Canadian Grocer March 2023

What

Create the Ultimate Canadian Pork Burger using premium Verified Canadian Pork.™ Burgers can be customized by blend and style. Mix different cuts to create a unique blend that is truly your own. Once you have your ultimate burger blend, it’s time to merchandise the type of burger you want customers to find in your meat case.

Scan the QR code below for burger ideas, and suggested cooking and serving techniques.

Sliders

Sliders are mini burgers that help control costs and target consumers who monitor portion sizes. To prepare, make a patty 4” in diameter using 2 ounces of a pork burger blend. Offer 6 per meat tray.

Thick Burgers

Increase sales volume by offering a thicker burger. To prepare, use 8 ounces of ground pork to form a 1” thick burger patty. Merchandise 2 per meat tray.

Now that you have created your Ultimate Canadian Pork Burger offerings, Canada Pork has retail point-of-sale materials for the meat case including on-pack labels, shelf talkers, service meat case clings and tags, and customer booklets. Canada Pork is your partner in building your business with Canadian pork. Contact the Canada Pork marketing team to put the ultimate promotion package together.

Smash Burgers

Offer customers a restaurant-style option with smash burgers. To merchandise, take 3-ounce pork meatballs, either ready to be smashed or pre-smashed using parchment paper, and flatten to ¼” patty. Merchandise four per meat tray.

Stuffed Burgers

For your service case, merchandise these burgers already flattened and stuffed. For stuffed burgers, place 3 ounces of ground pork meatballs between sheets of parchment paper; flatten to ¼” thick patty. Place sliced cheese in the centre, leaving a 1” border, place second patty on top.

ULTIMATE PORKBURGER SEASONGROUNDPORKPATTIES. MINUTESCOOKOVERMEDIUMHEAT4-8 TEMPERATUREPERSIDEUNTILINTERNAL REACHES160°F/71°C.VERIFIEDCANADIANPORK.COM

VIDÉO – IDÉES DE BURGER DE PORC

PORK BURGER IDEAS VIDEO

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Features

42 Something special Save-On-Foods’ new flagship serves up a one-of-a-kind food experience

50 A fresh perspective on produce

Our fourth-annual Produce Operations Survey points to brighter days, even with supply chain challenges

54 Galleria gears up

The indie supermarket chain has found success delivering a “taste of Korea” to customers in the Greater Toronto Area for nearly two decades. And it’s just getting started

59 And the award goes to … 2023 Product of the Year Canada winners get a red seal of approval!

Departments

7 Front Desk

8 The Buzz

70 New on Shelf

PEOPLE

10 A new brew After years of making traditional beers, P.E.I. brewery Upstreet switched gears and added a nonalcoholic beer to the lineup

IDEAS

13 What ChatGPT means for grocery AI is a gamechanger, but grocers should proceed with caution

15 The big question Leaders share how they’re prioritizing their sustainability efforts

16 A taste of Japan From sushi to bento boxes, A5 wagyu, meal kits and more, Aburi Market is West Vancouver’s one-stop shop for affordable Japanese cuisine

COLUMNS

On the cover

Galleria Supermarket CEO Joseph Kim.

Photography by Tobi Asmoucha

21 As prices soar, Canadians find new ways to save Caddle’s Ransom Hawley on how frugality is now mission critical for consumers

23 Three trends to watch in beverages Ipsos Canada’s Kathy Perrotta tells us how Canadians will be quenching their thirst this summer

AISLES

65 Beverage boom

As Canadians seek a little something extra from their beverages, functional drinks are thriving

68 Meat market From better on-pack labels to offering a larger variety of cuts, there are opportunities for grocers to boost meat sales

69 Gummies: Four things to know From vitamins to low-sugar treats, we’re looking at the rising popularity of gummies

EXPRESS LANE

72 Lost in translation

Marketing expert Gavin Barrett says brands need to authentically reflect a range of backgrounds in their marketing to better connect with new customers

MAKING EVERYDAY LIFE MORE COMFORTABLE FOR OUR COLLEAGUES AND THEIR CAREER GROWTH

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BRAND MANAGEMENT

SVP, GROCERY & CONVENIENCE CANADA Sandra Parente (416) 271-4706 - sparente@ensembleiq.com

PUBLISHER Vanessa Peters vpeters@ensembleiq.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shellee Fitzgerald fitzgerald@ensembleig.com

MANAGING EDITOR Kristin Laird klaird@ensembleiq.com

DIGITAL EDITOR Jillian Morgan jmorgan@ensembleiq.com

ADVERTISING SALES & BUSINESS

NATIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER Katherine Frederick (647) 287-3714 - kfrederick@ensembleiq.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER Karishma Rajani (437) 225-1385 - krajani@ensembleiq.com

SALES COORDINATOR Juan Chacon jchacon@ensembleiq.com

DESIGN/PRODUCTION/MARKETING

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nancy Peterman npeterman@ensembleiq.com

ART DIRECTOR Josephine Woertman jwoertman@ensembleiq.com

SENIOR PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michael Kimpton mkimpton@ensembleiq.com

MARKETING MANAGER Jakob Wodnicki jwodnicki@ensembleiq.com

FRESH FOCUS

At the time of this writing the clocks have just jumped forward in observance of daylight saving time, leaving many of us groggy and grumpy as we try to cope with the havoc this change is causing our circadian rhythms. The silver lining, of course, is that spring is just around the corner—the season of rejuvenation and fresh starts.

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It’s apt then that we’ve packed this issue with plenty of fresh-focused content. In “A fresh perspective on produce,” for instance, writer Rosalind Stefanac brings you the results of our fourth-annual Produce Operations Survey . We asked grocers across the country to tell us what’s happening in their produce departments. What did we learn? Despite persistent supply chain issues and economic pressures, the country’s grocers are rising to the challenge, rethinking approaches and are generally optimistic about meeting the produce needs of their shoppers (turn to page 50 to read more on the survey).

CORPORATE OFFICERS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jennifer Litterick

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Volland

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Derek Estey

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER Ann Jadown

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CONTENT & COMMUNICATIONS Joe Territo

We also look at another critical fresh department—meat (page 68). With shoppers sensitive to high prices, writer Chris Powell finds just how important merchandising is to grab sales. It comes down to a few core things: more on-pack information, telling a product’s story and, of course, demonstrating value.

may use, reproduce, publish, republish, distribute, store and archive such submissions in whole or in part in any form or medium whatsoever, without compensation of any sort. ISSN# 0008-3704 PM 42940023 Canadian Grocer is Published by Stagnito Partners Canada Inc., 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Ste. 1800, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8.

Printed in Canada

In this issue, we also take you inside a stunning new Save-On-Foods store in Coquitlam, B.C. The store, the chain’s new flagship, puts fresh front and centre. With a European marketplace vibe, the store is a foodie’s dream with an expansive array of in-store prepared fresh meals, seafood, meat, baked goods, cheese, fresh-pressed juice and produce. (Check out the store on page 42.)

One more thing. We’ve opened our 2023 Canadian Grocer Impact Awards and are excited to hear about all the great work you’ve been doing to make the industry better. If you launched an initiative in your business in the areas of sustainability, DE&I, community service or supporting employees, please be sure to tell us about it at cgimpactawards.ca. Nominations close on May 23. CG

Shellee Fitzgerald Editor-in-Chief sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com

The Buzz

The latest news in the grocery biz

Marie-Eve Royer has been named president of Bimbo Canada. Royer, one of Canadian Grocer’s 2020 Star Women in Grocery winners, most reccently was senior vice-president of business transformation, where she was responsible for aligning the company’s commercial sales and supply chain functions. Royer succeeds Joseph McCarthy, who assumed a newly created role at Bimbo Bakeries USA after five years leading the company’s Canadian operations.

Saputo has appointed Haig Poutchigian to president and chief operating officer for its dairy division in Canada. Poutchigian joined Saputo in 2016 as senior vice-president of finance. He brings more than 25 years of experience across finance and operations to the role. He replaces Frank Guido as he steps into the president and COO role for the U.S. dairy division. Both appointments will be effective April 1.

PepsiCo Foods Canada has made key changes to its senior leadership team.

Lance Wade (formerly general manager for Quaker Canada) moves into the vicepresident, customer development role; Mike Lust (formerly vice-president of customer development) moves into the new role of vice-president, growth office; and Rena Nickerson joins the company as general manager for Quaker Canada.

OPENINGS

CALGARY CO-OP plans to open a 35,000-sq.-ft. food store in the mixed-use community of Greystone in Cochrane, Alta. by spring 2025. The development plan includes a pharmacy, a Wine Spirits Beer store, a cannabis and convenience store as well as a six-pump gas station with a double touchless car wash, and an additional 30,000 square feet of commercial retail space. Calgary Co-op has more than 100 retail locations across all its lines of business in Calgary and the surrounding communities of Airdrie, Strathmore, Cochrane and High River. The opening of the food store is expected to create 125 jobs in the town.

PUSATERI’S FINE FOODS is opening a store near the intersection of College Street and Ossington Street in downtown Toronto later this summer. The high-end, independent grocer says in addition to its regular offering, the new location will feature a café concept that serves breakfast, a coffee bar with signature brews, a daily menu and indoor and outdoor seating.

Specialty grocer Lina’s Italian Market has opened its fourth location in Calgary—a 15,000-sq.-ft. store called LINA’S ITALIAN PIAZZA located in the city’s vibrant Inglewood neighbourhood. The store features a wide range of imported Italian groceries, an artisanal bakery, gelato, fresh grab-and-go meals, a Lavazza Organic Tierra Café, a pizzeria, a prosciutto bar sponsored by Italian brand Leoncini and a full-service restaurant called Sapore.

At Maple Leaf Foods, Dennis Organ has been named president of its Pork Complex. Organ brings more than 27 years of food industry experience to the role, including 11 with Smithfield Foods, where he held a variety of key roles including chief operating officer and chief executive officer.

Pierre-Luc Ouellet has moved into the role of vice-president of growth and commercial strategies at Agropur. Ouellet joined the company five years ago and during that time held the position of senior director, go-to-market, for all Canadian categories. He has also worked for Kimberly-Clark and The Kraft Heinz Company.

UNFI Canada has brought Carla Anger, a 2016 Star Women winner, on board as its sales director, regional customer business team. Anger brings more than 30 years of experience in consumer goods to the role, including her time with Kimberly-Clark, where she held various leadership roles in sales, marketing, category, operations and, ultimately, vice-president and general manager for the company.

Frank Guido

Lance Wade

Marie-Eve Royer

Rena Nickerson

Dennis Organ

Pierre-Luc Ouellet

Carla Anger

PEOPLE

Calgary Co-op to open in Cochrane, Alta., Lina’s Italian Market has a new Calgary shop and Toronto is getting a new Pusateri’s

Country Grocer has acquired 49th Parallel Grocery Group and its four locations on Vancouver Island. The deal brings to 11 the number of locations under Country Grocer ownership. For 49th Parallel, the deal is part of the succession plan for the company’s shareholders, the Richmond family. “We are delighted to see the business become part of a bigger, multi-generational family operated grocery business with similar family and community values as 49th Parallel Grocery,” said Peter Richmond, president & CFO of 49th Parallel Grocery, in a statement. “Country Grocer is the ideal ownership group to keep the independent voice alive and well here on Vancouver Island.”

FARM BOY CONTINUES TO GROW

The retailer’s 47th location is bursting with fresh produce and private-label products

FARM BOY unveiled its latest store in downtown Toronto at the beginning of February; it’s the fast-growing retailer’s 10th in the city and 47th location, overall.

At nearly 30,000 square feet, the Sugar Wharf store, located on the second level of a newly constructed space at 100 Queens Quay East, is packed with fresh produce, ready-to-eat prepared foods and grocery items, many of which are the chain’s own brands—one of Farm Boy’s main points of differentiation.

“Our private-label assortment has grown an average of 300 SKUs a year for the last five years,” said Josh Drache, Farm Boy’s vice-president of private label product development and restaurant operations, while taking Canadian Grocer on a personal tour of the store.

“We’re always referred to as Trader Joe’s of the North,” said Drache, referring to the U.S. grocer well-known for its private-label items. “But we’re trying to make it so that Trader Joe’s is Farm Boy of the South.”

Currently, Farm Boy boasts more than 1,800 private-label items that range from salad dressings to coffee to frozen sweet potato fries, fattoush chips, ice cream, dips, drinks, dim sum and more. Drache said the Sugar Wharf location has the largest grocery department of the company’s 47 stores and that 600 SKU s were added last minute to fill the store’s shelves.

Given the urban location of the store, there’s also a robust prepared food offer to appeal to nearby condo dwellers and office workers seeking quick meals. “We did five or six new items for the hot bar today that are made right in the store,” said Drache. “We thought it would be fun for this store.” On the day of the tour, the hot bar is serving up personal-size pizzas, smash burgers, stir-fries, sandwiches and more. Of course, produce is also front-and-centre at Farm Boy and customers are greeted by a giant citrus display as they enter the store. Other notable mentions in the meticulously maintained department include a Fair Trade banana display, a display of whole and cored pineapple and a wall of leafy greens. “It’s a very produce-forward company,” said Drache.

COUNTRY GROCER, CANADIAN GROCER

Members of 49th Parallel’s Richmond family and the Country Grocer team

People

A NEW BREW

After years of making traditional beers, P.E.I. brewery Upstreet switched gears and added a non-alcoholic brew to the lineup

By Andrea Yu

Photography by Heather Ogg

2018, three years after launching the Charlottetown-based brewery Upstreet, co-founder and CEO Mitch Cobb was starting to feel the impacts of alcohol on his health. “I gained a bunch of weight, and I wasn’t really feeling on top of my game,” Cobb recalls. “I wanted to start focusing on my health and wellness and, as part of that, I wanted to cut down on my alcohol consumption.”

That became the catalyst for Cobb to begin researching and developing a non-alcoholic beer. He saw his peers in brewing growing older, starting families and having a similar desire to socialize without alcohol. He also noticed more non-alcoholic beverages coming out of Europe, which served as an inspiration for developing something new in Canada.

But Cobb had his work cut out for him. “Traditionally, non-alcoholic beer is made by making the beer, then you boil off the alcohol after the beer is made,” he explains. “But in boiling off the alcohol, you’re also boiling an awful lot of the flavour out. That’s why traditional nonalcoholic beer never really tastes that good.”

Instead, Cobb began experimenting with methods that wouldn’t require a boil-off. He started with the typical alcoholic beer-brewing recipe, but tweaked the ingredients and process to result in a lower-alcohol product. “We use all of the same equipment and the same steps, but we use less grain with fermentable sugars,” Cobb explains. He also experimented with specialty grains and adjusted temperatures in his recipe. “You’re still capturing the flavour and body that you would come to expect from a beer,” he says.

By early 2019, Cobb and Upstreet brewmaster Michael Hogan developed a pale ale called Pace, which clocked in at 0.9% alcohol. They trialled the low-alcohol brew at Upstreet’s three taprooms and canned the product to sell at their retail locations with great feedback from customers. “That sort of became the base recipe and we refined it further,” says Cobb. At the time, beers under 1.1% alcohol by volume (ABV) were considered non-alcoholic in Canada, but the pair were determined to get their recipe under 0.5%, which was the international standard for non-alcoholic beverages.

When the pandemic hit and restaurants closed to the public, Cobb felt even more pressure to get their non-alcoholic beers to market. “Overnight, we lost a huge portion of our business,” he recalls. Cobb and Hogan continued tinkering with their base recipe and, by October 2020, they were ready to release Libra, a 0.4% pale ale that could compete in flavour with Upstreet’s regular lineup. It was sold at their breweries, online across Canada and at the P.E.I. Liquor Control Commission. “The timing was absolutely perfect,”

says Cobb. People became more cognizant of their health, dialed back their pandemic drinking following the first wave of COVID and “non-alcoholic products started to catch fire,” he says.

Libra’s sales grew steadily that year. By January 2021, Cobb brought on Deborah Coleman as Libra’s co-founder and head of sales and marketing. She’d spent the last decade working with beauty brands in consumer packaged goods and was eager to take Libra to the next level. “I remember being pregnant and never being able to find a great tasting non-alcoholic alternative,” Coleman says. Just a few days after her work with the company began, they met with and confirmed a launch into Sobeys stores in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

In the summer of 2021, Libra struck a deal with Canadian singer-songwriter Serena Ryder to become the brand’s ambassador. “She wanted to come on board to help share our message about moderation and socializing without alcohol,” says Coleman.

Libra’s next big milestone: signing on as the first non-alcoholic beer sponsor of the 2022 Ottawa Bluesfest. “Seeing people with cans of Libra at the festival and in the VIP booth was rewarding to see,” Coleman says.

The festival partnership caught the attention of the Costco buying team. By January 2023, Libra would be on the shelves of six Costco stores in Atlantic Canada, plus three stores in Ottawa. “Mitch and I were both at a trade show when the buyer called,” Coleman says. “That was a really exciting moment.”

Another highlight for the duo was bringing home a shelf-full of accolades from prestigious beer competitions. Libra has won five World Beer Awards and two New York International Beer Competition awards. The latter organization also named Libra the best Canadian Non-Alcoholic Brewery of the Year in 2022. And in the same year, Coleman was named one of Canadian Grocer’s Generation Next winners.

Libra is now on the shelves of about 1,000 retail stores across Canada, including Sobeys, Costco, liquor stores as well as independent retailers. Cobb and Hogan have also added a few more non-alcoholic brews to the lineup— an IPA , a pilsner, a stout, a cherry sour and a lavender sage cream ale in collaboration with Serena Ryder. This year, Coleman will be working to expand Libra’s retail distribution further into Ontario and Western Canada.

For Cobb, he feels proud that what started as a lifestyle change has turned into a brand that Canadians can benefit from. “You’re creating a product that’s making a change in people’s lives and helping them take positive steps towards their health and wellness,” he says. “That has deeper meaning to me.” CG

MITCH COBB & DEBORAH COLEMAN

What do you like best about your job?

DEB: Changing people’s perceptions of non-alcoholic beverages.

MITCH: Deb’s going to steal all the good answers. I think for me, what I like best is having a strong purpose to do good and to change people’s lives.

What inspires you and keeps you passionate about what you do?

MITCH: Every day we’re getting feedback from customers about how much they love Libra and how it’s helped them on their journey. That definitely keeps me passionate and inspired.

DEB: Seeing Libra grow on a national level. Growing our team and supporting our amazing retail partners to help grow the non-alcoholic category.

What would you be doing if you weren’t in the beverage business?

DEB: I would be a therapist. I love listening to people’s stories. I feel like that would have been my alternate life path.

MITCH: I’d be doing something in the health and wellness space. Or working with entrepreneurs. Maybe working with entrepreneurs around health.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

DEB: I learned how to wakesurf last summer. I’m totally hooked. All I can think about is getting back out and surfing again.

MITCH: I do a lot of reading. I’ve developed a great meditation practice over the last few years. I spend a lot of time outdoors, getting lots of exercise.

WESTERN CANADA’S LEADING GROCERY EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE

APRIL 24-25, 2023

APRIL 24-25, 2023

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE EAST BUILDING

GET READY FOR THE BIGGEST WESTERN CANADIAN GROCERY EVENT! Attend the ONLY western-focused grocery conference & exhibition – April 24 & 25, 2023 during the GROCERY WEEK in Vancouver! Retailers, Grocers, Wholesalers, Mass and Convenience from across Canada will converge in Vancouver, BC this spring!

WHY YOU SHOULD BE HERE!

COLLABORATE DISCOVER GROW

Network and build your business with the industry throughout the two days at industry cocktails, onsite meetings and discussions.

Take advantage of the events, sessions, and programs to maximize your leads.

Explore new innovations and products/services at various pavilions (Ontario, High Quality BioEurope, Sustainability, Canada Connect).

TO EXHIBIT ROLSTER TAYLOR: RTAYLOR@CFIG.CA

EVENTS/CONFERENCE: EVENTS@CFIG.CA

Ideas

What ChatGPT means for grocery

the once-futuristic concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has made the leap from sci-fi novels to people’s fingertips. ChatGPT, which launched last November by OpenAI, is a natural language process tool driven by AI technology. The tool was programmed with massive amounts of data to generate humanlike responses to questions and text prompts.

It’s easy to see why the business world is abuzz: ChatGPT can help users generate marketing materials, write emails and blogs, and assist with customer service. A few companies in the food business have jumped on board. Instacart, for example, is rolling out an “Ask Instacart” feature that lets customers ask questions about nutrition and meal planning as they’re creating their grocery lists. France-based Carrefour produced a video made with ChatGPT and generative AI, with an avatar that answers customers’ questions about eating “better and cheaper” via the grocery chain’s website. In a LinkedIn post, the company said it’s working on using the technology to better serve customers.

While it’s early days for ChatGPT, the technology certainly has grocers’ attention. In a recent survey by Grocery Doppio,

67% of grocers said they have discussed ChatGPT at senior-level meetings, 82% consider AI a necessity to remain competitive, and 59% will test an AI solution this year. Grocers believe AI will have the greatest impact on inventory forecasting, supply chain management, and pricing and promotions, while ChatGPT or other large language models will affect customer service, product discovery and store associate tools.

With all the new possibilities, however, comes a new wave of concerns. On the privacy front, Bloomberg Law notes employees may share proprietary, confidential or trade secret information when using ChatGPT. In addition, the tool pulls online data that isn’t always accurate (although ChatGPT’s latest iteration, GPT-4, is said to be more accurate). Other legal experts have warned that companies using ChatGPT to write for them could face copyright infringement issues. Beyond legal trouble, McKinsey & Co. notes that systemic biases still need to be addressed, as AI tools draw from data that might include unwanted biases.

AI is no doubt a game-changer, but caution should be on the table for grocers.—Rebecca

Harris

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SUSTAINABILITY IS A BIG AREA— HOW DO YOU PRIORITIZE YOUR EFFORTS?

McMullen Co-owner SUMMERHILL MARKET

“Our priority is to ensure we are compliant with the new rules and regulations. My brother [Summerhill president and co-owner] Brad is passionate about sustainability and led us to eliminating over one million plastic lids in the past year by shifting our prepared foods packaging to recyclable aluminum. When we need to use plastic, we use recyclable plastic. Our biggest purchases— beef, chicken, potatoes and dairy—are local. Our new store’s refrigeration system is also an in-floor heating system. As well, we are always looking at sustainable packaging ideas, but find we need to do our due diligence to ensure it’s beneficial for the environment and the economics of our business.”

Ken Keelor CEO

CALGARY CO-OP

“Whether it’s in the community, in our stores or on our shelves, we are always looking for new ways to manage the business with a sustainability mindset. Some examples include our Fresh Food Rescue Program, which helps provide fresh food to local food banks, a compostable bag program at checkout, replacing light fixtures with LED systems and stocking more than 2,000 local products, decreasing our footprint. We even launched a private-label soap made with carbon captured from our head office.”

Cadia Jackman Director, research & development CAMPBELL COMPANY OF CANADA

“At Campbell Canada, we employ sustainability efforts with our people and our products. Our office is 6.3% better than the Energy Star Rating benchmark; we have eliminated all disposable plastic dishes and utensils and reduced the number of printers to lessen paper usage. Most of our packaging is fully recyclable and we are implementing How2Recycle labels on many products to educate consumers on recycling practices. We are using more sustainable packaging with our concentrated broth that includes sustainably sourced paper board fibre and 60% less packaging than our standard broth.”

“Sustainability is an important consideration in our operations at Eataly. A variety of our fresh market products are sourced through local producers who prioritize responsible farming practices, from Diana’s Seafood, which works closely with Ocean Wise for sustainable seafood to Linton Pasture Pork for humanely raised pigs. When talking about sustainability, we also must address food waste. We’ve established a ‘second life’ program, where fresh ingredients reaching the end of their shelf life in our market can be used on the menu in our restaurants or distributed through food waste reduction programs such as Too Good To Go.”

Race Senior director of sustainability & social impact LOBLAW

“Given we’re in virtually every town, big and small, we understand the responsibility we have to those who live and work in these communities. That’s why our sustainability efforts focus on fighting climate change, with very specific but wide-ranging priorities that will directly benefit every store and community we operate in. Our goals include achieving net-zero GHG emissions by the end of 2040, making all our control brand and in-store plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, and sending zero food waste to landfill by the end of 2030. This is how we deliver on our purpose and help Canadians live life well.”

Christy

Emma

Rob Wing Store director EATALY TORONTO

Ideas

A taste of Japan From sushi to bento boxes, A5 wagyu, meal kits and more, Aburi Market is West Vancouver’s one-stop shop for affordable Japanese cuisine

WHILE MANY RESTAURANTS quickly pivoted to offer grocery delivery during the pandemic to survive until businesses could reopen and diners could return, one Vancouver-based company saw it as an opportunity to diversify its portfolio.

Aburi Restaurants Canada, which counts high-end, award-winning restaurants Miku and Minami among its operations, formally ventured into the grocery space in June 2022 with Aburi Market, and a mission to offer customers an elevated yet affordable shopping experience rooted in Japanese culture.

“What we wanted to do [with Aburi Market] was to provide convenience and quality products at a reasonable price and, because of the restaurant group, we already had trust from the customers,” says Aburi founder

and CEO Seigo Nakamura.

Enter Aburi Market—a 4,000sq.-ft. store in West Vancouver that specializes in restaurant-quality food including prepared foods, frozen meal kits, fresh sushi, madeto-order bowls, snacks, sliced-toorder wagyu beef and desserts, many of which are exclusive to the retailer and imported from Japan. (The store also sells home goods and apparel.)

There is a sushi station, where shoppers can watch chefs from Aburi restaurants prepare various creations that are packaged and sold from the store’s grab-and-go section, and a make-your-own ramen station with different broths, noodles and toppings to choose from.

In-store events give customers the opportunity to sample products at different food stations

By Kristin Laird

and watch educational videos detailing how to make some of the items being featured. In December, for example, the market hosted what it called the “Iwate Fair” featuring A5 (highest grade) wagyu, sweet apples and rice.

