA Inc. Hobart Canada Ishida Canada Inc. JRTech Solutions Shelf Edge Solutions

MEAL SOLUTIONS Arbutus Farms Kitchen Giovanni Rana Kraft Heinz La Presserie Sobeys Wholesale

PHARMACEUTICALS: OTC Costco Business Centre Danial’s Distribution Inc.

MEAT: POULTRY Costco Business Centre Harvest To Gather

JUICES Acosta A. Lassond Inc. Dole Foods of Canada Company La Presserie Super Asia Foods & Spices

MATERIAL HANDLING & BACKROOM EQUIPMENT Atlantic Stainless Fabricators Ltd. Bob Bakery World Ltd. Rotobale Compaction Solutions Inc. Wajax YIT an Alta Company

PET FOOD & SUPPLIES Acosta PetParker Smucker Food of Canada Corp.

Williwaw Dog Cookies

MEAT: PORK Canada Beef Costco Business Centre Harvest To Gather Salumeria Il Tagliere Schinkels Legacy

IMPORT/EXPORT Bos Smoked Fish Inc. Calmort Canda Six Fortune Enterprise Co., Ltd. GSM Paper Straws (A Brand of Promax Wellness Inc.) HeyJuteTM

LINENS Costco Business Centre

PAPER PRODUCTS Costco Business Centre GSM Paper Straws (A Brand of Promax Wellness Inc.) Kruger Products Inc.

MEAT: OTHER Acosta Costco Business Centre Direct Plus Food Group Great Canadian Meat Company

HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Conglom Costco Business Centre Danial’s Distribution Inc. Incredible Group Nellie’s Clean Inc. Proctor & Gamble Inc. The BBQ Chef Inc.

LIGHTING Amerlux

N’Take Custom Bags & Products

by Syracuse Enviro Group Novolex PECO Pallet Tempo Flexible Packaging Uptaste

NATURAL PRODUCTS Bee Maid Honey Limited Care Bakery Crave Stevia Dairy Fountain GoGo Quinoa Ginger Goat Hot Sauce HeyJuteTM In-Store Water Systems Nellie’s Clean Inc. Northern Dancing Sales Nummy Creations Inc. NutraLab Canada Corp.

Peak Performance Products Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. The Healtea Williwaw Dog Cookies Ying Ying Soy food

PRIVATE LABEL Arbutus Farms Kitchen Casa Bonita Foods Inc. Costco Business Centre Dairy Fountain Fruit of the Land GoGo Quinoa Gold Food & Manufacture Ltd. Incredible Group ISKO N’Take Custom Bags & Products

by Syracuse Enviro Group Northern Dancing Sales NutraLab Canada Corp.

Sobeys Wholesale Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. Sunshine Pickles Sweetness Sugar Cookies The Fathers Table Ying Ying Soy Food Yo-Yo Cookies®

OTHER Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs PACKAGING CCC Pack Circulr Inc. Colour Innovations/ Raining Brand & Design Conglom Contipack Inc. Dancing Bee Equipment/The Bee Works DIGI CANADA Inc. HeyJuteTM

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

POS SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT DIGI CANADA Inc. Globe POS Systems Howell Data Systems Ishida Canada Inc. Pan-Oston Ltd. SIR Solutions Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions

RECYCLING/BALERS Rotobale Compaction Solutions Inc. REFRIGERATION Arneg Canada Copeland Canada Dauphinais GBS Foodservice Equipment, Inc. Giovanni Rana Hobart Canada Middleby Corporation Permul Ltd.

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

WORLDOF OFOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES AAWORLD CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

RESEARCH, TRAINING, & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT word-craft SUSTAINABLE BAGS PACKAGING Circulr Inc. Contipack Inc. Instore Products Solutions Novolex Queen Milling Inc. SECURITY SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT BFG Enterprise Services GardaWorld Security Systems Globe POS Systems PetParker Solink Turnstile Security Wanzl North America SIGNAGE & GRAPHICS Dana Industries Globe POS Systems King Retail Solutions Shelf Edge Solutions SPICES & FLAVOURINGS Arvinda’s Indian Spice Blends Costco Business Centre Shan Foods The BBQ Chef Inc. Vanillablossom Flavors Walker & Sons, LLC. (Slap Ya Mama) STATIONERY SUPPLIES Costco Business Centre Sellers Publishing STORE FURNISHINGS & DESIGN Dauphinais Mat Tech King Retail Solutions Wanzl North America SUSTAINABLE BAGS/PACKAGING CCC Pack N’Take Custom Bags & Products

by Syracuse Enviro Group HeyJuteTM Tempo Flexible Packaging TECH/IT Adco Displetech Agendrix BFG Enterprise Services Danavation Technologies Corp DecoPac Globe POS Systems Rivercity Innovations Ltd. Shelf Edge Solutions Solink Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Uptaste