And during a fair held in February, shoppers could sample soups and rice bowls made using products from the Hokkaido region of Japan, and watch live hand roll demonstrations. Recipes were made available to shoppers who wanted to try to recreate the featured dishes at home.

Nakamura says the grocer continues to “upgrade” its product selection based not only on what’s in season and the customers’ needs, but also to reflect their increasing knowledge of Japanese fare.

“Because [our customers] are

getting knowledgeable, what they want will shift and then we do have our large supply chain, so we have the capacity to change the product the way the locals want,” he says.

Within the year, Nakamura hopes Aburi Market will be serving a new set of locals. Though it’s still early days and Nakamura remained mum on details—only to say it’s a “big project”—he did confirm the company was eyeing expansion into Toronto.

Not stopping with Aburi Market, the company is also opening food stores specializing in specific aspects of Japanese food and culture, including a wagyu curry shop called WA! Curry that celebrated its grand opening in Vancouver on March 15, and a Japanese-style bagel shop that is slated to open in the city later this year. CG

Aburi founder and CEO Seigo Nakamura

With its specialty food offerings, Aburi Market takes shoppers on a journey through Japan

NIGHT TO NURTURE

THE GOOD AND THE GLAM

FOllOwInG TwO yEArS of virtual celebrations due to the pandemic, more than 3,000 members of Canada’s grocery industry were out in full force (and in person!) in late January to attend the Night to Nurture gala at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in downtown Toronto.

Presented by The Grocery Foundation, the annual black-tie event raises critical dollars to fund breakfast programs in Canadian schools as well as to support the work of Kids Help Phone.

Shaun McKenna, executive director of the Foundation, says more than $2 million was raised during the event, which included a high-energy performance from singer-songwriter Jason Derulo, a silent auction featuring a host of items including sports memorabilia, vacation packages and jewelry, and a raffle for the chance to win a 2023 Lexus.

“We were so excited to be back together in person as a community for the 2023 Night to Nurture Gala,” says McKenna. “You could feel the energy in the room. We are so grateful to the grocery industry for their continued strong support of both The Grocery Foundation and Kids Help Phone. Their support one night means the world of difference for Canadian children and youth for the entire year.” CG

1. VIP reception at the 2023 Night to Nurture gala L to R: Paul Bravi (Food Basics) and Anna Bvosellina, Mike Ruff (PepsiCo) and Anna Ruff 2. Shaun McKenna, executive director, The Grocery Foundation

3. Platinum sponsor banners line the dining room 4. Shannon Whitaker, winner of the 2023 Lexus 250UXh, with Bob Tasikas of Don Valley North Lexus 5. Attendees walk the red carpet into the reception 6. VIP reception L to R: Tom Shurrie (CFIG), Michael Medline (Empire), Brock Furlong (Stampede Meats and TGF board treasurer), Margaret Hudson (Burnbrae Farms), John McFall (Burnbrae Farms)

7. Canadian Grocer shows its support 8. Jason Derulo entertains an enthusiastic crowd 9. Derulo and his dynamic dancers

With several compounding factors at play, the motivation to save is strong, especially for younger demographics, and shoppers are combining strategies to cut their spending

to save

INFLATION HAS driven up costs across categories. Meanwhile, the Bank of Canada’s interest rate hikes is making borrowing money more expensive.

It’s no wonder Canadian consumers are highly cognizant of rising prices at the supermarket. The latest numbers from Caddle show that shoppers aren’t just aware of inflation’s impact in the grocery store in the past three months, but they’ve been actively changing their shopping habits to soften the blow.

Surveying a panel of 3,126 primary shoppers across generations, Caddle’s shopper intelligence insights found that soaring costs are top of mind from coastto-coast. A whopping 92% of Canadians agree food is more expensive than it was just three months ago.

Consumers across the country say they’ve noticed costs creep up across grocery categories from meat to dairy to fish and seafood. Not only are products more expensive, but shoppers also say they’ve noticed a reduction in value.

There is some regional variation to which products have seen the most dramatic price hikes. In British Columbia and Saskatchewan, for example, 30% of shoppers say they believe the price of vegetables has increased the most, while 60% of Prince Edward Islanders say fruit has seen the steepest hikes.

On the whole, however, shoppers nationwide think meat prices have gone up the most over the last few months, and they’ve adjusted their spending habits accordingly. Most consumers—61%—say they’re buying less meat due to those rising prices.

Avoiding certain products altogether is one strategy Canadians are using to save at checkout, and the approach consumers take to being more frugal with their spending has a lot to do with their age.

More than half of shoppers nationwide say they’re foregoing national brands and adding more

private-label products to their carts. Despite their awareness of rising prices, compared to other generations, members of the more financially established baby-boomer generation are least likely to report any changes to their shopping behaviours.

It’s a very different story among younger generations. In fact, both gen Z and millennials are employing a variety of different tools and strategies to economize on groceries.

More than half of Canadian shoppers across generations say flyers are helping them find deals and nearly 46% of consumers are turning to coupons for savings. In other words, while coupons are increasing in popularity, generally they aren’t shoppers’ favourite way to save. When it comes to gen Z, though, coupon uptake has been significant and more than 60% of zoomers say they’ve increased their coupon use in the last few months.

A smaller number of consumers see expiry date deals as a chance to save, with nearly 47% saying they seek out soon-expiring products, with nearly 36% of these shoppers looking for “enjoy tonight” stickers. But the behaviour is even more pronounced among gen Z, with more than half of zoomer shoppers saying they’ve upped their purchases of fast-expiring products in recent months.

That generational trend continues when it comes to scouting out sales ahead of time. In fact, the vast majority of gen-Z shoppers plan ahead, besting their elders when it comes to budgeting. More than half of both millennial and gen-Z shoppers say they consistently or regularly follow a budget, compared to just 42% of boomers. Overall, budgetary discipline is less prominent than one might expect, suggesting Canadians are willing to make exceptions when they’re in-store.

Indeed, nearly 75% of respondents claim they know food product prices before they arrive in-store. Such a high number is surprising. It may indicate consumers overestimate their understanding of pricing dynamics and the frequency of price changes.

What’s clear is that smartphones have taken on a new purpose when pinching pennies. Both millennials and gen Z—and to a lesser extent gen X—say they use their phones to compare prices with other stores while shopping. More shoppers are also using calculator apps mid-shop, with the exception of boomers.

With several compounding factors at play, the motivation to save is strong, especially for younger demographics, and shoppers are combining strategies to cut their spending. With the threat of a recession looming, it remains to be seen if these habits become more pronounced across generations in the months ahead. Regardless, it’s clear that collecting data in real time has become an indispensable addition to the shopping experience. CG

Frugality has become mission critical for consumers

As prices soar, Canadians find new ways

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.

Three trends to watch in beverages

with functional health also provide consumers with an element of permissibility when choosing a beverage. Increased drinking rates of sparkling waters, hot teas, energy drinks and plant-based beverages can all, in part, be tied to this rising trend.

NO/LOW-ALCOHOL PRIORITIES

With interest in low/no alcohol beverages peaking in recent years, more and more consumers are looking for a happy medium between teetotalling and overindulgence when it comes to beverage enjoyment.

Non-alcoholic adult beverage servings are up more than 10% versus 2020, fuelled by intake guidelines, rising social stigma, shifting demographics in Canada as well as cannabis legalization.

As we consider the evolving composition of the Canadian population, undoubtedly, the rising nondrinker population fuelled by multicultural Canadians is key. However, movement to the segment is also notable among mature Canadians over the age of 65. As a result, new options are flooding the market with more innovation spilling over into beverages such as hard coffees and fermented drinks.

PLANT-BASED MOVEMENT

AFTER SIX LONG MONTHS of cold weather cocooning, many Canadians find themselves ready to hit the great outdoors to enjoy long-awaited spring and summer pleasures.

Non-alcoholic adult beverage servings are up more than 10% versus 2020, fuelled by moderating intake guidelines, rising social stigma, shifting demographics in Canada as well as cannabis legalization

The warm weather months in Canada are synonymous with traditions such as relaxing at backyard barbecues, water fun at the cottage and urban get-togethers on outdoor patios. Key to our love of this time of year is the return to socializing and bonding over tasty beverages.

The Ipsos food and beverage team is mining its daily tracking of evolving Canadian beverage habits across all categories (including alcoholic beverages), dayparts and venues and is launching a Canadian Beverage Trends Report this spring. With the report’s theme of permissible beverage pleasures in mind, below is a sampling of some of the trends that will shape Canadian drinking choices this warm weather season and beyond.

EXPLODING FUNCTIONAL BENEFIT DEMANDS

Canadians no longer choose beverages based on thirst-quenching benefits alone. They are considering a broader set of requirements to support their nutrition, using beverages to deliver functional benefits to support health and help prevent illness.

Value-added functionality now factors into 38% of daily drinking decisions, doubling in importance since 2019. Increasingly, consumers are seeking beverages that assist with digestion, energy, immunity, hair, skin and nail conditioning, sleep and cognitive health. Low and no sugar options to aid with weight control hold the largest share of functional health beverages.

The addition of ingredients and nutrients that aid

Plant-based beverages in Canada currently represent about 11% of all dairy/dairy-free milk servings. These options are making their way into the mainstream most often as an addition to coffee, tea and smoothie drinks. However, usage as a beverage is increasing with new flavour variations emerging and more portable packaging options being introduced.

Almond plant-based beverages show strongest development, but oat varieties are rising in popularity. The movement away from dairy-based drinks is driven by millennials, both nested and unnested. Evolving family priorities presents an interesting conundrum for those looking to win with young parents and their kids.

There are a variety of factors driving these shifts, including a growing focus on health that includes prioritizing physical and emotional well-being in tandem with nutrients and nourishment. Environmental priorities are also highly influential to the plant-based movement. However, emotional drivers also play a role in consumers’ plant-based choices and these are fuelled by guilt-free enjoyment and a trendy social focus.

While there are other experiential and premiumization trends reshaping drinking patterns, it is clear that the growing spotlight on health and wellness benefits (both physical and mental wellness) highlights the importance of permissibility to Canadians when deciding how to quench their thirst. CG

From functional and booze-free bevvies to plant-based options, here’s how Canadians will be quenching their thirst

Kathy Perrotta is a VP of market strategy and understanding with Ipsos Canada and leads the FIVE service, a daily diary tracking of what individuals ate and drank yesterday across all categories/brands, occasions and venues. Kathy.perrotta@ipsos.com

WHAT’S

NEW

GROCERY

Avocad – oh! Anytime. Anywhere.

Introducing Savör Snacking Avocado, the new way for health-conscious Canadians to enjoy all the benefits of their favourite Instagram-worthy green fruit. Made from ripe Hass avocados, this is the first snack made with real hand-cut avocado, lightly seasoned in one of two savoury flavours – Sea Salt & Lime or Everything – then flash-dried for a light and airy snack consumers

New Functional Coffee Creamers

Fan-tasty now offers its highly popular probiotic coffee creamers to the Canadian market! Fan-tasty Foods is a Canadian based company focused on taking everyday products and making them highly functional and keto-friendly. All ingredients are nonGMO certified and allow consumers to engage in a healthy lifestyle without changing their eating habits.

Oppy Steps UP with Vertical Farming

Chapman’s Launches a World’s First

Chapman’s enters the super premium ice cream space with a new highend ice cream line designed for true connoisseurs. This collection is peanut free, nut free, and egg free, making it the first “allergy friendly” super premium ice cream in the world within the retail space. Eight sinfully delicious flavours of Chapman’s Super Premium Plus are available in convenient 500mL tubs. More information can be found at chapmans.ca.

Grown using 99% less land, 99% less water, 99% less fertilizer, no pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, and producing 350 times greater yield than conventional field-grown greens, UP™ Vertical Farms’ baby leafy greens not only last longer, but taste infinitely better. Locally grown, year-round in ideal conditions in Pitt Meadows, BC, this commercial scale indoor farming operation contributes to food security in the produce sector and its community.

Hear from Josh Linkner, a five-time tech entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author,

California Raisin Academy Presents: A Master

Class in Raisin Retail

CAPTURING CONSUMER ATTENTION CAN BE CHALLENGING THESE DAYS. BUT IT HELPS WHEN YOU HAVE SOMETHING THEY WANT… AND CONSUMERS WANT CALIFORNIA RAISINS!

THE FIVE FACTORS OF DRIED FRUIT PURCHASES:

When it comes to dried fruit, Canadian consumers value:

• Taste (92%)

• Price (80%)

• No added sugar (74%)

• Amount of vitamins/minerals (74%)

• Amount of fibre (72%)

TAKING STOCK OF THE REASONS FOR STOCKING RAISINS:

California Raisin Academy studies have shown time and again that raisins are the most popular dried fruit purchase choice for Canadians:

• An incredible 67% of consumers buy them regularly!

• 70% of consumers polled feel that raisins are perceived to be “one of the most healthy and nutritious foods”

• Canadians are 5x more likely to recognize the California/USA raisin origin

THE CANADIAN/CALIFORNIA QUALITY CONNECTION:

All raisins are not created equal. Why California Raisins?

California raisins have complete traceability

California raisins pass every Canadian quality standard and those of our worldwide customers as well.

Looking to further your studies of California Raisins?

Our recommended reading starts at Californiaraisins.ca

*Rose Research Report conducted in April/May 2022 among nationally representative sample of 501 Canadians.

THE RAISIN-EATING HABITS OF THE CANADIAN CONSUMER:

As the foremost experts in Raisinology can tell you, Canadians are most apt to enjoy raisins in various ways:

• Trail mix (60%)

• Cereal/granola (55%)

• Cookie (52%)

• Plain (49%)

Welcome

We are delighted to bring the produce industry back to Toronto for the 2023 CPMA Annual Convention and Trade Show.

CPMA’s Convention and Trade Show attracts over 1300 companies with participants representing the entire fresh produce supply chain from farm gate to the dinner plate. It is a unique platform that provides industry members with opportunities to grow their businesses in Canada.

This year’s edition also marks CPMA’s 98th anniversary of supporting the fresh produce industry. The Trade Show features over 600 exhibit spaces representing more than 270 companies from across the globe.

In addition, we have lined up an exceptional program combining both educational and networking activities. Full delegates will have an opportunity to hear from our keynote speaker, Josh Linkner, a world-renown expert on innovation, disruption, and hyper-growth leadership.

The education sessions will also feature experts who will share their insights on important topics impacting our industry, including supply chain challenges, sustainability and innovation, women’s leadership in the industry, the evolving workplace and produce market, and more.

CPMA’s New Product Showcase program which has been around for over 15 years will this year support 50 companies in launching 69 new products. We are excited to give you a preview of what is coming up next in the produce aisle in this issue of the Canadian Grocer.

Lastly, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Canadian Grocer for being the official sponsor of CPMA’s New Product Showcase. For years Canadian Grocer has supported innovation in the produce industry by giving CPMA members a platform to introduce their new products to the market.

I am looking forward to connecting with you in Toronto!

Ron Lemaire President, CPMA

Ron Lemaire, President Canadian Produce Marketing Association

we have lined up an exceptional program combining both educational and networking activities

Program at a Glance

the glory of grapes

shines in a variety of new flavours

Whetherused as nutritious snacks or gourmet garnishes, table grapes are making waves for their intense flavours and nutritional value. Michael Dupuis, Quality Assurance and Public Relations Manager at Divine Flavor, shares more on the ultimate growing process and why table grapes are a particularly hot commodity in grocery these days.

Why are table grapes on trend now?

Table grapes have always been a grocery staple, but there are such premium, high-flavour varieties now that everyone wants to try them. And after they do, it’s a game-changer and they want more. With Divine Flavor varieties like Jellyberries, Gummyberries, Sweet Globe and Cotton Candy, consumers are discovering just how delicious table grapes can be. Plus, grapes are healthy fruits with lots of health benefits. They are a good source of fibre, potassium and a range of vitamins and minerals, and filled with antioxidants. Some research has shown grapes can also protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol.

What makes Divine Flavor grapes unique?

We do 25 commercial varieties of grapes. Beyond providing some amazing, GMO-free flavour varieties, as a family-run company we take great care in how we farm, process, and deliver our grapes. First, we rely on organic practices and nutrient-rich, never over-farmed soil. We were the first fairtrade farm in Sonora, Mexico, and we understand that our planet is going through a crisis, so sustainability is at the forefront of our business practices. We have a passion for grape growing and are devoted to hand-selecting only the best bunches to meet industry standards and customer expectations. We also implement some of the best programs when it comes to food safety and traceability.

What’s on the horizon for table grapes?

At Divine Flavor, we’ll be focused on developing varieties with even greater health benefits. Over the next two to three years, we’re looking at producing even healthier plants, with great flavour, exceptional size, and nutritional value.

What can grocers do in promoting table grapes?

Make sure you have cultivated relationships with quality suppliers who can ensure you are getting pristine product to put in front of your customers. Work with suppliers who are well-versed on sustainable growing practices, which can also produce a more flavourful grape.

Product Spotlight

The deliciously sweet and aptly named Cotton Candy Grapes from Divine Flavor’s Cotton Candy season in Mexico is from April to July, these green, seedless specialty grapes make an excellent appetizer with a drop of cream cheese and chopped walnuts. Or cover them in dark chocolate and freeze for a delectable and healthier dessert.

The mighty table grape

A Sweet Pear For A Sweet Pear For Every Taste Every Taste

Comice

Bartlett

Starkrimson

Red & Green Anjou

A.C. Nespar

Packed with phytonutrients, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, kiwifruit has a unique texture and refreshing flavor. Because Nespar doesn't use animal or synthetic hormones, these emerald delights will naturally ripen in your kitchen. Don't settle for anything less; choose Nespar every time.

nespar.gr Booth #1441

Bandall America

Bandall America, in collaboration with Helix Impressions has introduced a recyclable banding paper. Our new banding paper is the most sustainable and reliable labeling option in todays market. Its fully re-pulpable and now readily accessible with short lead times for our customers.

bandall.ca Booth #1908

Cascades

Cascades is proud to offer an alternative to produce packaging that is difficult to recycle. This new sturdy basket is made of recycled and recyclable corrugated cardboard. cascades.com/en Booth #631

CKF, Inc.

The CKF EC 652 checks all the boxes. Matches industry standard top seal tooling, fits 6 down, 2 high in standard master cases and meets or exceeds standard automation speeds. Meet your ESG metrics with our certified home compostable, recyclable and FSC certified package. ckfinc.com Booth #1929

Cascades

The unique recyclable packaging solution for produce made from 100% recycled fibres. The thermoformed cardboard food tray is offered in five sizes and three different moisture barriers. It allows your produce to be preserved in optimal conditions. cascades.com/en Booth #631

CMI Orchards

CMI’s award-winning Relax! program is the perfect tool for retailers to show their customers they are equally committed to making the best product and packaging decisions for the planet with concise messaging and authentic sustainability claims to resonate with customers on an emotional, practical level. cmirelax.com Booth #1922

Del Fresco Produce Ltd.

Heirloom Tomatoes redefine variety. The “collector’s edition” of the tomato family stays true to its name. Add a little classical taste to your everyday recipes with DelFrescoPure® Heirloom Tomatoes. delfrescopure.com Booth # 839

Del Fresco Produce Ltd.

Organic Mini Cucumbers are a candy bar sized cucumber. Our Organic Mini Cucumbers are rich in texture and despite their size, pack a big crunch. delfrescopure.com Booth # 839

Big Marble Farms Inc.

Big Marble Farms is excited to announce the addition of Alberta grown winter peppers to their 365 product offerings. This 2 count bag of premium XL size peppers is the perfect compliment to any hearty Canadian winter feast. Look for them in stores winter 2023/24.

bigmarble.ca Booth #1229

Canadawide Fruits

Our Frescadel organic line has grown and grown! From exotic to local produce, the sunshine brand is proud to offer the widest variety of organic produce. Our new look is clean and natural, yet colourful and vibrant; the perfect combination to brighten your day! frescadel.com Booth #429

Chelan Fresh

Joyfully Grown™ is a multi-layered fabric woven from the joy of early morning sunrises over the orchards, joy in developing the next generation of talent, joy in the harvest. Joyfully Grown™ represents who we are, we hope you experience that same joy with every bite. joyfullygrown.com Booth #1713

Crawford Packaging

GrowPack Net Trays by Crawford

Packaging are the newest innovative fresh produce tray on the market. Using 50% less plastic, the unique mesh design provides reduced waste, easy washing, and is 100% recyclable. They are compatible with top seal machines and flow wrap machines. crawfordpackaging.com Booth #131

Cultures Gen V

Dole Food Company

Healthy has never tasted so good. Healthy ingredients, flavors, and textures deliver Dole’s craveable, cultural, and familiar-with-a-twist experience in every bite! Introducing Everything Caesar, Crunchy Taco, Chophouse Crunch, and Hibachi Miso Chopped Kits.

dole.com Booth # 921

Church Brothers Farms

Little Gems are a cross between Butter and Romaine lettuces and this hybrid variety offers a distinctive, crunchy sweet flavor with a unique buttery texture. Each Little Gem provides consistently shaped, crisp leaves throughout the four heads in this pack churchbrothers.com Booth #1000

We are Generation V, bringing you vibrant ways to eat fresh, honoring sustainability for our planet and respect for our community. We are the vision of a new generation, serving up vitality in every crunchy vegetable and verdant green. Gen V, true to your values. gen-v.com Booth #1311

EarthFresh

Convenient, fresh, and tasty! Cook Fast. Fresh. Gourmet™ right in the grill/ oven tray or the microwave steam bag for a fast, healthy, mess-free side dish. Our variety of fresh baby potatoes, brussel sprouts and carrots are made with gourmet sauce, made with clean ingredients.

earthfreshfoods.com Booth # 820

EXPERIENCE A CLOSER LOOK at r GREENHOUSE GROWN ORGANICS

First Genesis (Sunflower)

Our GenesisHDR2 is a high-clarity HDPE film substrate suitable for produce packaging. It is a recycled #2 monomaterial that is completely recyclable and a sustainable plastic. It aligns with the CGF Golden Design Rules and is Preapproved by How2Recycle for Store Drop-Off and Optimal Recyclability. sunflowerpkg.com Booth #1727

Fresh Advancements

We know it’s hard enough to get main meals on the table — side dishes shouldn’t be a struggle too. Enter Harvest Bowls. We’re a vegetableloving, make-your-life easier kind of product, chef-crafted kits, one pan, prepped & perfectly-portioned veggies, and sauce to make that perfect side. Each kit is a side dish for two or a meal for one.

myfreshplate.com Booth #301

Fresh Del Monte Produce (Canada), Inc

The first of its kind – a convenient and delicious veggie side kit that is meant to be cooked in the air fryer. These seasoned veggies are THE perfect solution for easy, in-home meal options that are healthy and air-frying good! Available in three flavors. freshdelmonte.com Booth #601

Ippolito Fruit & Produce Ltd.

Ready to eat Salad Kits featuring classic varieties such as Caesar and Southwest with more options to come.

ippolitoproduce.com Booth #1026

Maglio Produce

Check out our Cheeks - Maglio does all the hard work:

1) We Ripen to Stage 4

2) We Peel

3) We Pit

4) Vacuum Seal

5) Proprietary process

This will give you 45 days of shelf life in a fantastic convenient package. maglioproduce.com Booth #640

Mastronardi Produce WELCOME TO A NEW GREEN ERA. Where premium crafted blends are grown without human interaction in earth-friendly greenhouses, where people have faith in the safety and quality of their greens, and where just-picked flavor and freshness is a certainty. Organic offerings now available.

sunsetgrown.com Booth #1021

Mucci Farms

Les Serres Sagami Inc. (Savoura/Savoura Bio)

Cherry tomatoes on the vine, tender, juicy and sweet. Can be eaten like candy! The freshness emanates from the stems of these small tomatoes, always crunchy and tasty. Exclusive variety to SAVOURA. savoura.com Booth #1206

Litehouse, Inc.

Garlic + Ranch = A Perfect, Creamy Combo! Our NEW Garlic Ranch Dressing is exclusively available in a large squeeze container, so you’ll have this delicious dressing at the ready for countless meals to come.

litehousefoods.com/ca Booth #1001

Mastronardi Produce

Things just got a whole lot sweeter. Re-designed with convenience in mind, our new Angel Sweet® snacking cup is sealed full of fresh, sweet flavor. Derived from the world’s sweetest grape tomatoes and ripened on the vine in our pristine greenhouses. sunsetgrown.com Booth #1021

Your quick and healthy fix! Mucci Farms’ Fresh Mix offers convenience for any situation. Whether you need a quick snack or you’re looking to entertain party guests, Fresh Mix offers versatility and an assortment of veggies topped up with sustainable packaging, and stackable snacking formats!

muccifarms.com Booth #621

Mucci Farms

Now available in a RESEAL format, this innovative solution reduces plastic on common footprint containers to convert them into 100% sustainable packages. Award-Winning Paper Top Seal replaces the flexible lidding with a paper lid, allowing both the PET tray and lid to be fully recyclable!

muccifarms.com Booth #621

Mastronardi Produce

Naturally seedless? You read that right! These sweeter-than-sweet mini peppers are a unique variety that have no seeds (without GMOs), making them super easy and convenient to cook with or snack on - no prep required! They’re sure to be a family favorite. sunsetgrown.com Booth #1021

Loop Mission

Great Lakes Greenhouses

Great Lakes Greenhouses celebrating 40 years of farming and as a family-owned farm, we understand the need for convenient and healthy snack options. GLG offers a variety of pack styles and sizes to support any program.

greatlakesg.com Booth #211

Get a sharper mind & clearer focus with Brain Fuel! Our cold-pressed shot is made of natural plants, roots and mushrooms. No sugar or preservatives - only rescued pineapple juice for a guilt-free energy boost you can feel great about.

loopmission.com Booth #1924

Mastronardi Produce

Small in size but bursting with deliciously sweet flavor, these conveniently portioned blueberries are perfect for lunch boxes or on-the-go.

sunsetgrown.com Booth #1021

Mucci Farms

Indulge your culinary spirit with this premium strawberry tomato! Kept on-the-vine for maximum flavor and freshness, this picture-perfect variety will inspire food lovers and at-home chefs that love to entertain. Sweet like a strawberry, savory like a tomato…a true foodies’ delight!

muccifarms.com Booth #621

Mucci Farms

Pushing the boundaries of sustainability with Netpac! This all-new container is made from PP Mono material using 50% less plastic with a 40% reduction in weight from standard PET. 100% recyclable, suitable for direct food contact, and available in standard top seal formats!

muccifarms.com Booth #621

Nature Fresh Farms

The Cooking Cucumber! The Wokcue, which is intended to be cooked and withstand heat, boasts a mild, earthy flavor, and has a drier seed cavity compared to that of a Long English Cucumber, allowing it to retain its firm bite, shape, and crunchiness during cooking.

Naturefresh.ca Booth #1320

Nature Fresh Farms

A two-bite, deep purple tomato that is full of flavor and ideal for tomato enthusiasts. With an intensity and range of flavor from savory to fresh and a hint of plum-like sweetness the Yoom® is a flavor experience.

Naturefresh.ca Booth #1320

Nature Fresh Farms

Coming this Fall! 45 acres of Organic Strawberries, allowing for uninterrupted Organic Strawberry supply from October - July bringing a fresher, better quality Organic Strawberry to market. Greenhouse grown for superior flavor and appearance, Nature Fresh Farms Organic Strawberries are irresistibly fragrant and deliciously sweet. Naturefresh.ca Booth #1320

Nature Fresh Farms

A fun, flavorful alternative to sugary snacks, Nature Fresh Farms Snack SuppliesTM grab-and-go bags (4oz Medley Tomatoes, Tiny Cocktail Cucumbers or Mini Sweet Peppers) include stickers, plus a kid-friendly game; while the 1.5lb options (Medley & Red Grape Tomatoes) are portionable for the week’s lunches.

Naturefresh.ca Booth #1320

Naturipe Farms LLC

Boost Bentos are perfect for readyto-eat snacking that nourishes and satisfies with protein, fiber, and Vitamin C, anytime and anywhere. Indulgent and nutritious sweet treats, Bliss Bentos are big on flavor and fun to satisfy your customer’s sweet tooth! naturipefarms.com/naturipesnacks/ Booth #1201

naturSource inc.

Smokey Praline Snack

Mix 500g- A sweet and savoury snack mix of smokey and sweet praline almonds, salted pretzels, creamy cashews and crunchy oven-baked pumpkin seeds. Made in a peanut-free facility, kosher and halal certified. natursouce.com Booth #1738

Oppy

Easy-to-peel and flavorful, one clove of Spanish garlic has double the potency of garlic produced in other countries. Conventional crop available year-round. Nestled in the rich hillsides of Peru, our organic ginger is renowned for its premium taste, color, high oil/fiber content, and year-round availability. oppy.com Booth #1220

Saladexpress Inc.

Florette microwavable cooking kits combine special cut fresh vegetables and a distinctive seasoned butter pat, crafted to reach the very taste of perfection. It's never been easier to have side dish veggies stealing the show. Ready in as little as 3 to 4 minutes!

florette.ca/en Booth #1215

Saladexpress Inc.

Panera Dressings

Panera Salad Dressings debuts a new look! While maintaining it’s signature glass 12 fl oz bottle, the new packaging showcases a square shape with a 4 sided label and a shorter profile. paneraathome.com Booth #1822

Ocean Mist Farms

Ocean Mist Farms’ Value-Added product line is a variety of retail-ready packs offering nutritious shelf-ready options that are microwaveable and convenient. Bilingual packaging is available. All product is grown and processed in-house, guaranteeing our Gold Standard Quality! contactus@ oceanmist.com for more information. oceanmist.com Booth #628

Omnia

Packaging Inc.

Mustang Paper Trays are innovative top sealable trays for fresh produce, without any glue added. Pack your berries, snack tomatoes, mushrooms, dates, mini cucumbers in sturdy, recyclable and printable trays. Compatible with existing top sealing equipment. Omnia Packaging : exclusive producer and distributor for Canada omniapackaging.ca Booth #246

Pure Flavor

A melon for every meal, the exotic flavors of alonna™ Canary Melons meld effortlessly with fine cheeses, cured meats, mixed berries and honey. With its lunar-like glow & silky texture, the quality & consistency of availability of a greenhouse grown alonna™ Melon ensures consumers have a flavorful & continuous supply regardless of the season. pure-flavor.com Booth #905

Reunion Foods Inc.

Dairy-free, nut-free and worry-free. This Nacho queso will take your tastebuds on vacation. Filled with hints of jalapeno, red bell pepper, and cumin, this creamy queso checks all of our boxes. If you are looking for a celebration in a jar, this is it motherraw.ca Booth #1914

Partnering up with Gusta Foods, the #1 selling plant-based food in the produce aisle, Florette is proud to introduce the first single-serve salad kits, packed with a minimum of 19g of plant-based protein per container. Our all-vegan take on the Caesar salad awaits and more. florette.ca/en Booth #1215

Sambrailo

Packaging

Our 8 oz and 4 oz ReadyCycle® is 100% recyclable with a compostable film window. Ideal for gourmet mushrooms, berries, tomatoes, and so much more. Made without wax, no PFAS, home compostable, and 100% recyclable in the corrugated recycle stream. readycyclepackaging.com

Booth #1709

Star Produce/The Star Group

The Star Group has partnered with CTK Bioplastics Canada to bring biodegradable plastic alternatives to the produce industry. These packaging materials, made in part from waste by-products, will break down in virtually any environment, leaving behind zero microplastics. thestargroup.ca Booth #329

Sweet Seasons

Sweet Seasons presents: “Exotic Gems Lychee”, with the new breathable standing pouch, designed to keep your lychee fresh and delicious. Each pouch contains 1 lb of hand-selected, juicy lychee.

sweetseasons.com Booth #1823

Taylor Farms

Our Organic Baby Red Butter is delightfully tender and a beautiful deep purple and green, these pre-washed baby red butter lettuce leaves make a delicious foundation for a gourmet salad. Our Peel + Reseal lidding film uses 27% less plastic than previous rigid lid package. earthboundfarm.com Booth #639

Taylor Farms

Get the taste of piping hot Mexican-style Street Corn with our new Mexican Street Corn Chopped Kit. Green Goddess salads are a fan favorite thanks to the fresh, creamy dressing, where our vegan Green Goddess Chopped Kit provides just that. Available June 2023

taylorfarms.com Booth #639

Taylor Farms

Skip the prep and open a package of pre-washed fresh vegetables, ready for cooking, roasting, dipping, or whatever your culinary heart desires.

Our Taylor Farms Vegetable Blends are a classic with the same great flavor and nutritional value as the rest of our products.

taylorfarms.com Booth #639

Tempo Flexible Packaging

For years, Tempo Flexible Packaging has been a leader in the Canadian produce market for modified atmosphere packaging. We have taken our packaging technology to the next level and developed TimeFreshTM , an entire series of bags, pouches, and films with custom tailored permeability rates. tempoflexiblepackaging.com

Booth #101

The Honest Potato Company

The Honest Potato doesn’t just provide the best potatoes possible – we do it in a way that embraces regenerative agriculture, reduces food waste, encourages biodiversity and so much more. Our potatoes not only reduce our carbon footprint – hopefully, they’ll inspire others to do the same. downeyfarms.ca/home Booth #321

The Little Potato Company

The Little Potato Company unveils a new brand look and feel, reflecting its commitment to providing busy families with quick and easy meal solutions so they have more time for what matters most. littlepotatoes.com Booth #401

Thomas Fresh

Thomas Fresh attracts buyers who greatly value consumer expectations. We optimise your sales in the fresh potato category. Available in 5 pound formats for red, yellow, and russet potatoes, Thomas Fresh meets demand for paper packaging launching a New line of 100% Compostable Paper Packaging. thomasfresh.com Booth #1521

Thomas Fresh

Thomas Fresh hot peppers are gaining in popularity! Discover Chillies, garlic, ginger and pantry essentials like Tricolour onions packed in Eco-friendly materials. Boost and update store displays with winning combinations of Thomas Fresh repacked vegetables. We understand the future of grocery retail. thomasfresh.com Booth #1521

Trinity Fruit Company

Squeezed Juice is all natural, no water or sugar added, not from concentrate, and fresh-pressed. Our product line includes 11oz and 32oz 100% pomegranate and 100% mandarin juice. New to our line, we will be adding 3 11oz functional juices- focus, power, and immunity.

squeezedjuice.com Booth #1917

Volm Companies Inc

Volm’s HiC2 Pouch bags replace current PET film. Lamination to HDPE or LDPE film creates a fully recyclable single film structure laminated pouch bag. Can have “recyclable” printed on the packaging, as well as the #2 recycle code. Store drop-off options may be available. volmcompanies.com/products/ flexible-packaging/hic2-mdorecyclable-pouches Booth #939

Westmoreland Sales

Mini cucumbers that are treated with Apeel’s edipeel solution are a great way to maintain a crunchy, fresh taste that removes the need for plastic packaging. Westmoreland has introduced the plastic free English cucumber and now has a mini cucumber that maintains package free freshness. toplinefarms.com Booth #709

Westmoreland Sales

The ideal set of tomatoes for all tomato lovers! Perfect for anytime snacking and great for kids. Beyond Sweet® Premium Grape Tomatoes, Blossoms® Premium Cherry Tomatoes, Top Mix® Premium Medley Tomatoes toplinefarms.com Booth #709

Windset

Windset Farms®

Tri-coloured

CAMEO® Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine are picked at full colour and packed on the vine for optimum flavour and freshness. These beautiful and sweet tomatoes are just the right size for salads or snacking!

greenhousegrown.com Booth #1621

Windset Farms

Windset Farms® extensive Organics

Line includes all your favourites; Organic Tomatoes on the Vine, Roma Tomatoes, Campari Tomatoes, Grape Tomatoes, Medley Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Mini Sweet Peppers, and Mini Cucumbers.

greenhousegrown.com Booth #1621

Windset Farms

YOOM® Cocktail

Tomatoes on the Vine are a chef’s dream, adding a unique twist to any dish! The colour of black pearl on the outside, with a deep scarlet colour on the inside, these tomatoes possess a savoury umami flavour with every bite.

greenhousegrown.com Booth #1621

Wonderful Pistachios & Almonds

Add a dash of excitement to your snackin’ routine with Sea Salt & Pepper

Wonderful Pistachios No Shells. Bold sea salt and spicy black pepper combine to give a little kick to the nutty goodness of the pistachios. Ditch the crackin’ and get snackin’. wonderfulpistachios.com

Booth #1411

canned tomatoes

Great taste plus love of Italian cuisine elevates premium tomato products

With home-cooking having increased exponentially in the last few years, consumers are looking for ways to elevate their standard fare with great-tasting ingredients. Premium canned tomatoes offer an easy way to improve flavour in everything from stews and sauces to pizza and pasta —and they’re available year-round. Here’s why consumers are looking to premium tastes for their canned tomatoes.

Authentic Italian gaining favour

Italian-inspired cooking continues its popularity, with a preference for high-quality ingredients and canned tomatoes are no exception. The research shows that consumers perceive made-in-Italy products as being of better quality and craftmanship, and are willing to pay a premium for it. A recent Nielsen survey showed that authentic Italian products registered a major growth across several categories including pasta, charcuterie, canned tomatoes and sauces.

Indulging at home

One of the notable trends to come out of Covid-19 was the shift to cooking at home – a trend that is sticking with post-pandemic consumers. “The cooking-at-home trend will certainly continue but with a twist as inflation is forcing many to get creative with their meals,” says Laura Dal Bo, Director, Marketing, Communications & Import Brands at Italpasta Ltd., the exclusive importer of Mutti tomato products. “Many

are looking to make economical meals feel more special with the addition of indulgent ingredients.”

Organic range

Hand in hand with the shift to cooking at home, came a heightened awareness of the impact of food on overall health and wellness. According to Statista, Canadian consumers’ preference for organic and natural products has changed following the pandemic with “1/3 of adult consumers purchasing more organic and natural foods now than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic.”

And with over 66% of consumers choosing organic because “organic food is better for a healthy environment”, you can expect to see post-pandemic shoppers prioritizing organic options when possible.

Fresh-tasting tomatoes year-round

Consumers are discovering that a good canned tomato can be used in a variety of ways and is often more flavourful than fresh in winter months. With good manufacturing practices, tomatoes are very well preserved by canning as their colour and overall quality remains intact. Given that grocery shoppers like to be inspired with meal ideas, grocers are encouraged to pair premium canned tomatoes with other meal prep ingredients such as meats, pastas and dairy to help increase basket size.

Product Spotlight

Made to offer a clean label of organic farmed tomatoes to Canadians, Mutti introduces Mutti Organic - 100% organic Italian tomatoes canned without need of additives or preservatives. Like all Mutti products, 100% Italian tomatoes are processed at peak ripeness and packed within 24 hours of being picked to ensure a fresh taste.

By Shellee Fitzgerald • Photography by Lucas Finlay

WALK THROUGH the doors of Save-OnFoods’ new flagship in Coquitlam, B.C. and you’re immediately confronted with the fact this is no ordinary grocery store.

Instead of the usual abundant displays of seasonal produce and leafy greens, the first thing that greets you at SaveOn-Foods’ Sunwood Square location is a large, colourful Cake Shop. On offer is a dizzying array of sweet treats—decadent cakes, cupcakes, slices, tarts, macarons and pies, which are all beautifully presented in a manner to rival that of any fine European patisserie.

Buzzing around behind the counter on this Friday morning are half a dozen team members bedecked in pastel shirts serving customers and preparing orders. Store manager Ralph Peragine says on weekends there are long lineups of customers eager to get their hands on the department’s sweet concoctions, and demand for custom orders has grown to upwards of 80 per week as word has spread about the offerings of the Cake Shop, thanks to a little help from social media.

“We were challenged by Darrell [Jones, president of Pattison Food Group (PFG) and Save-On-Foods] to make a statement, so we went out and sourced some equipment and looked at different cases and found this one, which definitely makes a statement,” explains John Paisley, general manager, merchandising deli/bakery at PFG , when asked about the decision to make the cake centre so prominent. “And it’s been a resounding success.” In fact, the entire store has been a hit, says Paisley, adding that since its opening in September, it has been pulling in customers from beyond the local community. “It’s a destination, and that’s what we were going for.”

Beyond the striking Cake Shop, there are plenty of other features packed within

SOMETHING SPECIAL

up a one-of-a-kind food experience

This summer we’re being bold and asking consumers to imagine a summer without us.

In markeT date: April 10

Summer Starts at Heinz.ca

the 56,000-sq.-ft. store to woo shoppers from near and far, and freshly prepared food is at the forefront of the effort. Within the Sunwood location, for instance, is a restaurant where customers can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner—all served up from the store’s state-of-the-art kitchen. The options seem endless—fried and rotisserie chicken, a roast carvery (porchetta and roast beef daily), sandwiches, a grilled cheese station, hand-stretched Napoli pizza with six varieties on offer, and fresh bowls (rice, noodle, or salad based). “We also have an à la carte kitchen where we make [smash] burgers to order, pastas to order, Thai green curry to order and a full breakfast menu in the morning, it’s quite popular,” says the store’s chef Travis Fehr, adding, “all of these programs are new to the company.”

In addition, there’s a wide variety of graband-go HMR options.

If thirsty, there’s also a beer and wine station adjacent to the kitchen where customers can choose from a selection of local craft beers and B.C. wines to enjoy with their meal.

Wander further into the store and you encounter more wines, this time housed in a robust department conveniently located beside the store’s meat department. Called Wines of BC, the “shop” is the first to open brand new within a Save-On-Foods, says Peragine, explaining that other wine stores in the chain have been renovated in. The result is a large, carefully planned department boasting some 1,500 B.C. wines, many from the province’s Okanagan region and there’s even a Save-On-Foods exclusive label

called “The Executive,” created by One Faith Vineyards. Digital signage in the department (and in all the store’s other departments, too) helps with education and promotion, and space has been made to accommodate wine tastings and more.

Other unique offers at the store include the Cheese Shop, (handily positioned near the charcuterie counter) that offers something in the range of 300 product lines including many local options as well as popular imports. To emphasize freshness and less reliance on pre-packaged product, most of the cheese displayed in the island is cut and shred by the in-house cheesemonger including the giant wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano. The latter has proven so popular with customers that the store goes through one wheel of the Italian cheese each week.

With its fresh marketplace look, store manager Ralph Peragine (top left) says the new Sunwood flagship is an “exciting” place to shop

S ME L V ZZ EX ELLE E EW ow in luminum apsules

Clever merchandising is on display in the Sweet Shop where the focal point is a popcorn station, which pumps out flavours like Flamin’ Hot and Maple Bacon (along with more traditional favourites) to entice customers. All the store’s confectionery is located in the shop, rather than in the centre aisles, and colourful bulk bins are filled with seasonal sweets, which on this morning includes chocolate hearts, Hershey’s Kisses and gummy lips for Valentine’s Day.

To further add to the marketplace feel of the store, there’s a fresh-pressed juice bar in the produce department, serving up healthy beverages. Meanwhile, the seafood department boasts an oyster bar and customers can have their fresh lobsters steamed while they wait.

With health and wellness becoming a bigger opportunity for grocers, SaveOn-Foods has made it a focus at its new flagship. With a store-within-a-store feel, the health and wellness department has a pharmacy, along with cosmetics and wellness sections. There’s even a consultation room with a waiting area. “We’re getting to a spot where we’re going to have a [health] clinic,” says Peragine. “We’re going to get into that soon, we’re not there yet, but we’ve got it ready for when it happens.”

Another big first for Save-On-Foods is the integration of an automated online ordering centre into the Sunwood flagship. The 16,000-sq.-ft. fulfilment centre is tucked away at the back of the store— completely out of sight of shoppers—and on the morning of Canadian Grocer ’s visit, staff was fine-tuning the operations ahead of a planned soft launch in February. When fully operational, Save-On expects to fulfill more than 500 orders a day from the facility, all delivered from the company’s fleet of vans. Peragine says the automated centre will fulfill orders not only from Sunwood, but other Save-On locations and open up new areas for the business. “To get new stores in Vancouver is tough, so we’re going to really get into those new areas through e-commerce.”

Save-On-Foods has been on a growth spurt, opening 40 new stores in the last five years (bringing its store count to 186). When it opened, the company billed the Sunwood flagship as the “future of SaveOn-Foods.” “We hit it really hard with the fresh here, and it’s like a marketplace,” says Peragine. “Coming in here there’s excitement, there’s a really good vibe.” CG

An in-store restaurant, a sweet shop, an urban garden and a seafood department are among the features of the new Sunwood store in Coquitlam, B.C.

Call for nominations!

Canada’s grocery industry is filled with examples of companies making a positive impact whether it is improving the planet, supporting employees or helping local communities.

Canadian Grocer is now accepting nominations for the 2023 Impact Awards to recognize the initiatives introduced by retailers, suppliers and solution providers that are making a meaningful difference in four categories:

• Sustainability (food waste, ethical sourcing, energy efficiency initiatives etc.)

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Supporting Employees

• Community Service/Local Impact/Giving Back

Tell us about the amazing work being done at your company! Winners will be featured in the August issue of Canadian Grocer

PRODUCE

AS IF MULTIPLE YEARS of a global pandemic weren’t enough to throw grocers off track, last year’s extreme weather conditions and burgeoning recession have contributed to particularly taxing times in the grocery sector, especially in fresh foods. But, as our fourth-annual Canadian Grocer Produce Operations Survey reveals, produce sales continue to stabilize and grocers are optimistic about being able to meet the needs of Canadian grocery shoppers—even with ongoing supply chain issues.

In asking grocers across the country about what’s happening in their produce departments, the consensus was clear: even as

By Rosalind Stefanac

consumers become more and more cost-conscious, produce is still an essential part of grocery baskets. The question now is how to meet expectations going forward while keeping produce departments profitable.

STABILIZING SALES & CHANGING BEHAVIOURS

The majority (80%) of survey respondents said produce sales over the last six months had increased or stayed the same— with even more (87%) expecting this trend to continue for 2023. “We’re actually seeing growth in our produce department in

SHOPPER RESPONSES TO RISING

Shoppers are buying more discounted items or items on promotion

Shoppers are switching to less expensive produce items

Shoppers are buying less produce, overall Have observed no changes in shopper purchasing behaviour

Other

Our fourth-annual Produce Operations Survey points to brighter days, even with supply chain challenges

PRICES

A fresh perspective on

As a result of rising food prices, what shopper behaviours have you observed in the produce department?

all our locations now,” says Giancarlo Trimarchi, president of Vince’s Market, which has four stores in Ontario. Though high produce prices were very challenging on margins in the past year, he says his team has taken advantage of a reset in price and an increase in supply in early 2023 and passed that onto customers. “When the markets go down, we’re often the first to react to become the most price competitive and it’s working for us,” says Trimarchi. “We are using fresh very much in our promotional materials now to drive customer engagement, while still maintaining a respectable margin.”

Rising food prices have certainly affected shopping habits in produce, said survey respondents, with 47% noting that shoppers are buying more discounted or promotional items, with 35% saying shoppers are switching to less expensive produce options. This aligns with a recent survey from the Ontario Produce Marketing Association (OPMA) released in March 2023 that showed almost 60% of consumers are concerned about price increases for fresh fruits and vegetables, with 45% buying more produce when on sale and 42% shopping at more stores to get the best price. Even with inflationary pressures, respondents in both surveys noted that consumers still prefer to buy local produce. In Canadian Grocer’s survey, 94% of grocers said sales of local produce items had increased or stayed the same compared to the year prior, while more than one third also noted an increase in sales of specialty items and 29% reported increases in organic fruits and vegetables.

Rick Stein, vice-president of fresh foods at The Food Industry Association (FMI), says consumer behaviour is also shifting when it comes to the size of purchases to mitigate food waste. “Spending a couple of years at home watching how much they were throwing away from overbuying has changed the consumer’s psyche … so even though there’s better value in buying more, value is playing less importance than waste.”

Stein says consumers will still pay a premium for pre-cut, prewashed produce, too. “You can buy fruit and vegetables cheaper individually versus pre-cut, but consumers continue to vote for convenience,” he says. In fact, FMI’s Power of Produce 2023 report shows that 68% of shoppers would like their stores to carry a bigger selection of ready-to-eat or cook, precut/washed fruits and vegetables.

At Sunripe Freshmarket in Ontario, “the value-added part of produce is really exploding,” says founder and owner Will Willemsen. “We do our own guacamole, salsas and spiced, mixed vegetables and we’ve really expanded the category to be a huge

Produce operations survey

part of produce,” he says, noting that grocery shoppers prefer foods they can grab and eat or pop in the oven at home. “They don’t want to do the work and they don’t want to waste stuff in the fridge, so they’ll buy a package they can eat in a day or two even though it costs more.” One Canadian Grocer survey respondent also noted that making smaller packages of produce items has been “a great option for seniors in the store.”

SUPPLY CHAIN STRUGGLES

It’s no surprise, perhaps, that supply chain issues topped the list of the most serious challenges facing the produce department among our survey respondents. North America continues to experience higher logistical costs compared with other areas, with unpredictable weather patterns putting even more pressure on supply chains and the retailers who rely on them. “We’re hoping this summer will provide some relief and we’ll get back to normal, but Mother Nature is a big one that we’re still struggling with,” says Shawn Jacks, senior director, fresh at Calgary Co-op. “Everyone is looking to greenhouses and vertical farms for support, but the issue right now is that they can’t grow as fast as we need them to support our businesses.”

While weather has had an impact on produce since the beginning of time, Stein says the amount of energy FMI members are consuming trying to figure out how to secure a good supply chain is becoming more and more problematic. He says longterm solutions will rely on technology to better protect supply chains in the future. “I think the innovations are going to be in the growing, shipping and packaging to extend produce life,” he says, also noting the importance of partnerships to bridge gaps during weather-related issues. Stein advises grocers to cultivate a group of suppliers “you can count on to create longer-term contracts and work out pricing issues well in advance so the supply chain isn’t disrupted.”

More than half (51%) of our survey respondents said they have expanded their network of produce suppliers as a result of supply chain challenges. Aaron Usher, produce category manager at Georgia Main Food Group, which operates the IGA and Fresh St. Market grocery chains in British Columbia, says strengthening relationships with local vendors ensures that when there is a pinch on products, suppliers will keep coming through for them. “We go out to local farms and meet with startup companies … and it’s about taking the time to work with them so when they bring products to market, we’re the first to get them,” says Usher.

Having two banners also means he can trial products from new

Produce operations survey

suppliers. “If we bring something to market and the relationship builds and the supply chain gets going really well, we can open it up to the rest of our workforce,” he says. “We’re now working with a vertical farm just starting up that has the potential to have yearround packaged salad, which would be fantastic as we wouldn’t have to be at the mercy of what’s going on in the States.”

TACKLING WASTE, SUSTAINABILITY AND STAFFING

Along with the supply chain issues plaguing survey respondents were concerns around food waste and shrinkage. More than half

of those surveyed said they were donating to food banks and more than one third have partnered with food rescue services. Using produce in fresh-cut programs and prepared foods were other popular tactics for minimizing food waste. One survey respondent noted that they offer produce to staff when they can’t donate it right away.

PRODUCE DEPARTMENT CHALLENGES

Traceability (point of origin)

Price perception of fresh produce

Competition from other supermarkets

Competition from online retailers

* Competition from other channels

Not enough staff

Employee training

Erratic weather

Wholesale prices

** Produce department overhead

In terms of shrinkage, 23% said they are using technology to better forecast and reduce surplus. Ron Lemaire, president of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) also points to the importance of educating produce staff to ensure Energy-efficient

a scale of “not serious at all” to “extremely serious”, how would you rate the seriousness of the issues facing

there is proper cold chain management in the back of the store to sustain product quality, along with optimal presentation up front. “It comes back to clear training and understanding of product rotation, making sure you are culling and refreshing product regularly to present it in the best possible way,” he says.