44

TOBACCO/TOBACCORELATED PRODUCTS/VAPE Costco Business Centre XLite Corporation TOWELS Costco Business Centre TRADE ASSOCATION Canadian Produce Marketing Association Distribution Canada Inc. Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) TRAINING EDUCATION BSI Group Environmental and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) TRANSPORTATION PECO Pallet Wajax VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS Costco Business Centre Dutchman’s Gold Herbaland Nestle Canada Inc. Nutralab Canada Corp.

Peak Performance Products Unilever Warehousing Wajax WASTE MANAGEMENT Circulr Inc. Rotobale Compaction Solutions Inc. RTS Retail WATER Advantage Solutions Aiva WTR Corrigan Corporation Costco Business Centre Dyna-Pro Environmental In-Store Water Systems Nestle Canada Inc. Sapsucker WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY Golden Food & Manufacture Ltd.

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

#GICShow23

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT

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OCTOBER 24 & 25 2023 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW23 | DOWNLOAD SHOW APP »

EXHIBITORS BY BOOTH NUMBER GIC 2023 402.........Uptaste 403.........Golden Food & Manufacture Ltd. 404.........California Ripe Olives 406.........Bacardi Canada Inc. 407.........Canadian Women In Food 408........ Infin8 Brands Inc. 410..........Adco - Displetech 412..........Mokal Group Corp-AKL 413..........Novo Farms Ltd. 414..........X-Lite Corporation 416..........Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. 418..........Canadian Gift Concept Corp.

419..........Nummy Creations Inc. 420.........United Services Group 421..........PetParker Solutions Inc. 422.........WG Pro-Manufacturing Inc. 424.........Agendrix 425........ Tea Squared Inc. 426.........ISKO 427.........Halenda's 428.........softcrush 429.........Lue & Perez-Marketing & Distribution Ltd. 430.........Aketroniks 434........ Choose Life Foods 435.........Global Reach Confections & More 436.........Solink 437.........word-craft 438.........Green Farm Pistachio Inc. 439........ EFI Sales Ltd. 440........ Local Express Inc. 441..........Promax Wellness Inc. 442.........Super Asia Foods & Spices 445.........In-Store Water Systems Inc. 502.........Amino Snacks 503........ CCC Packaging 504+507....Northern Dancer Sales & Marketing Inc 505........ GardaWorld 512..........Trust Cooling 513......... Business Development Bank of Canada 514..........AG Marketing and Development 515..........Workplace Safety & Prevention Services 518..........Nellie's Clean Inc. 519..........YIT an Alta Company 524.........Shelf Edge Solutions 525.........Murray Market National 526..........DecoPac 528........ Clearsips Ltd. 529.........Tempo Flexible Packaging 528.........Clearsips Ltd. 530.........Bob Bakery World Ltd 535.........Circulr Inc. 534.........Scholtens Candy Inc. 536.........Western Grocer Magazine 537.........Contipak Inc.

538.........Bad Monkey Popcorn Inc. 539.........Lavazza 541..........Wild Planet 546........ Kis Holdings Inc. 548.........Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) 602.........Dyna-Pro Environmental 603.........Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions 604........ Sweetness Sugar Cookies Ltd. 606.........Calnort 607.........King Retail Solutions, Inc. 608.........Vanillablossom Flavors Inc 611...........Concord National LLP 612..........RBC Royal Bank of Canada 614..........Sellers Publishing 619..........Wanzl North America 624.........Marketing Impact Limited 625.........Procter & Gamble Inc. 626..........Agropur 628.........InStore Products Solutions 629......... GCF Alcohol-Free Wines 630.........Herbaland Naturals 631..........Casa Bonita Foods 634.........Vito Oil Systems 635.........Arbutus Farms Kitchen 636.........PECO Pallet Canada, Inc. 637..........True North Nutrition 639.........A1 Cash and Carry 640.........Reverse Logistics Group 641..........Big Venture Sales Ltd. 644.........Novolex 646.........Igloo Food Equipment ICE MACHINE 647.........Healthy Crunch 702+703...Peak Performance Products Inc. 711...........Unilever Canada 719..........General Mills Canada Corp.