Sustainability is also top of mind as consumers revert back to environmental issues that were paramount prior to the pandemic. Almost 68% of grocers surveyed said they planned to implement policies to reduce plastic packaging and waste in the produce department, compared to 54% last year, although 70% of respondents said the use of plastic in this department has stayed the same. Lemaire says all generations are concerned about sustainability, but younger generations, in particular, are looking to fair and ethically traded products, even beyond organic and fairtrade, to ensure conventional products are produced using the appropriate practices.

According to a recent CPMA survey asking consumers to identify who bears the responsibility for driving change in sustainable packaging, the biggest push was on producers and retailers. However, Lemaire points out that change needs to happen across the entire supply chain. In addition to improving recycling channels overall, he says one of the key challenges for the produce sector over the next two years will be in working with producers to develop food-grade recycled materials without driving up costs exorbitantly. “So, we’re not just looking at it in silos, but across the entire spectrum of the system,” he says. In April, CMPA will be launching an online tool for the produce industry and others across the food sector that Lemaire says will “help them navigate how best to develop sustainable packaging and all the steps they need to take.”

Labour shortages in produce departments continue to be a problem, although the number of respondents citing “not enough staff” as a very to extremely serious issue has dropped to 44% from 67% last year. Among survey respondents, 21% have recently invested in produce staff and another 19% plan to do so in the next one to two years.

Trimarchi attributes good retention rates in the produce department at Vince’s Market to management taking sufficient time to properly train and support staff. “Produce is the one department in our store that we never undercut because the nature of the product and its handling has to be right at all times,” he says. “We always make sure our wages in produce are generous, too, because we recognize it can be a profit centre for us.”

Aside from investments in staff, Canadian grocers also noted recent investments in their produce areas. Energy-efficient lighting and chill cases topped the list and more than one quarter of grocers surveyed said they would be investing in mobile merchandisers for the future. More than one third also plan to renovate the total produce department, with 21% having done so recently.

In optimizing their produce departments, grocers will also have a bigger role to play in educating consumers around proper ways to store items to maintain shelf life, says FMI’s Stein. “You have a lot more younger shoppers now who don’t understand all the produce products or what their benefits are and they need more information,” he says.

Technological innovations already in the works—where shoppers will scan codes with their phones for nutrition information and storage tips—will help, but until those are more mainstream, he says it’s up to grocers to help keep shoppers better informed on fresh foods. CG

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Galleria Supermarket CEO Joseph Kim

Galleria GEARS UP

By Shellee Fitzgerald • Photography by Tobi Asmoucha

TO SAY IT’S BEEN a busy time for Joseph Kim would be an understatement. Just over a year ago—amid a pandemic, no less—he became CEO of Galleria Supermarket as well as its wholesale arm, Korea Food Trading (KFT). Kim, who joined the company in 2005, took over from longtime CEO Jeffrey Min who retired.

While Min’s shoes are big ones to fill, Kim is proving he’s up to the task. Not only has he navigated the company through a period of wild unpredictability and supply chain challenges, but he is also overseeing an expansion of the business. Since the beginning of the year, the company has opened a new Galleria Express (the small-format store is the third in its network) in Toronto’s busy Yonge-Eglinton neighbourhood. In February, the company launched its membership-based KFT Cash & Carry warehouse in Vaughan, just north of Toronto. And currently, Galleria is gearing up to open its fourth full-service supermarket near

Toronto’s Yonge and Sheppard area, where it will bring its Korean food offer to a new crop of customers.

Canadian Grocer recently caught up with Kim to talk about growth, building loyalty in tough times and what’s ahead for the specialty grocer. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

A Galleria Express just opened in midtown Toronto—what is the advantage of the Express format?

We were already delivering to the midtown area; however, we wanted to provide a [convenient], faster service by opening this branch. The Express format is really designed to fit the needs of the midtown shoppers—there is a large floating population [of workers, visitors] as well as local residents in the area. The products that we sell in the Express stores are selected through extensive research of the market and the assortment provides a one-stop shopping experience. As we can see by

the foot traffic in our other two Express locations [at Toronto’s Yonge & Wellesley and Bloor West neighbourhoods], this specialized shopping experience has been successful.

Already this year you’ve opened a few locations with a new store coming soon. Are there other stores in the works?

Currently, we are operating three Galleria Supermarkets, three Express stores, one Cash & Carry, and we are getting ready to open another supermarket in April. Our goal is to expand the Galleria brand across Canada. We don’t want to put too much emphasis [right now] on the type of stores we will be opening as consumer trends are ever changing. But whatever the trends, Galleria will strive to meet the needs of consumers whether it is with ready-made products, services or other offerings. We want to continue to provide the best quality and variety of products in a one-stop shopping experience in locations that

The indie supermarket chain has found success delivering a “taste of Korea” to customers in the Greater Toronto Area for nearly two decades. And it’s just getting started

A TASTE OF KOREA

• The first Galleria Supermarket opened in Thornhill, Ont., just north of Toronto, in 2003. When Canadian Grocer spoke to former CEO Jeffrey Min back in 2009, he said his goal with the grocery store was to “transport customers to Korea” through tastes and flavours.

• A third Galleria Express opened in February in Toronto’s Yonge-Eglinton area. The small-footprint location is a one-stopshop for urban customers to grab snacks, meals and more. The company dubs the concept: “K-food market.” Galleria’s Express format debuted in 2017 in the Bloor West area of the city.

• The company’s wholesale arm, Korea Food Trading (KFT), launched KFT Wholesale Cash & Carry in February in Vaughan, Ont. The membership-based warehouse offers 4,000 items (noodles, sauces, snacks, seaweed, kimchee, etc.) from Korea and other Asian countries such as Japan and Vietnam.

• In April, Galleria will add a fourth supermarket to its network, this one in Toronto’s Yonge & Sheppard area. Other supermarkets are in Thornhill, York Mills and Oakville—all in the GTA.

are easily accessible by the public. Our focus will also be on expanding the online shopping, delivery and pickup service so we can meet the shopping needs of our customers in any situation.

Galleria has a unique assortment; how do you ensure you’re carrying the products your customers want? And what are your top specialty products? Galleria’s products focus on the “Taste of Korea.” We aim to provide our Korean consumers with nostalgia by bringing in products from various regions in Korea. It gives them comfort by bringing them back to their childhoods. For the non-Korean consumer, we strive to provide them with an authentic Korean food experience that will spark their interest and satisfy their curiosity. Galleria creates a number of items that are not only nostalgic but also popular including kimchi, Mom’s Chicken (Korean fried chicken), pork bone soup, tofu and our meal kits.

Grocers are seizing on prepared foods as a big opportunity for growth and point of differentiation. Can you tell us about Galleria’s prepared food offer?

The prepared meal/food sector is hot right now. Galleria has been trying to “free” people from the kitchen for 20 years with our prepared foods. Currently, we have about 400 items in our prepared food, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat section. We focus our attention on not only the convenience and taste of these products, but also the nutritional components.

The concept of recreating the “homecooked meal” takes centre stage with our meal kit [the meal-kit menu changes every week and includes family-size dishes for a week]. Consumers are able to taste what a Korean mom’s cooking is like when they order the kit. We are also working on creating a subscription service for the meal kit with lots of customized benefits to appeal to different consumers such as students and seniors.

In these tough economic times we’re experiencing, what’s your strategy for building customer loyalty?

Customer loyalty is the most basic, but also the most difficult thing to achieve. We believe loyalty is built on trust. Thankfully, we have our amazing staff members who help create and build on this base of trust with the customers. At

Galleria, we treat customers like our own family. We make sure we are always looking at every situation from the customer’s point of view and how we can provide them with great products and a wonderful shopping experience. These things are essential in building customer loyalty.

How has Galleria’s customer base grown over the years?

By providing quality Korean products, Galleria has benefited from the boom of the Korean Wave [the global rise in popularity of Korean popular culture]. Alongside this, we’ve implemented a customer-first mentality and through hard work and consistent great service customers have come to know and love our brand. Today, we proudly serve customers of all ages and backgrounds.

Over the years, Galleria has introduced several community service programs; how important is it for the business to give back?

Companies have three main responsibilities they must remember. Responsibility to the customer, responsibility to the employee, and responsibility to the community. At Galleria, we give all three of these responsibilities the utmost importance. We continued to run our Basket of Love, Share the Love and scholarship programs for the community throughout the pandemic. It is our strong desire to grow with the community that surrounds and supports us.

What do you attribute to the company’s success after two decades in business?

It seems basic, but we believe Galleria’s success over the past 20 years comes from a simple change of wording from customer service centre to customer satisfaction centre. This has been the mainstay of our success.

Galleria had a change of leadership last year with longtime company leader Jeffrey Min stepping away. What’s the vision for Galleria going forward?

The methods may change, but the main objective of customer satisfaction will not. Jeffrey may have stepped away, but he is still involved in the company. We made this change for the longevity of our business, and we will continue on the path of realizing our vision utilizing new and fresh strategies. CG

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

THE RESULTS ARE IN!

A survey of 4,000 Canadian consumers, conducted by Kantar, determined the 25 winning products that will carry the 2023 Product of the Year Canada red seal. The program, which operates in more than 45 countries, recognizes “outstanding innovation.”

“The 2023 award winners further demonstrate the everevolving trends we are seeing in the Canadian market, and as a company we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of recognizing these products for top performing function, design, packaging or ingredients,” says Mike Nolan, global CEO of Product of the Year Management.

From personal care and household essentials to plant-based food and beverage brands, here’s a look at the products that came out on top:

Better for You Snacks

Go Pure Soft Baked Oatmeal Bars

BISCUITS LECLERC

Slightly baked with whole grain and rolled oats and naturally sweetened with dates, these bars are certified peanut-free, contain no artificial flavours or synthetic colours and are offered in three flavours: Brownies, Chocolate Chip and Carrot Cake.

Product of the Year

Appetizers

Columbus Charcuterie Tasting Board

HORMEL CANADA LIMITED

Building a charcuterie board has never been so easy. Complete with a “wood grain” tray for presentation, this ready-to-go tasting board includes Italian dry salami, Calabrese salami, white cheddar cheese, La Panzanella multigrain crackers, Castelvetrano olives and dark chocolate covered cranberries.

Bread

Country Harvest

Everything Bread

WONDERBRANDS

Beauty

Garnier Vitamin C

Brightening Serum

L’ORÉAL CANADA

For smooth, radiant looking skin in as little as three days, this serum—concentrated with niacinamide, vitamin C and salicylic acid—is non greasy, certified by CrueltyFree International and packaged in a 100% recyclable glass bottle.

Breakfast Foods

All-Day Breakfast

Mini Quick Cook Hash

Brown Patties

CAVENDISH FARMS

Smaller in size, but not on flavour. These hash browns are specially formulated to be cooked in as little as five minutes in the air fryer, while keeping the brand’s classic crisp texture and potato taste.

Country Harvest has taken the flavours of its classic Everything Bagels and put them into a loaf of sliced bread made with whole grains, the taste of roasted garlic, savoury onion and topped with sesame and poppy seeds.

Cheese

Armstrong

Cheese

Mmmm… Bacon

Natural Shredded Cheese

SAPUTO DAIRY PRODUCTS CANADA

Ideal for omelettes, loaded baked potatoes, casseroles or as a salad topper, this shredded cheese is a blend of pizza mozzarella and cheddar and includes pieces of real bacon.

Chocolate Caramilk

Salted Caramel

MONDELĒZ CANADA

Cadbury’s classic Caramilk bar with its soft-flowing caramel, now has a hint of sea salt. Prepared in Canada and made with 100% sustainably sourced cocoa, Caramilk

Salted Caramel is available in 50-gram and 100-gram bars.

Dips

Renée’s Dips

THE KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY

Prepared in Canada with no artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, these thick, creamy dips are perfect for vegetables, chips or pretzels and come in four flavours: Ranch, Dill, French Onion and Sweet Chili.

Crispy Appetizers

Western Family Tempura Fried Pickle Chips

PATTISON FOOD GROUP

This traditional tempura appetizer is a big dill. Sold in 225-gram boxes, these frozen, crinkle cut dill pickle chips are in a crispy coating with no artificial colours or flavours.

Cheese Snacks

Armstrong Cheese Combos

SAPUTO DAIRY PRODUCTS CANADA

Billed as “twice the snack in just one pack,” Armstrong Cheese Combos include both meat and cheese sticks in two varieties: Mozzarella with Naturally Smoked Salami Sticks, and Marble

Farmer’s and Naturally Smoked Ham Sausage Sticks. The sticks are individually wrapped and contain 90 calories or less.

Enhanced Water

Bai Antioxidant Infusion

KEURIG DR PEPPER CANADA

Containing antioxidants vitamin C or E, and tea leaf extract, these enhanced water beverages contain only 10 calories per bottle, one gram of sugar and naturally sourced sweeteners. Flavours include: Malawi Mango, Kula Watermelon, Ipanema Pomegranate, and Costa Rica Clementine.

Household Paper Products

Mouche Bamboo Facial Tissues

MOUCHE

Mouche Bamboo Facial Tissues are made from FSC-certified bamboo fibre that’s sustainably grown and harvested, and are free from whiteners, bleach, dyes or fragrances. The tissues are three-ply, and the boxes come in neutral colours that will fit with any home or office décor.

Frozen Appetizers –

Cheese Bites

Western Family

Everything Bagel

Bites

PATTISON FOOD GROUP

Western Family

Everything Bagel Bites are balls of real cream cheese with chives in a crispy everything bagel coating. They are free of artificial colours and flavours.

Plant-Based Cheese

Babybel Plant-based

FROMAGERIES BEL CANADA

Babybel—the brand of smooth, creamy cheese rounds—is now available in a certified plant-based option, wrapped in a green wax coating and sold in a pouch made with 100% recyclable paper.

Plant-Based Beverage

Silk Nextmilk

DANONE CANADA

A blend of oats, soy and coconut, Silk Nextmilk is a good source of calcium, a source of vitamin D and has only three grams of sugar per 250-mL serving.

Personal Care & Wellness

Dove Refillable Deodorant

UNILEVER

Each kit contains one reusable deodorant container. The stick deodorant is formulated with 0% aluminum and enriched with Dove’s signature one-quarter moisturizers with glycerin. Each deodorant refill is packed in 96% recycled plastic.

Gluten Free

Oreo Gluten Free MONDELĒZ CANADA

The classic Oreo chocolate cookie made with 100% sustainable cocoa and a smooth crème filling, is now available in a glutenfree option that its makers say does not compromise on taste.

Product of the Year

Soups & Sauces

Cracker Barrel Cheese Sauce Kits

LACTALIS CANADA

A blend of quality shredded cheese and seasoning, Cracker Barrel Cheese Sauce Kits make it easier for consumers to prepare their own cheese sauce by simply combining all the ingredients from the kit with milk and butter. Available in Alfredo, 4 Cheese Italian and MexiQueso. CG

MORE PRODUCT OF THE YEAR WINNERS …

Prepared Foods

Longo’s Tahini Filled

Falafel Bites

LONGO BROTHERS FRUIT MARKET

Snacking Crackers

Crispers Fiery Jalapeño

MONDELĒZ CANADA

Snacks

Chips Ahoy! Mashup

MONDELĒZ CANADA

Sustainable Product

Ziploc Compostable

Sandwich Bags

SC JOHNSON

Appliances

Vida by Paderno 12”

Outdoor Gas Pizza Oven

CANADIAN TIRE

Kitchen & Cookware

KitchenAid Shave Ice

Attachment for KitchenAid

Stand Mixers

WHIRLPOOL CANADA

Mattress

tempur-Align Medium

Mattress

TEMPUR-PEDIC

6-CAN PACK NEW

SLEEMAN CLEAR 2.0 FLAVOUR PACK

Introducing the NEW Sleeman Clear 2.0 Flavour Pack, featuring crisp, light tasting Sleeman Clear 2.0 Lime, NEW Sleeman Clear 2.0 Grapefruit and NEW Sleeman Clear 2.0 Pineapple. With 90 calories and 2 grams of carbs per 355 mL serving, these easy-to-drink light lagers are the perfect pairing for your active lifestyle.

EACH FLAVOUR PAIRS WELL WITH:

LIME: Grilled corn on the cob with chipotles, chili and cumin seasoning

PINEAPPLE: Grilled pork, pineapple, cilantro and red onion salsa served with coconut infused quinoa

GRAPEFRUIT: Rosemary crusted rack of lamb with roasted broccoli florets and crispy garlic smashed potatoes

Aisles

By Matt Semansky

The funcTional cold beverage market has seen explosive growth in the last several years—and the trend shows no sign of stopping. The International Market Analysis Research and Consulting Group ( IMARC Group) reports that global sales in this category reached US$125.4 billion in 2022, and forecasts the market to climb to $205 billion by 2028.

As president of Nourish Food Marketing, Jo-Ann McArthur has been watching the proliferation of functional drinks closely. She says consumers are increasingly looking to beverages to satisfy different need states throughout the day. These include health benefits like improved digestion, immunity, cognitive boosts and better mental health.

“We’re seeing a redefinition of health to include mental health, so cognition and mental energy are becoming a new need state, as well as mood enhancement,” McArthur says. “I think that’s a real shift, to call out not

As Canadians seek a little something extra from their beverages, functional drinks are thriving

just what’s in these drinks, but also how [they’re] going to satisfy this need or enhance your mood and your life.”

According to both McArthur and Robin Langford, product category manager for Ontario grocery chain Goodness Me!, Canadians are seeking sugar-free beverages infused with ingredients such as collagen, zinc, prebiotics and probiotics.

“The benefits to skin and joint health that go along with collagen is a big focus. Some energy drinks also offer ingredients like L-theanine to help balance out the caffeine rush some consumers can experience, and L-theanine is also great for reducing anxiety and heart rate. We’re also seeing beverages with herbs, added hydration or vitamins,” says Langford.

Consumer desires are influencing everything from product formulation to advertising to in-store merchandising. In a North American survey conducted from January 2021 through June 2022, Innova Market Research found that 18% of product launches in the cold beverage category advertised zero-sugar claims, an increase from 6% in 2017. Other findings included a rise from 3% to 9% in new products claiming immunity benefits, and a 2% rise in beverages touting organic certification.

TASTE TEST

Brad McMullen, president and co-owner of Summerhill Market, which operates four stores in Toronto, describes functional beverages as “a trend that’s here to stay, and we want to be a leader in it. For us it’s a new category in the last few years, a growing category and one we’ve put a huge effort behind.”

McMullen says he lists a wide variety of functional beverages and lets his customers decide which ones he’ll go back to as a buyer. He encourages this taste-testing by positioning the grab-and-go beverages in coolers near checkouts and by bundling brands to allow consumers to save more by buying more—addressing a challenge for a premium-priced product in an economic climate of tightening belts.

Among his most popular sellers are brands such as Gldn Hour, a collagen-infused sparkling water; Daydream, which includes hemp extracts and adaptogens, and Cove, a Nova Scotia-based company that entered the market through kombucha and recently launched sugar-free Cove Gut Healthy Sodas.

Cove’s co-founder, John MacLellan,

believes the flavoured sodas, launched in October 2022 at retailers such as Sobeys and Costco, have what it takes to connect with a wider consumer base than the company’s kombucha products have.

“A lot of people knew about kombucha all of a sudden, but it didn’t mean they were buying it, just because of the price point and the taste,” MacLellan says of the drinks, which promise probiotics for gut health and no artificial ingredients. “That’s where we think we’re cracking the code with the soda. It’s got wide, mainstream appeal on taste and similar benefits as kombucha.

“Our big thing is the taste profile, and the belly-boosting benefits are like a subtrend that’s getting more and more popular with connections to mental health and day-to-day energy levels.”

RISE , the Montreal-based better-foryou beverage company behind RISE Kombucha and RISE Botanicals sparkling teas, recently launched a soda alternative called RISE Better Soda that it says is packed with prebiotic fibre to support gut health and has only two to three grams of sugar per can.

RISE president Axel Kalbarczyk says more than 1,000 distinct recipes were crafted before the company went to market with three flavours: Orange, Classic Cola and Lemon-Lime. “At RISE , we believe taste should never be sacrificed for health benefits. We want consumers to have the opportunity to enjoy their favourite beverage, but with added benefits.”

Nicholas Reichenbach, who co-founded Flow Alkaline Spring Water in 2014, agrees taste remains paramount, even as his company aims to introduce a functionality every year and prioritizes characteristics like organic certification, natural sourcing and sustainable packaging.

“We’ve been innovating infusion in our water since 2017,” says Reichenbach. “What our innovation maps onto is our consumer’s journey into wellness,” he says. “So, when we innovate, we do it because we want to improve the taste and the health benefits in a way that our consumer wants it.”

Reichenbach cites an annual survey the company conducts with its global consumers that led to the 2020 launch of Flow’s collagen-infused product line, as well as its latest line of elderberry, cherry and citrus-flavoured waters, which promise a daily dose of immunity-boosting vitamin C and zinc.

THE MOVE TO MAINSTREAM

So who exactly is the functional beverage consumer? According to Reichenbach, the market was initially geared to what he describes as the “yoga person”—consumers who shopped intentionally for natural, healthy and environmentally friendly products.

“It was a large consumer base that no one was really addressing, from both the natural side of the product and the sustainability side.”

To reach those consumers—as well as the burgeoning mainstream market— Flow has launched advertising campaigns featuring celebrities like Shawn Mendes, Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Berry. But Reichenbach says the most important marketing tactic remains the simplest: get the product in the customer’s hands.

“We invest heavily in our retail partners—at least 70% of our budget,” he says. “We sample as much as possible at retail, plus off-shelf programs and flyer activation, and get as many points of distribution as we can within any store.”

MacLellan, meanwhile, believes the market for drinks like his Cove Gut Healthy Soda is primed for even more expansion. He hopes to see his products, which are typically stocked in retailers’ health or natural aisles and coolers, move into the middle aisles where mainstream shoppers can find them. “The goal is to make it a mass product,” he says.

THIRSTY FOR CHANGE

Whether or not functional beverages become mainstream, experts say they will at least resist inflationary pressures. “There’s such an emphasis on optimizing mental and physical performance,” Nourish’s McArthur explains. “I don’t think people are going to be giving these up.”

McArthur also sees “lots of blue ocean” for brands to keep innovating. “I think sleep and relaxation, the idea of a non-alcoholic nightcap, there’s a real gap in the market now,” she says, adding there’s opportunity to expand the category beyond single-serve offerings into larger formats for family-wide consumption and social gatherings. As consumers demand more from their drinks, retailers, brands and market-watchers say one attribute will separate the winners from the losers in the functional beverage arms race.

“Taste is No. 1,” says McArthur. “It can have all the function in the world, but if it doesn’t taste good, you’re dead in the water.”

MEAT MARKET

By Chris Powell

MEAT IS BEARING the brunt of consumer concern over rising grocery costs, particularly after a photo of a $37 pack of chicken breasts went viral earlier this year. The photo was actually of a premium product, but the fact it wasn’t clearly identified as such underscored just how important proper merchandising can be at a time when consumers are increasingly anxious about rising costs.

Michael Young, president of Canada Beef, says winning over customers who are potentially skeptical about rising food prices is a merchandising challenge for both retailers and meat producers.

“Grocery shopping is a chore, but whatever we can do as retailers to make it less of a chore or an enjoyable or even fun process, that’s a success,” adds Dave Meli, director of meat, seafood, and deli with Toronto’s Summerhill Market. “Making the process enjoyable for the consumer is what we strive to do.”

Merchandising can be a key tool in grocers’ arsenals, he adds. “It’s all part of the retail game.” Canadian Grocer spoke with analysts, grocers, marketers and meat processors and asked them for tips on how to merchandise meat. Here’s what they told us.

Grass-Fed Piedmontese Beef from Alberta’s Peony Farms is exclusive to Italian Centre Shop. The beef comes from an Italian cattle breed that first came to Canada in 1980 and is known for its higher lean-to-fat ratio. Italian Centre Shop president Teresa Spinelli says customers are curious about the farmers that provide their beef, so the store uses in-store signage and brochures to tell sto-

That approach also extends to providing information about the local family that butchers the beef, she says. “It’s really about education and telling stories so people understand what makes this beef different,” explains Spinelli.

The Italian Centre Shop complements that approach by ensuring its meat bunkers are always full and the meat itself isn’t squashed or discoloured, she says.

DO SOME PREP WORK

Summerhill Market’s Meli says his store is featuring more meat products for which all the necessary prep work—such as cutting, trimming, marinating, etc.—is done.

Since the beginning of the year, for example, Summerhill has been featuring an oven-ready pork butt that comes pre-seasoned and with easy-to-follow cooking instructions.

Removing the chore of prep work has big appeal for home cooks. “People don’t want to follow 15 steps [to cook it],” he adds. “We’ve basically said, ‘Set your oven temperature to 325 degrees, stick it in for two-and-a-half hours, pull it out and enjoy,’ and people are like ‘Right on!’”

Meli says between 50% to 60% of Summerhill’s fresh meat offerings are already prepared for customers. The store may have one SKU of boneless, skinless chicken breast, for example, and as many as nine SKUs prepared with different marinades.

“There are people who want to cook, and [who] are going to buy a raw piece of meat that they can put all of that effort into,” explains Meli. “We’re trying to say, ‘We’re going to make it as easy as possible and have it prepared [for you].’”

Canada Beef’s Young says his organization is trying to encourage retailers to highlight “value cuts” from parts of the cow such as the hip and shoulder. “A lot of these cuts were quite popular years ago, and for whatever reason they weren’t being offered as much,” says Young. The downside is they can be more difficult for consumers to put together, which is why Canada Beef provides guides on how to prepare these more affordable cuts.

MORE ON-PACK INFO Lu Ann Williams, global insights manager for Innova Market Insights, says featuring nutritional information on packages can be a way to entice health-conscious consumers who may be on the fence when it comes to purchasing meat.