725.........Advantage Solutions 734.........Amerlux 735.........2.0 Food 736..........Pazo Global 737..........Grocery Business 741..........Instacart 745.........Star Wholesale Ltd. 803.........Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) 811...........Nestle Canada Inc. 819..........JRTech Solutions 825.........La Presserie 829.........Ontario Beef 834.........Dole Foods of Canada Company 835+838...Affinity Group 836.........GoGo Quinoa 845........ Chaeban Artisan 846.........Permul Ltd.

GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM |

903.........Solmaz Food Inc. 909.........Pepsico Canada 918..........Burnbrae Farms Limited 919..........DIGI Canada Inc. 925.........Mirvik Uniforms & Merchandise 928.........Ishida Canada Inc. 929..........Incredible Group 931..........AM/PM Service 933.........Air Miles 934.........Rivercity Innovations Ltd 935.........LSI Enterprises Canada ULC 936.........Jack Daniel's BBQ/ Golden West Food Group 938.........LemonTree Produce Displays 944........ Will’s Food Inc. 945........ Swirly’s Confectionery & Snacks 1003........A. Lassonde Inc. 1008........FMS Solutions Ltd. 1009........Danone Inc. 1010.........BSI Group Canada 1013.........Rana Meal Solutions Inc. 1014........Danial's Distribution Inc. 1019.........Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

1024........STM Display Sales Inc. 1025........Maple Leaf Foods Inc. 1030........Chens Enterprises Corporation 1033........Cavendish Farms 1034........Gray Ridge Egg Farms/EggSolutions 1037........Sun Rich Foods Canada Inc. 1103.........Howell Data Systems 1108+1108A...Tree of Life Canada Inc. 1119..........Lactalis Canada 1125.........Italpasta Limited 1127.........Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership 1132.........Crossmark Canada 1133.........Atlantic Stainless Fabricators Ltd. 1135.........Creative POS Ltd. 1137.........Turnstile Security Systems 1141......... Corrigan Corporation of America 1143........ Wong Wing 1203........Beverage World Inc. 1205........N'Take Custom Enviro Bags 1208........Kruger Products Inc. 1209........Sobey's Wholesale 1213.........Motorola Value Added Distributor 1214.........RTS Retail 1217+1317...GBS Food Service Equipment Inc. 1224........CJR Wholesale Grocers/Dairy Central 1225........Kraft Heniz Company 1233....... Big Venture Sales Ltd. 1235....... A1 Cash and Carry 1237........Danavation Technologies Corp.

1239........Canda Six Fortune Enterprise Co. Ltd.

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1240........Tree of Life Canada Food Service 1302........Bank of Montreal 1303........Pan-Oston Ltd. 1304........Bee Maid Honey Limited 1308........Mat Tech 1309........TFB & Associates 1310.........Smart Label Solutions Inc. 1313.........Federated Insurance 1325........Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company 1327....... University of Guelph – Co-operative Education 1329........Alsafa Foods Canada Ltd. 1332........Globe POS Systems Inc. 1335........Dauphinais 1336........BFG Enterprise Services 1338........Rotobale Compaction Solutions Inc. 1339........Wajax 1344....... Hanif’s Foods Ltd. 1345....... Eat My Shortbread 1346....... Number Five Food Inc. 1347....... Moong Pani Vegan Foods 1403........Bimbo Canada 1408.......Old Dutch Foods Ltd 1409........Coco-Cola Ltd. 1412.........Villa Ravioli 1413.........CONGLOM INC 1419.........Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP 1424 + 1424A...Acosta Canada 1435........Korea Food Trading 1439........Pear Bureau Northwest 1502....... Gorpworld.com 1503........Loblaw Inc. 1504.......Hobart Canada 1509........Tutto Gourmet Foods 1512.........Jimmy Zee's Distributors Inc. 1513........ Western Impact Sales 1519.........Arneg Canada Inc. 1524........SIR Solutions 1525........CHEP Canada 1528........Copeland 1529........Canadian Grocer 1533........Raining Brand & Design/ Colour Innovations 1537........Mars Wrigley 1538........Canada Beef 1539........GBS Food Service Equipment Inc. ICE MACHINE 1542........Ontario Lottery and Gaming 1543........Distribution Canada Inc. 1603........Cordoba Foods LLC 1605........TRG Canada 1609........Kost Klip Manufacturing Ltd. 1612.........Drakkar International 1613.........Fun Tyme Foods Ltd 1624........WilliWaw Pet Treats 1625........Great Canadian Meat Company