“With so much attention on nutrition and protein in particular, it might surprise consumers to really understand where meat stands versus other choices,” she says.

The concept of redefining value is a leading trend for Innova. “It’s important to understand what the consumer is willing to compromise on and what they won’t,” says Williams. “Labelling might be a way to highlight the nutritional value of meat.”

During Caddle’s 2023 Market Outlook webinar earlier this year, Dalhousie University professor Sylvain Charlebois said it was incumbent on grocers to ensure premium products—like the one that led to public anger earlier this year—are clearly identified on the label. “You may want to rework your labelling strategy as much as possible to showcase the value of your products,” he said.

From better on-pack labels to offering a larger variety of cuts, there are opportunities for grocers to boost meat sales

Low-sugar, organic gummy makers are targeting adults with nostalgic flavours.

Vancouver-based The Yumy Candy Company, which markets the plant-based Yumy Bear brand in Canada, is launching a soda line (cola, orange soda and cream soda flavoured gummies made in the shape of pop bottles) by summer. “We want people to have an emotional response—open the bag, smell the gummies and be brought back to their childhoods when orange and cream soda were favourite drinks,” says Yumy founder and CEO Erica Williams. The brand extension will double Yumy Bear’s shelf space at grocers including Loblaws and Save-On-Foods. The brand launched in 2021 with fruit flavours, peach, strawberry kiwi and sour watermelon.

SmartSweets also “focuses on taking nostalgic favourites and reinventing them in a better-for-you way,” says the company’s Vancouver-based CEO and founder Tara Bosch. Its low-sugar gummies are carried in grocery stores nationwide. “The most popular flavours are Sweet Fish, Peach Rings, Cola Gummies and Gummy Worms.”

Gummies Four things to know

By Chris Daniels

Manufacturers have launched gummies into the exploding health and wellness market, using formulas that fortify nutrients like omega-3 and vitamin C. The U.S. gummy vitamins market was worth US$6.1 billion in 2021 and is estimated to reach $9.4 billion by 2028, according to SkyQuest Technology Consulting.

In April 2022, Richmond, B.C.-based Herbaland Naturals launched Iron Plus, a gummy that purports to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Sales of Iron Plus increased 269% from August to September and is one of the company’s top five bestsellers, says Nicole Gordon, sales lead for Herbaland. That Iron Plus became popular so quickly reflects that consumers look for a specific vitamin or mineral supplement in gummy form, Gordon says.

44% of Canadians have consumed gummies in the past three months, according to Mintel

Toronto grocer

The Big Carrot has added vitamin-fortified gummies to its dispensary.

“Gummies are a bridge between health food consumers and more conventional shoppers who aren’t into tinctures, capsules and other formats,” says Kate McMurray, The Big Carrot’s community engagement manager. “If they think a gummy will taste good and help them feel better, lose weight, reduce pain, sleep sounder and lessen stress, they will try it.”

3 CHEW ON THIS

Canadians love their sweets, especially if they’re chewy—i.e., gummies, which have traditionally been made with gelatin to get their squishy texture. According to a 2022 Mintel report, gummies are the most popular candy format, with 44% of Canadians having gobbled them in the past three months versus hard candy (30%).

Better-for-you confectionery eases consumers’ biggest worry about candy: sugar. Brands are using natural sweeteners such as stevia to market low-sugar options, and have created vegan brands by using agar and pectin instead of gelatin (an animal byproduct) to achieve the candy’s trademark texture.

“[Sugar is] the top reason cited for eating less chocolate and/ or candy compared to last year, followed by wanting to lose weight,” says Joel Gregoire, associate director, food and drink at Mintel. Indeed, its research finds Canadian are eating less candy, not more (26% in 2021 versus 17% in 2022).

While there is a sales opportunity for functional gummies, “candy is not, and likely never will be, regarded as a healthy snack,” cautions Gregoire. He says retailers should not abandon “the benefits that consumers already associate with the space,” and that is to indulge. Nearly all Canadians who eat chocolate and/or candy (92%), according to Mintel, agree “it’s good for one’s mental health to indulge from time to time.”

BEARS: SHUTTERSTOCK/YETI STUDIO, FRUIT GUMMIES: SHUTTERSTOCK/ALEXANDRA LANDE

4 STICKING POINT

New on shelf!

1 RISE BETTER SODA

The Montreal company behind RISE Kombucha and RISE Botanicals sparkling teas is adding to its collection of betterfor-you beverages with the launch of RISE Better Soda. Made with real fruit juices, these sparkling sodas are packed with prebiotic fibre, contain only two to three grams of sugar per can and are available in three classic soda flavours: Orange, Classic Cola and Lemon Lime.

2 EGGO THICK & FLUFFY WAFFLES

Kellogg Canada is elevating its brand of frozen waffles. Adding to a line that includes reforumlated versions of its Original (featuring Madagascar vanilla) and Cinnamon Brown Sugar varieties, Eggo Thick & Fluffy Belgian-style waffles are now also available in Strawberry Delight, Blueberry and Whole Grain.

3 RXBAR VANILLA ALMOND

What is made using three egg whites, seven almonds, four cashews, two dates and real vanilla? The latest addition to RXBAR’s family of protein bars. RXBAR Vanilla Almond is minimally processed with no added sugar and 12 grams of protein.

4 TINGLY TED’S HOT SAUCES

Ed Sheeran has partnered with Kraft Heinz on a hot sauce brand called Tingly Ted’s, which is inspired by the British pop star’s childhood nickname Teddy. Launching with two flavours—Tingly (medium heat) and Xtra Tingly (made using red jalapeños and capsicum chilies)—the hot sauces will be available at grocery stores across Canada later this year.

5 CRAFTY RAMEN HEAT AND EAT

Crafty Ramen has launched a line of restaurant-quality, heat-and-eat ramen dishes that can be ready in as little as seven minutes. House-made ingredients— including noodles, broth, protein and toppings—are combined into one frozen puck that can be prepared on a stovetop or in the microwave. Each single-serve package contains up to 24 grams of protein. The meals are available in three varieties: Northern Warmer Pork Miso, Spicy Chicken Tantanmen or The Kaizen Warrior Tofu Miso Ramen. CG

The latest products hitting shelves 1

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LOST IN TRANSLATION

By Kristin Laird

MORE THAN 8.3 million immigrants were living in Canada as of 2021, according to the most recent census data from Statistics Canada. A number that will continue to grow. And yet, marketing communications from brands and retailers don’t always reflect our changing society.

We chatted with Gavin Barrett, cofounder of Barrett and Welsh, a Torontobased visible-minority-led branding and advertising agency, about crafting campaigns that resonate with multicultural consumers, where to reach them and why you should never use Google Translate as a copywriting tool. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Each touchpoint on the customer journey matters–displays, flyers, social media and websites–what questions should grocers ask themselves when communicating with multicultural consumers?

As marketers, we want to speak to as many people on that journey as possible. We want to create in consumers a sense that we get them. At the most fundamental level, the assortment [grocers] carry expresses whether they understand their customers’ needs. Beyond that, telling multicultural shoppers about the assortment you carry is critical because they don’t know otherwise.

What are those touchpoints? Yes, flyers in ethnic newspapers, but we are talking about things like [digital flyer app] Flipp, even sites like [content sharing forum] Reddit. There are screens in grocery stores

that are available for use. What percentage of the messages on those screens are in non-official languages like Chinese or Farsi or Arabic or Punjabi? And it’s not a question of removing English or French, it’s a question of making room for the others.

Then, there are what I call pure ethnic channels. In Canada, there’s Fairchild TV and Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition, for example, and back “home” there are websites serving Canadian populations. The Times of India website attracts a huge number of eyeballs from Canada. Marketers need to include these things in their media mix.

What are some of the pitfalls to avoid with multicultural marketing?

There’s a bunch, but the first common mistake is what I call “insert visible minority here” advertising. Switching out somebody who’s white with somebody who’s brown or somebody who’s Black or somebody who’s Chinese is representation, not communication. It’s good to show diversity in your [mainstream] advertising because that is Canada today, but that’s a corporate style initiative, it’s not actual communication. It’s harmless, but useless.

The second mistake is only advertising around holidays and celebrations. It’s not enough. You don’t just do a Christmas ad and you’re done for the rest of the year. There’s barbecue season. The Muslim community is a huge meat-eating community. Halal foods are well north of a billion dollars in value in Canada. This is

a huge market, so you can’t just be present when there’s a festive occasion.

Another mistake is around translation. In fact, I’ve seen clients use Google Translate. The results are horrendous. And consumers know it. If you’re translating without meaning, consumers will know how shallow your intent is, and they will ridicule you. Translating advertising the right way, with deeper meaning, is likely to produce respect and loyalty. And that’s what any brand should be striving for.

In-store experience is key in developing a connection with consumers. How can grocers be more inclusive?

It’s a combination of “address me” and “include me” in the store. For me, as a South Asian immigrant from Hong Kong, I look for brands I used when I was living there, as well as brands from back home in India. But the truth is, I don’t just need packaged snacks; I need toothpaste. I need detergent, but the detergent brand I’m familiar with may not be the detergent I see. So how are you helping me at the shelf?

P&G’s biggest detergent brand in India is Ariel and in Canada we have Tide. Knowing that Tide comes from the same company that gave me Ariel back home is helpful. It’s training for immigrants who are in unfamiliar territory. CG

As Canada’s population diversifies, brands need to authentically reflect a range of backgrounds in their marketing to better connect with new customers

FOR MORE Q&A WITH GAVIN BARRETT VISIT CANADIANGROCER.COM

FRESH DIRECT: 20 years and growing

Global produce powerhouse celebrates two decades of success in 2023

FOR TWO DECADES AND COUNTING, Fresh Direct Produce has brought a world of produce to Canadians’ plates.

It all started in 2003, when Davis Yung and his partners, Albert Lum and the late Kam Chiu Lee, co-founded their ambitious produce business in Vancouver. The trio had a collective passion for the produce industry and a vision to source the best that nature has to offer from around the globe. Fresh Direct Produce (FDP) started with just 11 employees and two trucks serving the local market and has been growing strong ever since.

Today, FDP is a leading fresh produce importer, marketer and distributor, with more than 430 employees, an ever-expanding fleet of trucks that covers B.C. to Ontario, and thousands of products sourced from a global network of growers. The company is truly a one-stop shop with an offering that includes ethnic, tropical, specialty, organic and conventional produce; fresh-cut and repackaged fruits and veggies; and snacks and grocery items. In addition to its headquarters and distribution centre in Vancouver, FDP has repacking and ripening centres in Vancouver and Calgary, a fresh-cut processing centre in Victoria, and distribution in Toronto.

After 19 years at the helm, Yung retired from the President and CEO role in 2022, transitioning to the Board of Directors. David Lawrence – a 17-year produce industry veteran – has

stepped into the CEO role as FDP celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and begins its next growth chapter.

“The produce industry is evolving, and the opportunities that change brings are exciting and invigorating and ultimately what brought me to Fresh Direct Produce,” says Lawrence. “There’s a lot of room for growth and a growing appetite for fresh produce. We have the right resources to take advantage of this space and satisfy the demand that’s coming.”

"One fundamental trend is fresh and healthy eating continues to accelerate as people move away from highly-processed foods," notes Lawrence. At the same time, growing immigrant populations continue to drive demand for food from their home countries. According to Statistics Canada, almost one in four people counted during the 2021 Census are or were landed immigrants or permanent residents in Canada. By 2041, immigrants could represent from 29% to 34% of Canada's total population. Asia, including the Middle East, remains the continent of birth for most recent immigrants (62%), and almost one in five were born in India.

“Immigrants coming to this country are highly educated, they’re coming with know-how, and they’re maintaining their culture here – and a big part of that is food,” says Jozef Hubburmin, CFO at Fresh Direct Produce. “As part of our mosaic,

Fresh Direct Produce's dedicated Vancouver team.

Canadians celebrate their mosaic of food. Many multiple-generation Canadians are excited about trying new foods, adopting new recipes, and sitting down with new Canadians to fully experience a tapestry of exciting meals.”

The factors that set FDP apart from its competitors enable the company to deliver on changing consumer and retailer needs. “With our one-stop shop offering, multiple locations and dedicated, seasoned teams, we’re uniquely positioned to provide a depth and breadth of product to consumers while providing a more efficient and cost-effective solution for our retail customers,” says Lawrence.

To serve its growing customer base, FDP has undergone a significant territory expansion in Western Canada, increasing the number of runs to cities like Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, along with a multitude of towns along the way. The company services Alberta markets through a new cross-dock facility in Edmonton and a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Calgary, which expanded from 55,000 sq. ft. to 63,000 sq. ft. in 2021, with the addition of a new repackaging room.

From its Vancouver base, FDP has increased its B.C. routes and now serves independent grocers and national retailers as far north as Prince George. “With routes that are both urban and rural, we now have full coverage of the majority of B.C. and Alberta, and a smaller footprint in Saskatchewan and Manitoba that we are planning to extend,” says Hubburmin.

In addition to servicing retailers through its distribution centres, FDP also has direct-store delivery (DSD), a key differentiator and selling point to retailers. “The service lets individual stores fill their shelves with specialty ethnic, organic and conventional produce, and extend the shelf life on a wide variety of produce items,” says Hubburmin. “It also helps retail stores if they have mid-week product shortages and aren’t necessarily getting the right amount of produce from their own distribution centres to meet jumps in demand. So, while ordering specialty or ethnic items from us, they can also fill in their product shortages.” With DSD available throughout B.C., Alberta and into the Prairies, Hubburmin says this is a major driver of organic growth for FDP.

Growth through acquisition has further expanded the company’s reach, spurred by its partnership with private equity firm HKW in 2018. (FDP was sold to PNC Riverarch Capital in 2021.)

Though the acquisitions were before Lawrence’s time, he says the goal was “to strengthen the company’s national presence, ensure we have unique offerings, and strengthen our one-stop shop proposition.”

The acquisitions also give FDP added leadership strength, with presidents running each of the business units. “Expanding the leadership team through the three acquisitions enables all of our business units to feed off each other with new ideas, innovation and collaboration,” says Lawrence.

First on the books was Richmond, B.C.-based Emperor Specialty Foods, a distributor of mushrooms and Asian pears that FDP acquired in 2019. Hubburmin, who added the role of President of Emperor Specialty Foods to his responsibilities, says the acquisition strengthens the company’s offering in key specialty categories, particularly dried mushrooms. Also in 2019, FDP acquired Victoria-based Islands West Manufacturing, a wholesaler of produce, spices and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables for foodservice companies and grocery retailers.

With Islands West’s facility in Victoria, the purchase solidified FDP’s position on Vancouver Island and opened a world of opportunity with its fresh-cut expertise. “We are seeking to do fresh-cut produce across the country, and with our added expertise, it’s a great opportunity that we can offer all of our retail customers in the future,” says Hubburmin, adding that time-

The Islands West, Victoria team serving fresh cut produce.

Delivering to another satisfied customer.

strapped consumers are fueling demand. “Our lives have become extremely busy, so if consumers can do a little less food prep, it helps save time.”

For Islands West, the advantages of joining forces with FDP include being able to share best practices and collaborate with other experts in the produce industry, says President Richard Aspden. “It also helps our retail customers by giving them better buying power, variety, and products. Fresh Direct is very strong in worldwide imports, which we don’t have a lot of experience in at Islands West. So that has helped us, and we’ve helped them on the fresh-cut and packaging side.”

In 2020, Fresh Direct Produce established a beachhead in Ontario with the acquisition of Woodbridge-based Mike & Mike’s, which distributes fresh certified organic and conventional produce sourced from the United States and internationally, as well as B.C., Ontario and Quebec. Mike & Mike’s also sells a range of grocery and snack products from brands such as Ceres, Eden, Mother Raw, Litehouse and Spice World.

Greg Ogiba, who joined Mike & Mike’s as President last September, says joining forces with Fresh Direct Produce allows Mike & Mike’s to expand its reach and leverage its buying power.

Ogiba notes that Mike & Mike’s has a robust line of organic and natural grocery items and snacks, with around 700 SKUs. “Our grocery and snack business has traditionally been Ontario and Quebec-based, but we are now introducing products to the West for the first time. Our distribution capabilities and talent in

Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary make that possible.”

At the heart of FDP’s success is its focus on sourcing the best fruits and vegetables from around the world. Its talented buying teams procure products from a network of growers in 35 countries on six continents. In addition to FDP’s traditional focus on Asia, United States and Mexico, the company has expanded its global reach into Europe, Africa, South America and the Middle East. “We’ve always had a fairly large global reach, but because we now have distribution centres from Victoria right into central Ontario, and executive leadership and procurement leadership strength, we are reaching even further with new routes to service the widest net of stores across these regions,” Hubburmin says.

Ogiba gives the example of Israel. “Israel may be the most impressive country for agricultural production in the world, and they consistently grow premium-quality produce,” Ogiba says. “In the warehouse right now, we have pomegranates, and we also bring in dates, Orri mandarin, Medjool dates and Sharon fruit from Israel.”

By casting the net around the globe, FDP and its business units can also bring products in during different growing seasons. For example, Ogiba says with pomegranates, “The California season is limited, so we will bring in pomegranates from Israel, Egypt and Turkey, and they’re all very good quality." Hubburmin adds that for retail customers, this helps ensure a consistent approach and high fill rates. “Fill rates are very difficult in the produce industry because produce is based on seasonality and weather conditions. So, for example, if California gets hit by an extreme weather event, we can switch to other regions.”

FDP is always on the hunt for new and niche items. “As a company, we’re focused on quality, service, selection and innovation, so we’re always out there looking for varieties we think Canadian consumers will like,” Obiga says.

For example, he and his team recently introduced France’s Juliet apple to the Canadian market exclusively. It’s now available in a variety of supermarkets coast to coast. “Fresh Direct trucks take it from Toronto to the distribution centres in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. So that’s a good example of how we work together to procure new products and varieties and bring them to more Canadian consumers,” says Obiga.

Repacking produce – whether it’s bagging garlic or shrinkwrapping fresh peppers – is another key aspect of FDP’s operations, with repacking capabilities in Victoria, Vancouver,

The Sales and Buying Retreat.

The Mike and Mike's team in Woodbridge, Ontario.

20 YEARS

OF CREATING FRESH SOLUTIONS

Congratulations and happy anniversary to Fresh Direct Produce from your partners at Penske.

Calgary and Toronto. “This allows us to do the repacking closer to the marketplace rather than repacking in one place and shipping the product to another region,” says Hubburmin.

Since 2020, FDP has offered five packaged produce lines under its private label brand. They include Simply Fresh (with items such as mandarin oranges, pomelos, pears, and Asian vegetables); Simply Hot (peppers in a range of heat levels); Simply Exotics (fruits such as young coconut and dragon fruit); Simply Ripe (packaged tropical fruits such as papayas, mangoes and avocados that are pre-ripened); and Simply Fresh Organic (including packages of garlic, shallots and turmeric).

While some shoppers will always want to squeeze, sniff and tap their own fruit, repackaged produce ticks many boxes for today’s consumers, from convenience to having product information on the labels. But what really seals the deal is people’s comfort level. “Everyone became used to packaged products because of COVID-19,” Hubburmin says. “Through the pandemic, they did not want to grab fruit and vegetables that had been touched while on a shelf – they wanted a packaged solution. There’s a food safety and food traceability element, and it’s considered more of a premium product.”

Lawrence notes that at many U.S. grocery chains, packaged produce is about equal to the loose product they sell. “In Cana-

da, the majority of produce in stores is still loose, but we’re going to see a lot more packaged and fresh-cut products here as demand continues to grow – and that’s exciting,” he says.

Just as FDP stays ahead of consumer trends, it also has the finger on the pulse of retailers’ needs. “One trend we’ve noticed is some of the national chains are looking for a consistent solution across the country and want a national view,” Hubburmin says. “They want to have one person to call, and they want to make sure the service they have in B.C. is the same service they’re receiving in Ontario.” To address these needs, FDP is rolling out a national retail program to provide the consistency retailers are looking for.

“We want customers to feel we’re taking care of them and that we understand what’s needed locally but be able to serve them nationally,” says Lawrence. “Consumer needs in Vancouver is different from Calgary, which is different from Toronto. And so, our people must be in touch with what’s happening in the market.”

Looking to the next 20 years of success and beyond, Lawrence says, “From being more in tune with consumers’ needs and wants, to our product offering, to how we serve retail customers, we will continue to be a leader in being a better solution for produce, not a follower.”

MILESTONES, ACCOLADES AND DEVELOPMENTS

2003 Fresh Direct Produce founded with 11 staff, two trucks and a mission to source the best global fruits and vegetables for the Canadian market

2004 Launched Simply Fresh Chinese Mandarins

2008 Consolidated and expanded to 55,000-sq.-ft. warehouse facility on Malkin Ave. in Vancouver

2009 Received Ernst & Young’s 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year Award

2010 Launched Simply Fresh, Simply Exotics and Simply Hot lines

2011 Opened 6,000-sq.-ft. Calgary warehouse and office

2012 Named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2011

2014 Opened 40,000-sq.-ft. repacking centre on Kent Avenue in Vancouver

2015 Named Gold Level Recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2014

2015 Launched Organics Buying department

2016 Awarded Mosaic’s Employer Recognition for commitment to multiculturalism and equity in the workplace

2017 Opened 53,000-sq.-ft. Calgary warehouse and office

2018 Named Platinum Recipient of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for 2017

2019 Acquired Emperor Specialty Foods Ltd. in Vancouver in July

2019 Acquired Islands West Manufacturers Ltd. in Victoria, BC in September

2020 Acquired Mike & Mike’s Inc. in Woodbridge, ON in July.

2021 Expanded Calgary facility to 63,000 sq. ft. with new repack room

2021 Davis Yung served as Chair of CPMA

2022 Opened 10,000 sq. ft. Edmonton facility to service Northern Alberta customers

2023 Celebrated 20th anniversary with more than 430 employees with distribution centres in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto

CPMA Montréal, April 2022 with Team Leaders from Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto.

MEET DAVID LAWRENCE, the new ceo at fresh direct produce

THIS PAST JANUARY, David Lawrence joined Fresh Direct Produce as CEO, bringing nearly two decades of experience in the produce industry to the position. In this Q&A, he shares what brought him to Fresh Direct Produce, his leadership style, and some of the company’s biggest strengths.

How did you get into the produce industry?

After various senior roles in manufacturing, I was asked to rehabilitate a 100-year-old apple and cherry packager in Yakima, Washington. I spent eight years there, reinventing the company and generating successful returns. Then and now, the apple industry continues to go through radical change, which makes for challenging but rewarding leadership needs. From there, I was recruited into the pecan business as CEO of National Pecan in Dallas. For the last five years, I was President of Taylor Farms Northwest, the Seattle wholly-owned subsidiary in the ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh food deli business, which made everything from fresh-cut fruit and salads, to sandwiches and lobster mac'n cheese for major grocer stores and other retail partners.

What attracted you to Fresh Direct Produce?

The people and the ownership [private equity firm PNC Riverarch Capital]. I’ve worked for private equity firms in the past and know you need a supportive and resourceful group that understands the nuances of the industry. Produce is an old industry with many established ways of doing things. It’s important to have a relationship with ownership, where they give you room to work with the people in the organization to get the job done. That’s what attracted me to Fresh Direct. And that has always been my stock: to get people involved and give them the responsibility and authority to make it happen.

What are you most proud of in your career?

Coaching and mentoring people I’ve worked with who responded to the need for change. My approach is to coach people on how to embrace, analyze and drive positive change in industries where a “this is always how it is done” mentality can impede progress. This ties into my leadership style, which is inclusive, not dictatorial. There are two kinds of leaders: bosses who tell people what to do and true leaders who say, “Let’s go do that.” I’m not a boss who barks orders, but a coach and mentor. That’s not to say I come in with all the answers, but I do challenge with tough questions.

The Vancouver Fresh Direct Produce Management Team.

David Lawrence, CEO

What do you see as the biggest strengths of the company?

When it comes to serving our retail and foodservice partners, flexibility is one of our biggest strengths. We know not all customers are the same. We try to understand specifically what each customer needs and present them with new ideas, not just quiz them about what they need to restock. Thirty years ago, nobody thought they needed a personal computer, but tech companies taught us and showed us that we do. It’s the same idea here: We have an opportunity and a responsibility to show our customers products that could help them expand their offerings and drive sales. We must constantly understand the customer’s and consumer’s needs and not just try to sell them another five-pound bag of oranges.

Another strength is our team’s attitude toward embracing improvements. It can be challenging for people to embrace change because we’re creatures of habits. Even when we go to the grocery store, we probably buy the same apple we’ve bought our whole lives. At Fresh Direct, the acceptance of continuous change is off the charts. It may be part of the

culture [co-founder] Davis Yung fostered, but everyone here is interested in getting ahead, doing better and standing out. They like winning.

As a CEO, what keeps you up at night?

People retention and making sure people are being communicated with and that they understand where we’re going as a company. FDP is a unique place to work. Those who embrace change, thrive on winning by doing better for our customers and are creative, critical thinkers do well on our team. To nourish our people, we must communicate and make sure everyone understands the agenda. I’m also keen on making people know their value to the company, and when they’ve done a good job and thank them.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t expect to have all the answers – you will never. Ask questions, probe, don’t be quick to dismiss and accept general catch-all answers.

The Strathcona Children Backpack Program.

Participating in the RBC Race for the Kids event.

FDP's Produce Boxes serving the community during COVID-19.

We are incredibly grateful for the longstanding support of the team at FDP. Their ongoing generosity and participation in the RBC Race for the Kids helps us make mighty strides at BC Children’s Hospital, providing hope to children and families across the province.

Malcolm Berry, President & CEO, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation

PARTNERS in produce

How Fresh Direct Produce helps retailers build basket size and fill consumers’ plates

FOR FRESH DIRECT PRODUCE, dealings with retailers don’t end when the produce gets delivered to their doorsteps. The company helps retailers get more fruits and vegetables into customers’ shopping carts by creating campaigns to help sell and cross-sell products in every aisle.

“We support ‘half your plate’ – the idea that half your plate should be fruit and veggies – but we also try to help retailers with the full range of the meal,” says Jozef Hubburmin, CFO at Fresh Direct Produce.

Retailers may be unfamiliar with certain ethnic, tropical and specialty items – and what products can complement them. “A store manager or a produce manager might ask, ‘how do I deal with dragon fruit? What do I sell it with? How do I match it up with other ethnic items?’” explains Hubburmin.

FDP gives retailers the background – and inspiration – to sell the proteins, sauces and packaged goods that accompany a produce item for a complete meal. “We’ll help them come up with a variety of interesting recipes and meal plans for their customers and help with optimal planograms to best display ethnic and specialty items in the produce section and what protein items and sauces pairs with them,” says Hubburmin.

Information and inspiration can also be found in FDP’s monthly newsletter for retail customers, Direct News. The publication features information on specific produce items, their origins, health benefits and taste profile, as well as recipes. For example, the February issue highlighted lettuce stem (also known as Chinese lettuce) and sumo mandarins from Japan, along with a recipe for mandarin orange butter cake. Most recently, the March issue featured strawberries and asparagus and a recipe for asparagus and brie puff pastry with thyme honey. Direct News also publishes QR codes readers can scan to watch recipe videos on FDP’s Instagram account.

At Mike & Mike’s, President Greg Ogiba says Sales team members are in stores on a weekly basis to understand how products are being merchandised and how consumers are interacting with it. And as they foster relationships with retailers, he says, “it’s important that we can be their eyes and ears on the ground and introduce opportunities as we see them, and they can decide where they fit. Ultimately, we’re focused on how we can drive the consumption of organic products, fresh produce and groceries.”

Across FDP, being tuned into retailers’ needs is key to building basket size. “We continually seek to understand what they need, whether it’s help with cross-merchandising or changes in how we package a product,” says CEO David Lawrence. “For example, they might need six pieces of garlic in a bag instead of three because three is not enough. We’re not just selling; we’re always listening.”

Asparagus and Brie Puff Pastry With Thyme Honey

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and pepper

• 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, thawed

• 8 oz brie, cut into 8 slices

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Thyme Honey

• 1⁄4 cup honey

• 2 tbsp salted butter

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

1.reheat the oven to 375° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.Toss together the asparagus, olive oil, salt and pepper.

3.Roll the pastry sheets out on a floured surface and cut into 8 squares. Place a piece of brie on each square and then add a handful of asparagus. Take 2 corners of the pastry and wrap up over the asparagus to enclose. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining squares. Brush each pastry with egg. Transfer to the oven and bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

4.Meanwhile, melt together the honey, butter, and thyme in a small saucepan over low heat.

5.Serve the pastries warm, drizzled with thyme honey and crushed red pepper. Enjoy!

Source: Half Baked Harvest

PRODUCT showcase

FRESH DIRECT PRODUCE’S sourcing of a fast-growing list of ethnic and exotic fruits is key to the company’s unique “one-stop shop” service it provides for customers. Fresh Direct forages the world for the best fruits and vegetables and distributes more than 2,500 SKUs of fresh produce items sourced from 36 countries on six continents.

Peeled Garlic

Curry Leaves

Curry leaves are an essential seasoning in Southern and West Coast Indian cooking, especially in curries. They contain various antioxidant properties and have the ability to promote digestive health. Curry leaves are also rich in carbohydrates, fibre, calcium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, copper, nicotinic acid, vitamins A, B, C, and E, plant sterols, amino acids, glycosides, and flavonoids. Choose bright and dark green leaves without signs of browning or bruising. Fresh curry leaves can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass brings a dash of brightness to soups, curries, stir-fries and teas. This culinary herb has a subtle citrus flavour and is widely used in Asian cuisine. It can be dried, powdered, or used fresh, and it is a good source of vitamins A and C, folate, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and manganese. Look for lemongrass with heavy, long, green stalks with chubby bulbs. The bulb may blush at the base. It can be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator while tightly wrapped.

A cooking staple, garlic is in the same family as onions, leeks, chives, and shallots, which are all part of the allium family. It is widely used as seasoning for dishes. Garlic is free from saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. It is a good source of calcium, manganese phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins B and C. Avoid peeled garlic that is shriveled, dried, or moldy. Peeled garlic cloves may be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Gobo Roots

Gobo, or burdock root, is a root vegetable that packs a healthy, tasty punch. A traditional Asian ingredient in stews, stir-fries and braised dishes, gobo root has a sweet, mild, and earthy taste. It’s low in calories and sodium with good amounts of the electrolyte potassium. It contains folic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin, vitamins E and C, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, calcium, selenium, and phosphorus. Choose a gobo root that has firm and unbroken roots with taut skin. Clean and dry roots can stay fresh for several months if kept in a cool, well-ventilated place.

Happy 20th Anniversary

The achievements of FDP are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. It is a pleasure to see the professionalism, expertise, and quality of work. Wishing you more success in the upcoming future. All the Best to the Company!

Sheel Gowreesunker, Assistant Buyer – Produce, Italian Centre Shop

Fresh Direct Produce is one of the main suppliers for T&T Supermarket. FDP has been a good and supporting partner for T&T supermarket. T&T Supermarket wishes FDP a happy and prosperous 20th anniversary.

Ivan Tan, Senior Category Manager, T&T Supermarkets, Western Region

The Sales Reps are the gems of this company! They help to make sure we get what we need even if it means they are in the warehouse when a truck arrives to make sure items are loaded on our skid. FDP has offered us some unique items with great quality at an affordable price.

Nicole Anderson, Assistant Category Manager, Produce, Sunterra Market

Sugar Heart Apples

This apple variety from China will capture the heart of any fruit lover. Sugar Heart Apples are mainly grown in Aksu, Xinjiang. Due to the huge temperature difference between day and night, the sugar in the core of the apple accumulates into a transparent shape, forming the unique “sugar heart.” They are low in acid content, crisp, sweet and juicy.

Sugar Heart Apples are a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, potassium, iron and calcium. In addition, the high fibre and water content in these apples can help regulate and improve digestion. They are also low in calories with virtually no fat and don’t contain any cholesterol or sodium.

Papa Mandarins

Originating from Japan, Papa Mandarins are ovoid in shape with a smooth surface. They have a sweet, crisp and juicy flesh. These mandarins are easy to peel, with segments that separate readily, making the fruit a healthy on-the-go snack. Papa Mandarins are seedless and 90% consumable.

Papa Mandarins are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and dietary fibre. In addition, these mandarins are a perfect addition to a fruit lover's menu as they are great in salads, juices, sauces, and syrups.

Wanglin Apples

Japan is home to many of the world’s most famous apple varieties, and the Wanglin apple from Aomori is one of them. A cross between the Golden Delicious and an India apple variety, Wanglin apples are oblong or oval, and greenish-yellow with few brown spots when ripe. The flesh is dense, sweet, juicy and refreshing, with low acidity and a unique rich fruity aroma. Wanglin Apples are extremely resistant to storage and can be stored in the refrigerator until spring of the following year if handled properly.

Sweetsop

Fruit lovers will get a taste of the tropics with sweetsop. Also known as sugar apple or custard apple, sweetsop has has thick, rough, green skin, while the pulp is creamy white or light yellow with a tender, delicate texture. Like the name implies, sweetsop has a pleasing, sweet-smelling fragrance and taste. Sweetsop is highly medicinal, nutritious, and therapeutic. It has a high carbohydrate and protein content and is rich in vitamins C and B, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus.

Besides eating sweetsop fresh, it can also be mixed with breakfast cereal, as a filling in crepes, or even made into popsicles.

Fresh Direct has been a great secondary supplier for us since the opening of our store in 2017. I am very pleased with their quality and their service. Their dedicated staff helps to provide us with added produce assortment. We are so lucky to have them as partners. Keep up the great work Fresh Direct Calgary! Happy Anniversary FDP.

Rich H, Mahograny Sobeys

Fresh Direct Produce Ltd. partners with BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation, to provide Mandarin Oranges to almost 1,500 schools in November and December, over the past 10 years. FDP is prompt to answer request for proposals, diligent in responding to submissions and helpful in discussing new product availability as we look to expand.

Pat Tonn, Executive Director, BC Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation

To Fresh Direct on their 20th Anniversary, FDP has been working with The Old Farm Market for all 20 years! They have helped us provide The Cowichan Valley with fresh, and great quality produce from the very start. This relationship has blossomed into all three of our locations across Vancouver Island, from Victoria to Comox. As we both continue to grow, the communication and teamwork does as well. FDP has given us the opportunity to buy produce at very competitive prices, which has helped us pass that onto our valued customers. The friendly, honest and hardworking team at FDP never fails to give us the opportunity to succeed and expand. Congratulations on 20 years of business, and here’s to 20 more! Thank you for taking us along for the ride, Your friends at The Old Farm Market

Happy 20th Anniversary. Thank you all for your support and we appreciate our strong partnership. We wish FDP and all its Associates every success in many years to come.

Luis Kuo, VP, Sungiven Foods

Emperor Specialty Foods

Whether you are already using mushrooms in your food production or looking for a new wholesome and flavour-packed ingredient in your recipe, Emperor Specialty Foods has got you covered!

Dried Chanterelle Mushrooms

Chanterelle mushrooms are only available fresh for a short season and are an uncultivated variety, hand-harvested beneath broad-leafed trees in deciduous and coniferous forests worldwide. They’re highly prized for their flavour, aroma, and scarcity and are often dried to provide chefs with year-round access to the earthy fungi. Dried Chanterelle mushrooms can be reconstituted and incorporated into a wide array of culinary applications, especially dishes with creamy, rich, and hearty flavourings.

Dried Chanterelle mushrooms are a good source of fibre to stimulate the digestive tract and provide calcium to strengthen bones. The mushrooms are also a source of vitamin C to boost the immune system and are one of the few foods to naturally contain vitamin D, a nutrient that helps regulate minerals such as phosphate and calcium in the body

Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are a savoury ingredient that is popular in Asian cuisine. Shiitakes are high in fibre and low in calories, fat, and protein. They are packed with harder-to-get plant-based nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, choline, and B vitamins.

Shiitake mushrooms have been used as a natural remedy in alternative medicine for centuries. Likewise, modern medicine demonstrates shiitake mushrooms' promising health benefits.

Dried Porcini Mushrooms

Dried Porcini mushrooms add a deep, woodsy taste to many dishes. Generally, the mushrooms are soaked in hot water for 30 minutes before using. Afterward, the water is used as stock and the softened mushrooms can be chopped and added to stews, casseroles and soups. This method of cooking retains the considerable nutritional benefits that can be found in these mushrooms.

These mushrooms are loaded with iron, fibre and antioxidants. They are also rich in protein and have a meaty, salty taste that can be perfectly incorporated into vegetarian and vegan meals.

Additionally, the health benefits of Porcini mushrooms have many properties that can help improve digestive health, promote weight loss, and reduce inflammation.

Dried Oyster Mushrooms

Dried Oyster mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms grown for worldwide exports. The fungi have been extensively used in Asian cuisine throughout history, but recently, the mushrooms have also increased in demand in commercial markets throughout Canada and the United States for their ability to be used as a meat substitute.

Dried Oyster mushrooms contain a good source of fiber to regulate the digestive tract, vitamin D to maintain phosphate and calcium levels, potassium to balance fluids within the body, and B vitamins to convert food into energy. The mushrooms also contain copper to develop connective tissues.

The Grab & Go program through Islands West has been quite successful over the years. In the last 12 months, the program has eclipsed over $400k in sales and continues to grow. We get orders three times per week ensuring we have fresh product for our customers. Islands West is always supportive if I want to run ads or in-store specials on certain items to promote them. Islands West is always open to innovation and seasonal ideas.

Stacy Watson, Produce Director, Red Barn

I’ve been dealing with Islands West for a long time. I always get what I need. The customer service desk and delivery drivers are amazing! I really like the variety of fresh cuts available and knowing they are produced daily and just down the road is great too.

Jamie, Deli Supervisor, Thrifty’s Broadmead

Islands West Produce

Islands West Produce's Grab & Go kits, fresh fruits, and deli offerings are prepared and delivered to local retail and foodservice customers with no gas or liquid preservatives for that healthy, fresh taste. Grab & Go selections include Island Fresh Cuts, Kale Krunch salad, among an assortment of salads, including Greek, Coleslaw, Broccoslaw, and Kale Asian, Italian and Kick blends. Fresh fruit offerings include diced pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew, while the deli offerings include items such as chopped romaine, shredded lettuce and cabbage, butternut squash, yams and zucchini spirals, sliced onions, and tomatoes, cauliflower buds and broccoli florets – plus much more.

Mike & Mike’s

Attention all apple fans! The Juliet organic apple is on shelves now at more than 240 stores across Canada!

ORGANIC Juliet® Apples

(Exclusively at Mike & Mike’s and Fresh Direct Produce)

Juliet® apples originate from France and are the only apple in the world grown exclusively organic. As a result, they are one of the favourite fruits in Europe. The skin is bicoloured with red atop and sun-drenched yellow beneath. The flesh is white, crunchy, sweet, fragrant, juicy and chemical-free, with a balanced flavour between sweet and tart. Juliet® apples are delicious on their own or prepared in sweet or savoury recipes. They can be eaten with or without skin.

Juliet® apples are low in calories and rich in fibre, vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. They can also support a healthy immune system, contribute to digestive balance, moderate blood sugar levels, and are an excellent food for weight loss.

Juliet® apples have an outstanding storage life due to their thick skin. They can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to several months.

As a gold standard for organic produce, M&M is synonymous with great service by providing win-win solutions to achieve the best results retailers can trust to grow their business. Acting responsibly to the store’s individual needs, they leave no stone unturned to meet the many requests us retailers have to smoothly run our produce departments.

Shayne, Goodness Me

The Mike & Mike's team have many years of deep organic produce knowledge, and they are always willing to answer my questions and go above and beyond my expectations. The attention to quality is evident in every piece of produce they provide. I appreciate M&M's commitment to offering a full range of fresh and flavourful organic produce –from delicious fruits to crisp vegetables.

Brent, Big Carrot

THAT WORK?

DIGI’s All-In-One Bulk System and BYOC solution meets the changing needs in today’s bulk  retail; while ensuring smooth and efficient operation for both operators and customers.

DIGI’s All-In-One Bulk System streamlines the bulk buying process. Customers can weigh as they fill and see pricing in real time!

Key Benefits

• Eliminate the need to search for PLU’s

• Multiple shoppers can operate simultaneously

• No taring of container weight

• Weigh as you Dispense/ Scoop/ Pour

• Simplified operation

• Frictionless bulk shopping

DIGI’s state-of-the-art SM-6000 self-serve scale, equipped with three unique technologies, allows customers to bring their own containers, weigh the contents only, and print their own labels. No Tare. No Fuss.

3 Easy Steps

WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR

WELCOME TO THE 34TH EDITION OF GROCERY & SPECIALTY FOOD WEST – GROCERY REDEFINED!

It’s the premium one-stop grocery exhibition and conference in western Canada.

In the constantly changing grocery sector, attendees at this year’s Grocery & Specialty Food West will discover innovations across all categories, products, services, technology, equipment and more. It’s here where grocery gathers annually to grow and redefine the business. GSF West’s new pavilions feature regional and global offerings this year include Sustainability Sentral, Canada Connect, High Quality BioEurope, and Choose Ontario. Get started with morning sessions and workshops that are filled with ideas to help your business. From the second-generation grocers panel to hearing about the new Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct, it’s a must-attend event for all. Exclusive sessions include the latest economic data from BMO’s Chief Economist Douglas Porter to finding out about your UEP – Unique Emotional Positioning from Tony Chapman, your team will come away with actionable insights. Next, the variety of workshops and experts will provide lots of food for thought around issues and ideas that are affecting grocers.

Apart from business sessions, be sure to take advantage of the various programs such as 1:1 matchmaking Retailer Connect, members’ Industry Tour on Sunday, and free networking events on Sunday and Monday.

Visit the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers’ booth in the entrance to the trade show and find out how the association can assist your business goals.

Be sure to download the comprehensive GSF Show App! It will allow you schedule business meetings and network with attendees. See you at the show!

Sincerely,

CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

3 ......... WELCOME MESSAGE

5 ......... GENERAL INFORMATION & CFIG STAFF

6 ......... 2023 CFIG BOARD OF DIRECTORS

7 ......... CFIG ASSOCIATE MEMBERS’ COUNCIL

.......

9 PROGRAM: KEYNOTES, ............ WORKSHOPS AND EVENTS

13 .......

14

DAN BREGG, PRESIDENT, PATTISON FOOD GROUP WHOLESALE

TEL: 1-800-661-2344 | FAX: 416-492-2347

EMAIL: INFO@CFIG.CA | WWW.CFIG.CA

CHAIR, CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT GROCERS | FÉDÉRATION CANADIENNE DES EPICIERS INDÉPENDANTS WWW.CFIG.CA

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW ATTIRE–BUSINESS CASUAL

BADGE COLOURS

RED RETAILERS/WHOLESALERS

GREEN ...................................

MANUFACTURERS/SUPPLIERS

RESTAURANT/FOODSERVICE

YELLOW .................................

DISTRIBUTOR/IMPORTER/EXPORTER

BLUE EXHIBITORS

GREY MEDIA

EXHIBITOR & ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

REGISTRATION DESK AND SELF CHECK-IN KIOSK VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST BUILDING, 999 CANADA PL, VANCOUVER BC

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 ............................................ 8:00AM – 5:00PM

SUNDAY, APRIL 23 8:00AM – 4:00PM

MONDAY, APRIL 24

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 ............................................... 6:30AM – 3:30PM

CFIG STAFF

THOMAS SHURRIE President & CEO

ANDREA ALMARZA

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

GARY SANDS

Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Advocacy

SAVE THE DATE

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA 2023

TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE NORTH BUILDING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 & WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023 WWW.GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

GROCERY & SPECIALTY FOOD WEST 2024 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE EAST

MONDAY, APRIL 22 & TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2024 WWW.GSFSHOW.COM

IRMELI KOSKINEN Coordinator, Member Services

SUZANNE REGIMBAL Member Services, Account Manager

HELEN RINGAS Operations Coordinator & Financial Assistant

JOE SAWAGED Director, Member Services & Industry Relations

TYSON SMITH Account Representative

DIANA STEVENSON Director, Conference & Events

ROLSTER TAYLOR Director, Sales & Operations

To learn more about the benefits and types of membership (Retail/Associate/Affiliate) contact Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers: WWW.CFIG.CA | Visit us at CFIG Members' booth beside registration area

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.

*DAN BREGG CHAIR, PATTISON FOOD GROUP, SURREY, BC

GENE COLEMAN COLEMAN GROUP OF COMPANIES CORNER BROOK, NL

JIM HAMILTON HAMMY’S, PONOKA, AB

BRAD FLETCHER VILLAGE GROCER, MARKHAM, ON

*JAMIE NELSON VICE CHAIR, PATTISON FOOD GROUP, LANGLEY, BC

CHRISTOPHER LEE SOUTHSIDE MARKET AG FOODS, REVELSTOKE, BC

EMMY MIN KOREA FOOD TRADING/ GALLERIA SUPERMARKET VAUGHAN, ON

*ERIN HIGDON SECRETARY, POWELL’S SUPERMARKET LTD., BAY ROBERTS, NL

JUSTIN SCHLEY QUALITY FOODS, ERRINGTON, BC

BROOKE KYNOCH SAFETY MART FOODS, CHASE, BC

RICK RABBA THE J. RABBA COMPANY LTD., MISSISSAUGA, ON

NEIL KENNEDY SOBEYS STRATHMORE, STRATHMORE, AB

*EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

DOMINIC ARSENAULT IGA COATICOOK, COATICOOK, QC

*BRIAN BRADLEY MEMBER AT LARGE, STONG’S MARKETS, VANCOUVER, BC

*MIKE LONGO TREASURER, LONGO BROTHERS FRUIT MARKETS, VAUGHAN, ON

*THOMAS SHURRIE PRESIDENT & CEO, CFIG, TORONTO, ON

*GIANCARLO TRIMARCHI HONORARY PAST CHAIR, VINCE’S MARKET, NEWMARKET, ON

DEBBIE UNICK FEDERATED CO-OPERATIVES LTD., SASKATOON, SK

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.

WIFI SPONSORED BY: MOBILE APP SPONSORED BY:

SAM MAGNACCA VP & GM, ACOSTA CANADA

GREG COLES CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER, NESTLÉ CANADA INC.

PETER BOWMAN, SR. VP, RETAIL & FOOD SERVICE SALES, SAPUTO DAIRY PRODUCTS CANADA

MARTIN PAYANT SR. DIRECTOR, UNILEVER CANADA

SCOTT LORIMER SR. VP RETAIL SALES, MAPLE LEAF FOODS INC.

VINCENT NADEAU VP SALES, KRAFT HEINZ COMPANY

COLIN MANN VP MARKET DEVELOPMENT, GENERAL MILLS CANADA CORP.

STEVE LAMONTAGNE VP SALES & HEAD OF CANADA SALES, KRUGER PRODUCTS INC.

DAVID BLACKMORE VP, SALES, PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.

ERIN ROONEY VP CPD, SALES & MARKETING, MCCORMICK CANADA

JOHN KOTSOPOULOS VP SALES & TRADE MARKETING, THE J.M. SMUCKER CO.

MIKE LUST, CHAIR VP CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT, PEPSICO FOODS CANADA

TIM MCNERNEY VP NATIONAL SALES, COCA-COLA COMPANY

PATRICK HEFFERNAN VP SALES, TREE OF LIFE CANADA

TODD JOHNSTON, CO-VICE CHAIR, VP CUSTOMER SALES, LACTALIS CANADA

2023 GSF AGENDA

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE | EAST BUILDING

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2023

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE | EAST BUILDING

8:30AM | INDUSTRY TOUR

*RETAILERS ONLY. PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED

5:00PM – 7:00PM | OPENING RECEPTION

EAST MEETING ROOMS | 1 – 3 (PARKVIEW TERRACE)

*ALL WELCOME

Entertainment: Harreson James Band

SPONSORED BY:

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE | EAST BUILDING

CONFERENCE HOURS: 7:00AM – 11:00AM

TRADE SHOW HOURS: 11:00AM – 4:30PM

MORNING CONFERENCE & WORKSHOP SESSIONS*

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBITION HALL A | BALLROOM C

*PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

7:00AM – 7:15AM | BREAKFAST

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

SPONSORED BY:

7:10AM – 7:20AM | WELCOME & REMARKS- TOM SHURRIE

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

7:20AM – 8:00AM | FUTURE OF FOOD RETAILING

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Hear from Don Fitzgerald, Dom's Kitchen and Market, Neil Stern, Good Food Holdings and Amanda Lai, McMillanDoolittle.

SPONSORED BY:

8:00AM – 8:50AM | CANADIAN GROCERY CODE OF CONDUCT

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Presentation by Marc Valois, Intersol Group Ltd. Join this must-attend for suppliers, retailers and all stakeholders in grocery to understand the key components of the new Canadian Grocery Code of Conduct and what it means for your business and the entire industry.

SPONSORED BY:

8:50AM – 9:00AM | COFFEE BREAK

SPONSORED BY:

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE EXHIBIT HALL A & BALLROOM C

WORKSHOP ❶

9:00AM – 9:30AM | CODE OF CONDUCT PANEL & Q&A

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Hear from Giancarlo Trimarchi, Vince’s Market; Michael Graydon, FHCP; Diane Brisebois, RCC. Moderated by Gary Sands, CFIG. Stakeholders have opportunity to ask questions.

WORKSHOP ➋

9:00AM – 9:30AM | ETHNIC CONSUMER INSIGHTS

EAST BUILDING | BALLROOM C

How to build successful categories in the ethnic grocery space that satisfy today’s demanding and refined consumer tastes. Presented by Justin Poy, Justin Poy Agency and Wilson Kam, Mobiltech.

WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY:

WORKSHOP ❶

9:40AM – 10:10AM | INDEPENDENTS' TOOLKIT

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Amanda Lai, McMillanDoolittle explores the winning concepts and ideas that will keep independents in the grocery game.

WORKSHOP ➋

9:40AM – 10:10AM | FROM A PLACE TO BUY TO THE PLACE TO BE

EAST BUILDING | BALLROOM C

How bricks can counter clicks by minding their P’s but owning their B’s, presented by Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters.

WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY:

WORKSHOP ❶

10:20AM – 10:50AM | VALUE CHALLENGE

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

When Consumers talk “value” they really mean low price. When Retailers talk “value” they really are justifying their higher prices. When inflation focuses attention on price, how can you maintain differentiation while remaining price competitive. Presented by Ken Wong, Queen’s University, Smith School of Business

WORKSHOP ➋

10:20AM – 10:50AM | GROCERS & SOCIAL MEDIA

EAST BUILDING | BALLROOM C

Social media is a powerful FREE tool that can be used to promote to, engage with, and learn about your customers. Social media enthusiast of Jelly Digital Marketing and PR, Darian Kovacs, explains how to find the right combination of platforms, tools, content, and creativity, that will provide maximum ROI.

WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY:

CHOOSE

CHOOSE

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION

EAST BUILDING | HALLS A, B & C

TRADE SHOW HOURS: 11:00AM – 4:30PM

12:00PM | TOP 10 IN GROCERY CONTEST

11:45AM - 12:15PM | MAPLE LEAF FOODS SESSION

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

Fantino & Mondello, authentic Italian charcuterie, is crafted in Canada with premium ingredients. Learn to build a charcuterie work of art and celebrate la dolce vita (the good life) with Laura Kearney, Maple Leaf Foods.