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1626........Ste. Anne's Bakery 1628........Pelmen Foods 1629........Harvest To Gather 1630........Mother Raw (Reunion Foods Inc.) 1631.........Delmar Foods 1632....... Mam Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna 1633........Sprucewood Handmade Cookie Co. 1636....... Karmalis 1637........Riz Brands Inc. 1638........Salumeria il Tagliere Ltd. 1639........Aiva WTR 1640........Mom's Best Gourmet Foods 1641.........PORTA 1644........Basha Handy Candy Ltd. 1645........Sober Carpenter & Clever Mocktails 1646........Schinkels Legacy 1702........Kalcor Marketing Ltd. 2 1703....... KOTRA toronto 1708+1709...Kalcor Marketing Ltd. 1719.........McCain Foods 1724........Kawartha Dairy 1725........Jakeman's Maple Products 1726........Fountain Food and Beverages Ltd. 1727........Pelee Island Winery 1728........Arvinda's Indian Spice Blends 1729........Crafty Ramen Market Inc. 1730........Healtea 1731.........Fruit of the Land Inc. 1732........Dark Horse Estate Winery 1735........Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 1736........Big 3 Detroit Style Pizza 1738........VISION FOOD INNOVATIONS INC. 1739........Brittles 'n More Ltd. 1740........Sunshine Pickles 1741.........Dutchman's Gold Inc. 1743........Spring Creek Quail Farms 1744........Future Bakery + M-C Dairy 1803........Poppa Corn Corporation 1808.......Direct Plus Food Group 1809........NutraLab Canada Corp.

1811.........Upfield Canada 1812........ Care Bakery 1813.........Middleby Corporation 1814........Canadian Produce Marketing Association 1818........ Unique Foods (Canada) Inc. 1820....... Costco Business Centre 1822....... HeyJute™ 1824........Ontario Impex of Canada Inc. 1825........Novation Foods 1827........N H Foods Inc. 1828........Dancing Bee Equipment/The Bee Works 1829........Chef Brandz Inc. 1830........Happy Pops 1831.........Demetres

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1833........Hela Spice Canada 1837........Mrakovic Fine Foods Inc. 1838........Sapsucker 1839........Thornbury Bakery Inc. 1840.......YOSO 1841.........St-Albert Cheese Co-op Inc. 1842........QUeen Milling Inc. 1844.......Ying Ying Soy Food Ltd. 1845.......Fire in the Kitchen 1902....... Bozkurt Zirai Urunler San Tic Ltd. 1903........Second Harvest 1904........Country Prime Meats 1905....... EASYWELL CONSUMER PRODUCTS 1907........WUSATA 1908........Out of the Box Packaging Inc. 1911......... Karla Rewards 1912.........Shan Foods 1913.........FCC 1918.........Dana Industries 1924........Bos Smoked Fish Inc. 1925........Mother's Prepared Fine Foods 1926....... Real Sweets Bakery Corp.

1928........Stickling's Specialty Bakery Ltd. 1929........The BBQ Chef Inc. 1930........VM Food Group 1931.........Pine River Food Products Inc. 1932........ZoRaw Chocolates 1933........Equator Coffee Roasters Inc. 1935........Trio Bakery Inc. 1936........Deb's Dips Inc. 1937........Wholesome Cravings 1938........Tastefully Yours Bakers/ Arthur's Smoothies 1939....... Sharman's Proper, Inc. 1940........3 Angry Cats 1941.........Mad Mexican Prepared Food Products Ltd. 1944........Baxter's Bakery (Cobourg) 1946........Ginger Goat ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

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