12:30PM – 1:00PM | TECH

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

Do more with less: Automation of cold chain monitoring and compliance for improved margins using IoT. Presented by Jeff Shirley, Rivercity Innovations

1:15PM – 1:45PM | SAPUTO SESSION

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

Saputo's Kaja Lansdell showcases a selection of specialty cheeses for the deli department.

2:00PM – 2:30PM | SUSTAINABILITY

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

Overview of trending sustainable packaging materials (recyclable/bio-based/compostable). Presented by Susanna Carson, BSIbio Packaging Solutions

2:45PM - 3:15PM | FOOD RECOVERY

Examples for grocers to reduce the volume of their unsold food ending up in waste streams while increasing their social and environmental impact in their communities. Presented by Jessica Regan, FoodMesh.

4:15PM – 5:00PM | MIX AND MINGLE *ALL WELCOME

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

SPONSORED BY:

MONDAY

EVENING EVENT*

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE WEST | SUMMIT ROOM – 3RD FL.

6:00 – 9:00PM | EVENING EVENT

*PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

6:00PM | RECEPTION

WEST BUILDING | SUMMIT ROOM – 3RD FL.

SPONSORED BY:

6:30PM | DINNER & ENTERTAINMENT

WEST BUILDING | SUMMIT ROOM – 3RD FL.

Hosts Tom Shurrie, Tony Chapman. Vitaly–Magician and Illusionist

DINNER SPONSORS:

✈ ATTENTION: FULL DELEGATE RETAILERS–A TRIP TO GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA 2023 IN TORONTO WILL BE DRAWN! Includes: return airfare for one, accommodations during the show and a chance to win the Grand Prize at the event!

SPONSORED BY:

TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023

VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE | EAST BUILDING

CONFERENCE HOURS: 7:00AM – 11:00AM

TRADE SHOW HOURS: 11:00AM – 4:00PM

MORNING CONFERENCE & WORKSHOP SESSIONS*

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBITION HALL A | BALLROOM C

*PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

7:00AM – 7:30AM | BREAKFAST

MAIN STAGE | EXHIBIT HALL A

SPONSORED BY:

7:25AM | WELCOME & REMARKS: DAN BREGG

MAIN STAGE | EXHIBIT HALL A

7:30AM – 8:00AM | FIRESIDE CHAT WITH 2ND GEN GROCERS

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Craig Cavin, Country Grocer; Gene Coleman, Colemans; Jason Vesely, Sobeys Westlock with Tony Chapman.

SPONSORED BY:

8:00AM – 8:45AM | KEYNOTE & Q&A

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Join Douglas Porter, Chief Economist, BMO Financial Group for an overview of macroeconomic and financial market trends affecting the sector. Q&A following presentation with Tony Chapman.

SPONSORED BY:

8:50AM – 9:00AM | COFFEE BREAK

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

SPONSORED BY:

CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBITION HALL A | BALLROOM C

WORKSHOP ❶

9:00AM – 9:30AM | STAND FOR TO STAND OUT

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Today what makes you unique is not what you offer but how you offer it—your unique emotional positioning. Marketing Hall of Legends and Canadian Marketing Hall of Famer Tony Chapman will share how to establish and fortify your unique emotional positioning to be more magnetic to Your customers, employees and suppliers.

WORKSHOP ➋

9:00AM – 9:30AM | POLICY UPDATE

EAST BUILDING | BALLROOM C

Join Gary Sands, CFIG, for the key issues concerning your business: Competition Act, Credit card fees and Supply Management transparency.

WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY:

WORKSHOP ❶

9:40AM – 10:10AM | WHAT SHOPPERS WANT

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

Driving forces behind grocery shopper attitudes and behaviours. EnsembleIQ shares exclusive results from a comprehensive study of Canadian shoppers conducted in late 2022. Presented by Beth Brickel, EnsembleIQ.

WORKSHOP ➋

9:40AM – 10:10AM | DIGITAL MEDIA & GROCERY

EAST BUILDING | BALLROOM C

Exploring diverse advertising in the age of rapidly evolving digital media. Shoppers are more demanding than ever before and want their choices to be easily accessible with information at their fingertips. Grocers will get an overview of all the latest platforms and advertising trends in the digital space as they pertain to reaching multicultural and multiethnic markets. Presented by Justin Poy, The Justin Poy Agency

WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY:

WORKSHOP ❶

10:20AM – 10:50AM | SOLUTIONS TO EXCITE & DELIGHT SHOPPERS

EAST BUILDING | MAIN STAGE–EXHIBIT HALL A

A look at the experience (fresh, food service, theatre) that independents can display to showcase their individualism. Presented by Stewart Samuel, IGD

WORKSHOP ➋

10:20AM – 10:50AM | INDEPENDENTS'

EAST BUILDING| BALLROOM C

STRATEGY

Is the failure of US retailers (Target, Lowes, etc) in Canada due to faulty assumptions, cultural and demographic differences or does it suggest a vulnerability that plagues all retail sectors? Ken Wong, Queen’s University, discusses how independents can capitalize on this.

WORKSHOPS SPONSORED BY:

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION

EAST BUILDING | HALLS A, B & C

TRADE SHOW HOURS: 11:00AM – 4:00PM

11:45PM – 12:15PM | FAIR TRADE

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

How to build resiliency in your sourcing and trust with your customers through fair trade certifications in product selection process; procurement policies and sustainability strategies and goals. Presented by Krista Pineau, Ecocert.

12:30PM –1:00PM | LACTALIS SESSION

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

Lactalis’ Duane Sobie presents key innovations in the dairy category for the season such as simple, natural product offerings in yogurt

1:15PM –1:45PM | IN-STORE FOODSERVICE

EAST BUILDING | INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE

Exploring the in-store foodservice concepts in retail. Presented by Stewart Samuel, IGD

2:00PM – 2:30PM | SUSTAINABILITY & REGULATIONS

Sustainability & regulatory red tape is costing grocers. Hear from Laura Gomez, Dr. Jon-Paul Powers, Gladys Osien, and Mark Youden of Gowling WLG, on your responsibilities and requirements on several issues affecting your business.

SESSONS SPONSORED BY:

SPEAKERS AT GSF 2023

BETH BRICKEL Sr Research Director, Insights & Innovation team, EnsembleIQ

CRAIG CAVIN Operations Manager, Country Grocer/Island Independent Buying Group

DIANE J. BRISEBOIS President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada

SUSANNA CARSON CEO, BSIbio Packaging Solutions Ltd and Besics Packaging Corp.

TONY CHAPMAN Host, Chatter that Matters

LAURA KEARNEY Director, Category Sales Development, Maple Leaf Foods

JEFF H. SHIRLEY Founder and CEO, Rivercity Innovations Ltd.

JESSICA REGAN CEO & Co-Founder, FoodMesh

JUSTIN POY President & Creative Director, The Justin Poy Agency

NEIL STERN CEO, Good Food Holdings

STEWART SAMUEL Director of Retail Futures, IGD

GARY SANDS SVP Policy & Advocacy, Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers

WILSON KAM President, Mobiltech

DARIAN KOVACS Founder, Jelly Digital Marketing & PR & Jelly Academy

MICHAEL GRAYDON CEO of Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada

LAURA GOMEZ Partner, Gowling WLG

DONALD FITZGERALD Co-CEO, DOM’S Kitchen & Market

GENE COLEMAN Director, Grocery Operations, Coleman Group of Companies

KAJA LANSDELL Product Manager, Saputo

AMANDA LAI Director of the Food Industry Practice, McMillanDoolittle

KRISTA PINEAU Certification Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility & Fair Trade, ECOCERT Group

DR. JON-PAUL POWERS Partner & Scientific Advisor, Gowling WLG

DOUGLAS PORTER Chief Economist and Managing Director, BMO Financial Group

GLADYS OSIEN Associate, Gowling WLG

JASON VESELY Assistant Store Manager, Sobeys Westlock

KEN WONG Professor of Marketing, S.J. Smith School of Business, Queen’s University

MARC VALOIS Principal & Senior Consultant, Intersol Group Ltd.

MARK YOUDEN Partner, Gowling WLG

GIANCARLO TRIMARCHI Partner, Vince’s Market

DUANE SOBIE Region Sales Manager, Western Canada, Lactalis

SPECIALTY FOOD WEST FLOOR PLAN

&

GROCERY

PAVILIONS:

*As of March 17, 2023

EXHIBITORS BY BOOTH

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS

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: 701

✪ ACOSTA

2700 Matheson Blvd East, East Tower Suite 101, Mississauga, ON L4W 4V9

T: (905) 238-8058

E: tal.dovas@mosaic.com

www.acosta.ca

We are the sales and marketing powerhouse behind the most recognized brands and a proven resource for top retailers across the U.S and Canada.

BOOTH: 1314-1315

ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS

1200 W 73rd Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6P 6G5

T: (800) 268-3425

E: customerservice@advantagesolutions.net

www.advantagesolutions.net

Advantage Solutions is a leading provider of outsourced sales and marketing solutions to consumer goods companies and retailers. BOOTH: 915

AGROPUR DAIRY COOPERATIVE

4600 Rue Armand- Frappier, Saint-Hubert, QC, J37 1G5

T: (450) 878-2086

E: N/A

www.agropur.com

Agropur is a major player in the North American dairy industry. We use milk to make dairy products that our customers and consumers love.

BOOTH: 406

AMERLUX

178 Bauer Drive, Oakland, New Jersery, USA, 07436

T: (973) 882-5010

E: info@amerlux.com

www.amerlux.com

Manufacterer of innovative lighting solutions that captivates, inspires, and commands attention. Enhancing retail, commercial, hospitality while focusing on quality and service excellence.

BOOTH: 600

✪ 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: 401

ANNEX SODA MFG.

4323 1st st S.E, Calgary, AB T2G 2L2

T: (403) 475-4412

E: sodas@annexsales.com

www.annexsodas.com

Small batch sodas brewed right from whole ingredients in Calgary.

BOOTH: 1519

ARNEG CANADA

18, Rue Richelieu, Lacolle, QC, J0J 1J0

T: (450) 246-3837

E: hfriedmann@arnegdml.com

www.arneg.ca

Arneg Canada manufactures and supplies coolers and freezers for use in retail food and beverage stores. We also supply parts.

BOOTH: 1100

✪ ASSOCIATED GROCERS

Financial Services, Point of Sale Systems & Equipment, Tech IT

7100 44 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2C 2V7

T: (800) 242-3182

E: info@associatedgrocers.ca

www.associatedgrocers.ca

We are the leading grocery wholesaler in Western Canada serving independantly owned retailers with outstanding service to help grow your business. BOOTH: 1109

✪ ATLANTIC STAINLESS FABRICATORS LTD.

62 Howden Road, Scarborough, ON M1R 3E9

T: (141) 628-5553

E: mrafik@bellnet.ca

www.atlanticstainless.ca

Manufacturer of stainless-steel back room tables, hinged door cabinets, sink, racks, bakery oven racks, seafood display ice tables and customs manufacturing.

BOOTH: 1203

BANK OF MONTREAL

595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V7X 1L7

T: (778) 879-6784

E: BusinessBankingPrograms@bmo.com

www.bmo.com

Exclusive financing program for Independent Grocers, visit booth 604 for more details! BOOTH: 604

BARAKAH EATS

Unit 220, 8322 130 St, Surrey, BC, V3W 8J9

T: (778) 990-1950

E: info@barakaheats.com

Barakah Eats manufactures frozen, gourmet, South Asian influenced, ready to eat meals. The products are certified halal.

BOOTH: 304B

BELAND ORGANIC FOODS

19- 2390 Boul Louis XVI

Quebec, QC, G1C 5Y8

T: (418) 661-5106

E: martin@belandorganicfoods.com

www.belandorganicfoods.com

Beland Organic Foods is an organic food broker, wholesaler, and producer of Karthein’s sauerkraut and kimchi, Canadian Heritage Organic Maple products and broker Bingo! BOOTH: 1001

✪ BESICS PACKAGING CORP

#207- 8696 Barnard St, Vancouver, BC V6P 5C3

T: (604) 630-5115

E: admin@bsibio.com

www.besics.com / www.bsibio.com

Sustainability & Style are core to every BESICS product. We provide vetted compostable food service packaging for both commercial and retail sales. Check us out! BOOTH: 1415

BFG ENTERPRISES

170 Travail Rd., Markham, ON, L3S 3J1

T: (647) 519-1292

E: Hal.Brodie@bfg.ca

www.BFG.ca

BFG is the only national services company to install, maintain, and support IT and electronic technologies. So you get a customer tailored solution for all your needs from a single source anywhere in Canada. BOOTH: 1722

BIMBO CANADA/CANADA BREAD

2 International Boulevard, Ste. 100 Etobicoke, ON M9W 1A2

T: (800) 465-5515

E: B.ConsumerEnggagement@ grupobimbo.com

www.bimbocanada.com

Bimbo Canada/Canada Bread is the leading producer and distributor of packaged fresh bread, bakery products, snacks, and sweet goods. BOOTH: 608

BOB BAKERY WORLD LTD

#210 20285 Stewart Cres, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 8G1

T: (604) 380-4080

E: bob@bakeryworld.com

www.bobbakeryworld.com

One Stop Bakery & Deli Supplier devoted to exceptional service and high-quality products at Great Prices. What we don’t carry we will find. BOOTH: 1211

BOSA FOODS

1465 Kootenay St., Vancouver, BC, V5K 4Y3

T: (604) 253-5578

E: mathew.dale@bosafoods.com

www.bosafoods.com

Discover the finest products found in the Mediterranean diet and Italian culture right here. BOOTH:1007

BRANDT MEATS

1878 Mattawa Avenue, Mississauga, ON, L4X 1K1

T: (905) 270-4460

E: fdentico@brandtmeats.com

www.brandtmeats.com

For 65 years, Brandt Meats has been proudly creating artisan quality deli meats in the European tradition right here in Canada. BOOTH: 515

BURNBRAE FARMS LTD.

3356 Country Rd 27, Lyn, ON, K0E 1MO

T: (800) 666-5979

E: General@burnbraefarms.com

www.burnbraefarms.com

A sixth generatiom Canadian family-owned and operated company that suppluies egg and egg products to retail grocery stores, restaurants, and food service companies across Canada. BOOTH: 415

CAVENDISH FARMS

100 Midland Dr, Dieppe, NB E1A 6X4

T: (506) 852-0793

E: Wells.stephanie@cavendishfarms.com

www.cavendishfarms.com

At Cavendish Farms, we’re a family food company. We Pride ourselves high quality products, exceeding our customer’s needs, and strong relationships with growers.

BOOTH: 720

CANADIAN GROCER

20 Eglinton Ave W Toronto, ON M4R 1K8

T: (877) 687-7321

E: contactus@canadiangrocer.com

www.canadiangrocer.com

Canadian Grocer is the #1 magazine, website, and e-newsletter for the Canadian grocery industry, with an audience of 219,000 retailers and decision makers. BOOTH: 7

CONFETTI SWEETS

#6, 41 Broadway Blvd, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2C1

T: (780) 570-5080

E: info@confettisweets.ca

www.confettisweets.ca

Our Cookie Mix is totally awesome! Why? Because we only use the best ingredients and easy to make at home.

BOOTH: 1205

CONGLOM

2600 Marie-Curie Ave, Saint-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: 1004

CRAFTY RAMEN MARKET INC.

85 Willis Way Unit 119, Waterloo, ON, N2J 0B9

T: (519) 841-3189

E: adam@craftyramen.com

www.craftyramen.com

Ramen reimagined: the quickest and easiest way to enjoy restaurant-quality ramen at home. BOOTH: 516

✪ CRAVE STEVIA

9400 Smiley Road, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K4

T: (778) 762-0888

E: info@bvsales.ca

www.bvsales.ca

Crave Stevia offers a full product line of natural sweeteners. BOOTH: 1300

CUPPAJOE COFFEE ROASTERS

104-350 East Kent Ave. S., Vancouver, BC V5X 4N6

T: (604) 709-4563

E: gord@cuppajoe.com

www.cuppajoe.com

CuppaJoe is a Vancouver and organic coffee roaster, introducing our new single serve one cup pourover brew, that’s portable and disposable. BOOTH: 1523

DANAVATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

21 Roybridge Gate, Woodbridge, ON L4H 1E6

T: (833) 386-8800

E: hello@danavation.com

www.danavation.com

Danavation Technologies Corp., is a leading provider of micro e-paper displays in North America. Our Digital Smart Labels enable retailers to automate pricing and more.

BOOTH: 1222

DANONE CANADA

100 Rue de Lauzon

Boucherville, QC J48 1E6

T: (450) 655-7331

E: Serviceclientele-canada@danone.com

www.danone.ca

Danone Canada is the leading producer of top essential dairy, plant-based, creamer, and beverage brands like Activia, Oikos, Silk, So Delicious, Evian, and International Delight. BOOTH: 808

DELTA COFFEE WORKS INC.

199-6951 72nd Street, Delta, BC V4G 0A2

T: (604) 874-0611

E: orders@deltacoffeeworks.com

www.deltacoffeeworks.com

DCI is a national buying group organization representing independent retailers.

BOOTH: 004

DOLAN FOODS INC

3045 Universal Drive, Mississauga, ON, L4X 2E2

T: (416) 207-8813

E: sales@dolanfoods.com

www.dolanfoods.com

Dolan Foods locally and globally sources, imports, and distributes high quality niche protein products across Canada.

BOOTH: 918

DR. BEE

17617 Ford Detour Rd, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 0A7

T: (604) 460-8889

E: sales@drbee.ca

www.drbee.ca

Honey and Honey Bee Products.

BOOTH: 1215

✪ DYNA-PRO ENVIRONMENTAL 575 Roseberry Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3H 0T3

T: (204) 774-5370

E: jasperz@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: 1119

ECOCERT CANADA

#6-16 10th St East, Saskatoon, SK, S7H 0G9

T: (306) 665-9072

www.federated.ca

Federated Insurance is comitted to working closely with our partner and member like you to develop tailored solutions that meet your unique needs. Call. 1.844.628.6800. BOOTH: 606

FMS SOLUTIONS

5511 Tomken Road Ste 204, Mississauga, ON, L4W 4B8

T: (403) 485-7197

E: Ryan.mitchell@fmssolutions.com www.fmssolutions.com

FMS offers comprehensive accounting and payroll solutions that allow you to fully understand your financial performance and focus on growing your business.

BOOTH: 904

✪ FOOD SERVICE SOLUTIONS

1-430 Industrial Dr, Milton, ON L9T 5A6

T: (905) 363-0309

E: chef@myfss.ca

www.foodservicesolutions.ca

FFS Inc. is a Canadian distributor of leading commercial kitchen equipment brands, lead by a team of Chef Consultants.

BOOTH: 1414, 1416, 1418

FOODMESH

171 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A7

T: (844) 888-6374

E: engage@foodmesh.ca

www.FoodMesh.ca

FoodMesh is a Vancouver-based Certified B Corporation. Its professional food recovery services help grocery retailers minimize their food waste and maximize their community impact. BOOTH: 1700A

GBS FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT INC.

2871 Brighton Road, Oakville, ON, L6H 7V4

T: (905) 829-5534

E: pdouglas@gbscooks.com

www.gbscooks.com

GBS offers a full line of combi-ovens, blastchillers/freezers, heated and refrigerated display cases, fryers, gas or electric rotisseries, on-site training, and Canada wide service/support. BOOTH: 909

GLOBAL REACH CONFECTIONS

141 Gateway Drive NE, Airdrie, AB, T4B 0J6

T: (587) 885-0292

E: mvanderwel@globalreachconfections.com

www.globalreachconfections.com

Importer of Dutch and British foods & confections. BOOTH: 400

GOWLING WLG

160 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1C3

T: (613) 786-3254

E: mail.ca@gowlingwlg.com

www.gowlingwlg.com

We provide industry leading support in key areas, including regulatory, licensing, distribution, advertising, packaging, and labelling, intellectual property, environmental and sustainability and product liabilty. BOOTH: 417

GOODLY FOODS

107 - 8811 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V6P 3V9

T: (604) 356-4663

E: info@goodly.ca

www.goodly.ca

✪ DIGI CANADA INC.

87 Moyal Ct, Concord, ON L4K 4R8

T: (416) 648-2243

BOOTH: 621

We are a BC based premium coffee roaster that specializes in Fair-Trade Organic coffee beans. Our team has the skills to present you with a premium coffee that will exceed your expectations.

E: Natalie.bromm@ecocert.com

www.ecocert.com

Working towards a sustainable world. ECOCERT provides you with suitable solutions to promote good environmental and societal practices, across all sectors, all over the world. BOOTH: 315

ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE CANADA

✪ FRAKTAKLS CHOCOLATE

145 Industrial Parkway South, Unit 1 Aurora, ON, L4G 3V5

T: (905) 727-7279

E: info@fraktakls.com

www.fraktakls.com

Goodly upcycles misfit, surplus produce and makes delicious soups, sauces, stews and other products for retail and our Food Service customers. BOOTH: 1704A

GRAVELBOURG GOURMET MUSTARD

4706 Sherlock Bay, Regina, SK S4X 0B5

E: cara.tulloch@ca.digi-group.com

www.digisystems.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-labeling equipment, POS systems, bulk solutions, ESL, consumables, and industrial equipment.

BOOTH: 1107

DIRECT PLUS FOOD GROUP

120-8621 201 Street, Langley, BC, V2Y 0G9

T: (604) 262-0724

E: info@directplus.ca

www.directplus.ca

Direct Plus Food Group offers a complete solution for choice, distribution and sales of Grimm's Fine Foods and McSweeney's, among other high quality brands.

BOOTH: 620

✪ DISTRIBUTION CANADA INC.

3425 Harvester Rd. Ste. 102c

Burlington, ON L7N 3N1

T: (905) 681-3933

E: admin@distributioncanada.ca

www.distributioncanada.ca

401Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 3R2

T: (778) 776-3318

E: Celia.wong@ec.gc.ca www.ec.gc.ca

Informing Canadians about conserving our natural heritage, and ensuring a clean safe, and sustainable environment for present and future generations. BOOTH: 317

FCC

310-5460 152nd St.

Surrey, BC V3S 5J9

T: (604) 379-8385

E: amandeep.malik@fcc.ca

www.fcc-fac.ca/en/financing/food.html

A Canadian federal Crown corporation, FCC lends money and provides other services to food and beverage processors, equipment manufacturers, logistic providers, and other businesses.

BOOTH #1730

FEDERATED INSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA

108-4595 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC, V5G 1J9

T: (604) 294-2337

E: Mauro.ditullio@federated.ca

Fraktakls Chocolate is a producer of handmade small batch, artisanal treats. Since 2005, famous for our Handmade Belgium Chocolate Cashew Buttercrunch.

BOOTH: 509

✪ FRESH IS BEST SALSA CO. #12 – 1425 Cariboo Place, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5Z3

T: (778) 220-4727

E: Marla@freshisbest.ca

www.freshisbest.ca

Fresh is Best is a BC made fresh salsa and Tortilla chip company. Product line includes, fresh salsa, tortilla chips, tacos, hot sauce, and dips. BOOTH: 922

GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS CANADA

272 Galaxy Boulevard, Etobicoke, ON, M9W 5R8

T: (416) 528-2322

E: Canadasales@gatekeepersystems.com

www.gatekeepersystems.com

Gatekeeper Systems product suite of intelligent shopping cart solutions offer retailers innovative technology for stores to minimize merchandise loss and reduce asset and labor. BOOTH: 821

T: (306) 533-3443

E: gourmet@gravelbourgmustard.ca

www.gravelbourgmustard.ca

Gravelbourg Mustard produces 100% gluten-free gourmet style mustards that enhance your cooking experience! Great for pre-cooking meats, creating dressings and dips; it goes well with everything! BOOTH: 1517

GREAT CANADIAN MEAT COMPANY INC.

1390 Hopkins Street, Whitby, ON, L1N 2C3, T: (416) 569-4934

E: mcronin@greatcanadianmeat.com

www.greatcanadianmeat.com

The largest selection of shelf-stable meat snacks in Canada: featuring pork, beef, chicken, turkey and venison. New Halal now available! BOOTH: 522

GROCERY BUSINESS MEDIA INC.

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 independent retailers with trending information they can use to increase profit. BOOTH: 1218

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HIGH QUALITY BIOEUROPE

Stanislawa Trembeckiego 11A, Rzeszów, Polska 35-234

T: (487) 919-9972

E: polskaekologia@polskaekolgia.org

www.bioeurope.eu

The HIGH QUALITY OF BIOEUROPE campaign includes high-quality products from organic farming and processing, with the required certificates of the European Union.

BOOTH: 1742

✪ HOBART CANADA

Gordan Baker Rd Suite 801, Toronto, ON, M2H 3P8

T: (437) 240-2367

E: customer.care@hobart.ca

www.hobart.ca

Hobart Canada offers the broadest line of equipment including cooking, food preparation, refrigeration, bakery systems, warewashing and waste systems, and weighing, wrapping and labeling systems.

BOOTH: 704

HOME HARVEST BY HOUWELING

NURSERIES LTD.

2776 64th St, Delta, BC V4L 2N7

T: (604) 946-0844

E: info@houwelings.com

www.houwelings.com

Ready-to-Harvest Living Culinary Herbs and Lettuce, Grown Locally Year-Round in our Greenhouse. BOOTH: 1108

HON’S

474 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C5

T: (604) 688-0871

E: info@hons.ca

www.hons.ca

Rooted 1970’s, Hon’s helps consumers take the guesswork out of Asian cooking with

HORIZONTE IMPORTE INC.

#112 -13030 76 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3W 2V6

T: (604) 503-3311

E: Mario@horizontegroup.com

www.horizontegroup.com

We are the largest distributor of Mexican and Latin American food products in BC and we manufacture fresh Corn Tortillas in our factory in Surrey. BOOTH: 607

HUSSMANN CANADA INC.

5 Cherry Blossom Rd, Building 1, Unit 3, Cambridge,ON, N3H4R7

T: (519) 653-9980

E: Rob.arabski@hussmann.com

www.hussmann.com

Hussmann enables excellence in food retailing with merchandising and food display equipment, refrigeration systems, service, maintenance, energy solutions, food quallity expertise and store planning. BOOTH: 601

HOWELL DATA SYSTEMS

103-3011 Underhill Ave., Burnaby, BC, V5A 3C2

T: (800) 410-6871

E: sales@howelldatasystems.com

www.howelldatasystems.com

Point of Sale solutions with integrated e-commerce, mobile loyalty app, customer self-scan terminals, chain management solutions, DVR solutions & more. BOOTH: 914

INMAR INTELLIGENCE

30-50 Dynamic Dr, Scarborough, ON M1V 2W2

T: (416) 509-3195

E: Sakelan.gnanavel@inmar.com www.inmar.com

We help build customer loyalty and save shoppers money through digital coupons, loyalty programs, retail media and more!

IN-STORE WATER SYSTEMS INC.

112 Oakdale Road, Toronto ON, M3N 1 V9

T: (416) 616-1184

E: stever@instorewatersystems.com

www.instorewatersystems.com

Full-service water treatment company. Best range of equipment and options for both vended and entry and dedicated equipment. Service to all makes and models. BOOTH: 321

✪ IN-STORE PRODUCTS LTD.

5181 Everest Drive, Mississauga, ON, L4W 2R2

T: (416) 721-6642

E: joshs@instorecorp.com

www.instorecorp.com

Shopping Carts, Hand/Rolling Baskets, Backroom/Flat Bed/Garden Carts. Sustainable plastic bag alternatives greenbox, Reusable bags/Totes/Boxes. Sustainable containers and packaging. Shopping Cart maintenance programs and parts. BOOTH: 321

INTERCITY PACKERS MEAT & SEAFOOD

1900 No. 6 Road, Richmond, BC V6V 1W3

T: (604) 295-2010

E: letstalk@intercitypackers.ca

www.intercitypackers.ca

Get an exclusive first look at Brand New retail-ready Certified Angus Beef brand products, Ocean Wise seafood meals, plus more retail-packaged proteins. BOOTH: 1514

JACK DANIEL'S BBQ CO./GWFG

4401 S Downey Rd, Vernon, California, 90058

T: (513) 227-0730

E: timw@gfwg.com

www.jackdanielsmeats.com

JAKEMAN’S MAPLE PRODUCTS

454414 Trillium Line, RR1 Beachville, ON N0J 1A0

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: 507

✪ JNE RETAIL EQUIPMENT INC.

4433 Manitoba Road SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 4B9

T: (403) 243-2705

E: sales@jneretail.com

www.jneretail.com

JNE Retail Equipment is Western Canada’s leader in high quality Canadian and US manufactured products, store fixture solutions and distribution, with over 25 years service. BOOTH: 723

JRTECH SOLUTIONS

2365 Rue Guenette, Montreal, QC H4R 2E9

T: (514) 889–7114

E: info@jrtechsolutions.com

www.jrtechsolutions.com

JRTech Solutions, the #1 Electronic Labels (ESL) supplier in North America, offers a unique ESL features (Click-&-Collect, Put-to-light, Geolocation, Shelf Vision) to help retailers digitalize their operations. BOOTH: 1401

KRAFT HEINZ CANADA

95 Moatfield Dr. Toronto, ON, M3B 3L6

T: (416) 441-5000

E: info@kraftheinz.com

www.kraftheinzcompany.com

Kraft Heinz Canada provides quality, taste, and nutrition for all eating occasions. Kraft Heinz’s iconic brands include Kraft Peanut

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KRUGER PRODUCTS INC.

2 Prologis Blvd, Suite 500, Mississauga, ON, L5W 0G8

T: (905) 812-6900

E: Steve.Turner@krugerproducts.ca

www.krugerproducts.ca

Canada’s leading manufacturer of quality tissue products. We are proud to offer a portfolio of Canada’s favorite tissue brands for every room in your home. BOOTH: 815

✪ KYSOR WARREN EPTA

1 Corporate Ridge Parkway, Columbus, GA, 31907

T: (215) 870-0041

E: marketing@kysorwarren.com

www.kysorwarren.com

Kysor Warren manufactures refrigerated display cases and refrigeration systems, partnering with customers to bring complete commercial refrigeration solutions to supermarkets and other retailers.

BOOTH: 1015

✪ LA COCINA FOODS

42158 Rd 33 E, Ste Anne, MB R5H 1R1

T: (403) 462-5480

E: greg.szabo@lacocinafoods.ca

www.lacocinafoods.ca

La Cocina is a unique authentic stone ground THIN Gluten Free corn tortilla chip. We are a family run company. BOOTH: 1217

LACTALIS CANADA

1939 Centre Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2E 0A8

T: (800) 563-1515

E: contactus@lactalis.ca

www.lactalis.ca

Lactalis Canada is a leading producer of milk and dairy products. Beatrice, Lactantia, Astro, IOGO, Olympic, Black Diamond, Cracker Barrel and Balderson.

BOOTH:908

LA FOURNEE DOREE/LANTHIER BAKERY

58 Dominion Street, Alexandria, ON, K0C 1A0

T: (416) 540-9431

E: rschouppe@lanthierbakery.com

www.lanthierbakery.com

La Fournee Doree produces the highest quality Brioche products for frozen distribution across Canada. LFD National Brand or consider private label opportunities.

BOOTH: 511

LEAFFILTER

1772 Broadway St, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M8

T: (778) 214-2481

E: nhayden@leaffilter.com

www.leaffilter.ca

Canada’s #1 Gutter Protection company!

Focusing on assisting homes in maximizing optimal rain water harvesting techniques.

BOOTH: 1515

LES CANARDISES (FOIE GRAS ETC.)

5170 Avenue Royale, Saint Ferreol les Neiges, QC, G0A 3R0

T: (418) 826-2112

E: camille@lescanardises.com

www.lescanardises.com

Since 2003, our mission is to offer high quality duck products from our outdoor farming. All our products are cooked in our artisanal cannery. BOOTH: 1409

LPB DISTRIBUTION

1580 Chabanel Quest, Montreal, QC H4N 1H4

T: (514) 588-8888

E: service@lpbdistribution.com

www.lpbdistribution.com

LPB Distribution specializes in European products and manufacturing chocolaty treats. We serve a large network of retailers, Specialty Grocery stores and supermarkets across Canada. BOOTH: 1121

✪ LUV THE GRUB

345 - 71 West 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 0J7

T: (604) 366-8483

E: info@luvthegrub.com

www.luvthegrub.com

Luv The Grub produces sustainable, gourmet and fusion chutneys and spreads.

BOOTH: 1702B

MAPLE LEAF FOODS

6897 Financial Dr, Mississauga, ON L5N 0A8

T: (905) 285-5000

E: Daisy.Samaniego@mapleleaf.com

www.mapleleafffoods.com

As we pursue our vision to become the most suitable protein company on Earth, we work to reconnect families with the goodness of food. BOOTH: 1115

MARKETING IMPACT LIMITED

50 Planchard Rd., Concord, ON L4K 2C7

T: (905) 738-0888

E: sales@displaypeople.com

www.displaypeople.com

MARKETING IMPACT designs and manufactures point-of-purchase displays and merchandisers with complimenting lines of shelf-management systems; plastic sign holders and accessories; spring loaded pushers; Shelf-Mounting Locking Showcases; and our patented Expanding Dividers. Always Innovating! WE ARE YOUR SOURCE FOR EFFECTIVE DISPLAY AND MERCHANDISING. BOOTH: 1758

MASTRO VINCI

444 Elgin St, Brantford, ON, N3S 7P7

T: (519) 758-8550

E: ORDERS@MASTROVINCI.COM

www.mastrovinci.com

Specializing in Gluten Free Foods, Pasta, Prepared Meals, Pizza, Imported Flour.

BOOTH: 517

MCCAIN FOODS

439 King Street West, Toronto, ON, M5V 1K4

T: (416) 995-1700

E: consumer.affairs@mmcain.ca

www.mccain.ca

Canada’s leader in Frozen Foods, celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food. Featuring French Fries and Specialty Potatoes, Breakfast products, Desserts, and Snacks.

BOOTH: 707

MILANO COFFEE ROASTERS

156 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1N2

T: (604) 879-4468

E: info@milanocoffee.ca

www.milanocoffee.ca

Milano Coffee is a local coffee roaster that has won 15 Gold Medals in Italy for their coffee brands. BOOTH: 1507

✪ MIWE CANADA INC

10-3055 Lenworth Dr, Mississauga, ON, L4X 2G3

T: (905) 614-0505

E: b.garisto@miwe.com

www.miwe.com

Better baking. Better Business. Our world is baked goods and the bakers of the world are our customers. We can help you to be more successful in your market – with the best products possible, reliable consulting, winning concepts, sophisticated technology, and excellent service. BOOTH: 804

MONERIS

3300 Bloor St W 16th Floor, Etobicoke, M8X 2X2

T: (855) 502-6227

E: associationteam@moneris.com

www.moneris.com

Moneris has been partnering as the preferrred payment processor with Canadian business owners for more than 20 years. BOOTH: 602

MOTOROLA VALUE ADDED DISTRIBUTOR

633 Granite Court, Pickering, ON, L1W 3K1

T: (905) 626-4435

E: jsimmonds@lenbrook.com

www.lenbrookcanadasolutions.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: 819

MOUNTAIN CREEK FARMS

3410B Ogden Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4N5

T: (403) 290-0860

E: David.kowbel@jbssa.com

www.jbsfoodsgroup.com

Mountain Creek Farms is a further processor of Beef, Pork & Chicken in special Packaging that allows for extended shelf life, for retail or wholesale. BOOTH: 1500

MPOINT COMMUNICATION

2268 no.5 Road, Unit 240 Richmond, BC V6X 2T1

T: (604) 282-1505

E: mpointjohn@gmail.com

www.mpointcommunication.com

Engages in the importation, wholesale and retail distribution of fashion cell phone accessories, iPod accessories and electronic gift items. BOOTH: 1423

✪ NATURALIGHT FOODS INC.

109-2955 Acland Road, Kelowna, BC, V1X 7X2

T: (250) 491-9800

E: naturalight@telus.net

www.naturalightfoods.net

Our ORCHID Vanilla Extract is made in Canada through a careful extraction and ageing process using only the best Madagascar Fair Trade Organic Vanilla Beans. BOOTH: 718

NATURE’S CHOICE FOODS

PO BOX 93 STN DEL CTR, Maple Ridge, BC, V2X 7E9

T: (604) 465-2100

E: info@natureschoice.ca

www.natureschoice.ca

Nature’s Choice Food has been importing and wholesaling premium culinery spices & herbs since 1989. BOOTH: 310

NESTLE CANADA INC.

25 Sheppard Ave W, North York, ON M2N 6S8

T: (416) 512-9000

E: consumer.care@ca.nestle.com

www.madewithnestle.ca

Nestle Canada has a wide variety of food, beverage, and nutrition products to help you and your family live happier and healthier lives. BOOTH: 615

NICLI PIZZERIA INC.

3142 Highland Blvd, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 2X6

T: (604) 770-1240

E: hello@niclipizzeria.ca

Nicli honours the culinary traditions from four generations of the Nicli family. Our menu highlights the season's freshest, local ingredients alongside a robust beverage program. BOOTH: 1306

NOVOLEX

101 E Carolina Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550

T: (800) 845-6051

E: novolexmarketing@novolex.com

www.Novolex.com

Novolex develops and manufactures diverse packaging products for the foodservice, delivery and carryout, that touch nearly every aspect of daily life in multiple industries. BOOTH: 1301

✪ NUBA NATURAL FOODS

146 E 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1C8

T: (604) 568-6727

E: nubanatural@gmail.com

www.nuba.ca

Fresh, Healthy, good Lebanese food enjoyed by Vancouverites for the past 20 years now available in retail and to make at home. BOOTH: 1504

✪ OLD DUTCH FOODS LTD.

100 Bentall St, Winnipeg, MB, R2X 2Y5

T: (800) 351-2447

E: info@olddutchfoods.com

“Old Dutch Foods Ltd is a trusted leader in the Canadian snack industry. Come see us, learn about our products and share our Taste for Life.” BOOTH: 1005

OLIVIA’S CAKE POPS

6346 Viscount Rd, Mississauga, ON, L14 1H3

T: (416) 560-5993

E: Karolina.bell@oliviaspops.com

www.oliviaspops.com

Olivia’s cake pops are the perfect snack and sale item for your bakery set. Nut Free and delicious! BOOTH: 1727

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✪ OPUS EXPERTLY

HANDCRAFTED COCKTAILS

PO Box 37585, The Quay PO North Vancouver, BC, BC V7M 0G4

T: (604) 970-2976

E: ck@drinkopus.com

www.drinkopus.com

Alcohol Free Handcrafted Beverages

BOOTH: 425

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS

1 Stone Rd West, Guelph, ON, N1G 4Y2

T: (877) 424-1300

E: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca

www.ontario.ca/page/ministryagriculture-food-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: 506

✪ PANELA BAKING FACTORY

2768 Slough St, Mississauga, ON, L4T 1G3

T: (289)384-9965

E: info@panelafactory.com

www.panelafactory.com

Panela Baking Factory is a manufacterer of baked goods and confectionery. Our product lineup includes filled cookies, filled bars, meal replacement bars, and wafers.

BOOTH: 502

✪ PASTA TIME

41 Broadway Blvd., Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2C1

T: (780) 467-1121

E: aleem@troikafoods.com

www.pastatime.ca

Pasta Time makes delicious filled frozen pastas like ravioli and tortellini that are available across Canada. Available in wholesale and retail formats. BOOTH: 1205

PCB 101 - 176367 1rst Ave, Surrey, BC, V3Z 9S1

T: (604) 538-1566

E: marketing@pcb.ca

www.pcbglobaltrade.com

With 68+ years of experience, PCB specializes in handling delicate commodities, offering fast and reliable transportation across borders.

BOOTH: 1221

PEPSICO FOODS CANADA

2095 Matheson Blvd E, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5R7

T: (800)376-2257

E: info@pepsico.com

www.Pepsico.ca

Pepsi Beverages, Quaker and Frito-Lay will be present to share what’s new and exciting across their Beverage, Snack, Foods and Nourishing Food categories.

BOOTH: 409

✪ PETPARKER SOLUTIONS INC.

610 East 21 Ave, Vancouver, BC V5V 1R7

T: (604) 312-9508

E: info@petparker.ca

www.petparker.ca

PetParker helps businesses attract and engage the growing number of pet owners. Our smart stations keep pets safe and comfortable for everyone’s benefit.

BOOTH: 1505

POLAR MOBILITY RESEARCH LTD.

7860-62 ST S.E, Calgary, AB T2C 5K2

T: (866) 654-2260

E: jws@polarmobility.com

www.polarmobility.com

Polar Mobility Research has specialized in supplying heating, air conditioning and air filtration solutions to the heavy construction industry for over 40 years.

BOOTH: 419

PROCTER & GAMBLE

4711 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6K8

T: (416) 730-4711

E: nazarec.tl@pg.com

www.PG.ca

For over 100 years, P&G Canada has been providing trusted brands of superior quality and value that improve the lives of Canadians. BOOTH: 800

RAMY HILL SALES

3725 Commercial St, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4G1

T: (604) 214-0033

E: info@ramyhill.com

We are a company focused on providing uniforms, kitchen apparel, name badges, linens, custom binders and menucovers. Clients are across Canada and in the USA.

BOOTH: 1522

REDFROG ENTERPRISES LTD.

11945 95 A Ave, Delta, BC V4C 3W1

T: (604) 587-9907

E: REDFROG_ENTERPRISES@YAHOO.CA

www.redfrogenterprises.com

RedFrog Enterprises Ltd is a food producer, importer, and export since 2006 in Vancouver B.C. BOOTH: 1209

REROOT

1370 East Georgia St, Vancouver, BC, V5L 2A8

T: (604) 290- 5620

E: info@rerootkitchen.com

www.rerootkitchen.com

We make ready-to-eat frozen meals from a combination of surplus and purchased ingredients, to support our community meal program for food-insecure people in Vancouver. BOOTH: 1072A

✪ RIO MARE

100 Commerce Valley Dr, Markham, ON L3T 0A1

T: (416) 894-8616

E: fmonetti@sofinafoods.com

www.riomare.ca

Only prime quality tuna and the finest olive oil create the unique taste of Rio Mare. Italy’s favourite tuna and #2 tuna brand in Canada. BOOTH: 405

RIVERCITY INNOVATIONS LTD.

201-116 Research Dr.

Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3

T: (306) 986-8888

E: support@rivercityinnovations.ca

www.rivercityinnovations.ca

Specializing in cold chain temperature

monitoring for groceries. Our wireless solution prevents product loss, saves labour costs and automates reporting. Check Less - Do More. BOOTH # 806

✪ SAPUTO DAIRY PRODUCTS CANADA GP

1889 Kingsway Avenue

Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 1T1

T: (604) 420-6611

E: salescanada@saputo.com

www.saputo.ca

Manufacterer & distributor of a vast range of dairy brands such as Dairyland, Milk2Go, Armstrong, Joyya, Alexis de Portneuf, and our plant-based line Vitalite. BOOTH: 609

SAMROK CANADA

#5 Skyline Cr. NE, Calgary, AB T2K 5X2

T: (403) 241-3216

E: alok@samrok.com

www.shopsamrok.com/myaccount.asp

Wholesale distribution company of sparklers, party supplies, and other items. BOOTH: 403

SASKATCHEWAN TRADE & EXPORT PARTNERSHIP

#400-402 21ST ST East, Saskatoon, SK, United States

T: (130) 627-0192

E: kjanhunen@sask.sk.ca

www.sasktrade.com

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership is the export agency for Sasktachewan. Products include companies supplying snacks, oils, beverages, pulses, and grains from Saskatchewan. BOOTH:408

✪ SELLERS PUBLISHING

161 John Roberts Road, South Portland, Maine, 04106

T: (207) 772-6833

E: rsp@rsvp.com

www.rsvp.com

Sellers Publishing RSVP, Wicked Funny and High Note greeting cards, 200+ calendars, gift & trade books, and High Note Premium Planners & Stationery. BOOTH: 623

SHOES FOR CREWS

90 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Unit 1452

Mississauga, ON L5B 3C3

T: (877) 667-5477

E: danr@shoesforcrews.com

www.shoesforcrews.ca

Shoes for Crews is a leading innovator in the design and manufacturing of safety protective solutions since 1984. We provide high quality slip-resistant footwear.

BOOTH: 1508

SIR SOLUTIONS

3565 Jarry East, Suite 650 Montreal, QC, H1Z 4K6

T: (800) 264-9554

E: mcournoyer@sirsolutions.com

www.sirsolutions.com

SIR Solutions is a Canadian leader point-of-sale software and integrated innovations (such as Self Checkout, Electronic Labels, E-Commerce) for more than 25 years. BOOTH: 1223

SMART LABEL SOLUTIONS

#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, such as electronic shelf.

BOOTH: 1501, 1503

SOBEYS WHOLESALE

1020 64 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 7V8

T: (403) 730-3500

E: melissa.lee@sobeys.com

www.sobeys.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: 809

✪ SOFINA FOODS

100 Commerce Valley Dr West Markham, ON L3T 0A1

T: (905)747-3333

E: sales@sofinafoods.com

www.sofinafoods.com

Sofina Foods is one of the nation’s leading manufacterers of primary and further processed protein product for both retail & foodservicee customers. BOOTH: 407

✪ SOFTCRUSH

3515 15th St. SW, Calgary, AB T2T4A4

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: 1521

SONORA FOODS LTD.

170 Atwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5Z5

T: (800) 815-9115

E: fluengo@senorafoods.ca

www.sonorafoods.com

From day one, we’ve been comitted to creating unique products that capture the true taste of Southwest cuisine. BOOTH: 618

✪ SPRUCEWOOD HANDMADE COOKIE CO. 628 Ontario Street, Cobourg, ON, K9A 3C4

T: (905) 372-0707

E: info@sprucewoodbrands.com

www.sprucewoodbakery.com

We Make small batch; high quality cookies; savoury/sweet SQF certified, Kosher, Nut-free – diabetic friendly flavours. Keto, 13-month natural shelf life! BOOTH: 501

STARWHOLESALE LTD.

1430-246 Stewart Green S.W Calgary, AB T3H 3C8

T: (403) 312-4969

E: bmarlow@starwholesaledsd.ca

www.starwholesaledsd.ca

Full line DSD Food Distributor. National coverage. Grocery, Pharmacy, Mass and C-store. Exclusive brands with exceptional service. BOOTH: 1708

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SUNSHINE PICKLES

30043 Jane Rd, Thamesville, ON, N0P2K0

T: (519)692-4416

E: info@picklesplease.ca

www.picklesplease.ca

Grown and Processed in Canada.

Conventional and Certified Organic Pickled Products. BOOTH: 500

✪ SUSGRAINABLE

5307 Victoria Drive #1008, Vancouver, BC, V5P 3V6

T: (604) 335-0871

E: sales@susgrainable.ca

www.susgrainable.ca

Baking the byproduct of craft breweries back into our food system by crafting taste easy-to-make baking mixes. High Fibre!

High Protein! UPCYCLED!

BOOTH: 1700B

✪ SVI DISTRIBUTING (SPORTSFLEETS VENTURES INC.)

2016 Ontario SDt, Vancouver, BC, V5T2W7

T: (187) 777-3738

E: info@sportsfleets.com

www.sportsfleets.com

Natural and eco products.

BOOTH: CANADA CONNECT PAVILLION

✪ TASTE OF EGYPT

2511 4 AV NE, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 2A7

T: (647) 640-8115

E: tasteofegypt.shuswap@gmail.com

www.tasteofegypt.ca

For the first time Egyptian food in BC with lots of ethnic folaver, offering Gluten free products and Vegan as and Egyptian Street Food. BOOTH: 300

THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY BAKERY

#10- 644 Millway Ave, Vaughan, ON L4K 4H4

T: (416) 623-8226

E: sales@covetedcakes.com

www.covetedcakes.com

Coveted Cakes is the proud Canadian and European Master Distributors of The Cheesecake Factory Baking servicing restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers. Contact us for more details. BOOTH: 1736

THE COCA COLA COMPANY

355 King Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 1L1

T: (180) 043-8265

E: Consumer.relations@coca-cola.com

www.coca-cola.ca

We offer more than 250 drinks across 38 brands in Canada including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, Canada-Dry, Minute Maid, fairlife, Simply, Monster, Powerade and Dasani. BOOTH: 901

✪ THE MAPLE TREAT CORPORATION

1150, rue Arthur-Danis, Granby, QC J2J 0T3

T: (877) 526-8421

E: westsales@themapletreat.com

www.themapletreat.com

The Maple Treat Corporation was formed in 2017 and is one of the largest maple syrup providers in the world with 25% of the market. BOOTH: 1525

THE GROCERY PEOPLE (TGP)

13232 170th St, Edmonton, AB, T5V 1M7

T: (780) 447-5700

E: TGPinfo@fcl.crs

www.tgp.crs

The Grocery People (TGP) is a full-service distributor that delivers groceries and createss programs for independent retail grocers. BOOTH: 711

THE ICE CREAM DEPOT

400, 3615 11 St.

Nisku, AB T9E 1C6

T: (780) 690-1464

E: mmaier@theicecreamdepot.ca

www.theicecreamdepot.ca

The Ice Cream Depot is a Master Distributor of Chapman’s Ice Cream for Alberta. We also carry Blue Bunny and many other unique brands. BOOTH #1201

✪ THINKCOLD SOLUTIONS

140- 7885 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 5M7

T: (866) 813-7757

E: info@thinkcold.ca

www.thinkgs.ca

ThinkCold Solutions offers a fresh take on an industry frozen in time. Powered by VebaBox we offer an innovative approach to Cold Chains of tomorrow. BOOTH: 1309

TREE OF LIFE CANADA

6185 McLaughlin Rd. Mississauga, ON L5R 3W7

T: (905) 507-6161

E: canada.sales@treeoflife.com

www.treeoflife.ca

Tree of Life, growing brands in Canada for over 70 years. With unparalleled category expertise in our industry, serving brand partners, customers and consumers.

BOOTH: 801

UNILEVER CANADA

160 Bloor St East, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, M4W 3R2

T: (587) 433-5268

E: scott.mcalpine@unilever.com

www.unilever.com

Unilever is one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies, with 400+ brands in over 190 countries. Exhibiting 2023 innovations and offering ice cream samples! BOOTH: 905

UNITEX SALES LTD.

102 - 30720 Simpson Rd.

Abbotsford, BC V2T 6C7

T: (604) 855-1850

E: info@unitexsales.com

www.unitex.ca

Amplify your brand with professionally branded corporate apparel, uniforms and promotional products. We will match your goals with excellent solutions.

BOOTH #906

UNTAMED FEAST INC.

6 -250 Renault Cr, #250

St. Albert, AB, T8N 4B8

T: (780) 896-5243

E: info@untamedfeast.com

www.untamedfeast.com

Mushroom Products. Includes meal kits such as MushroomMeat, Wild Mushroom

Soup, Mushroom Risotto, Mushroom Coconut Rice, dried foraged mushrooms and more. BOOTH: 304A

UPFIELD CANADA INC.

480 University Ave, Suite 803, Toronto, ON, M5G 1V2

T: (778) 549-3346

E: kristen.powell@upfield.com

www.upfield.com

Upfield is the largest plant-based consumer products company in the world, with iconic brands such as Becel, Violife, and Country Crock. BOOTH: 1219

✪ VANILLA BLOSSOM FLAVOURS

21-6809 Kirkpatrick Crescent, Saanichton, BC V8M 1Z8

T: (250) 893-9962

E: info@vanillablossom.com

www.vanillablossom.com

Vanillablossom Flavours is a Canadian small business on Vancouver Island, offering premium vanilla products and spices at accessible prices. BOOTH: 1400

VELOCITY MARKETING LTD.

Financial Services, Point of Sale Systems & Equipment, Tech IT

3355 Euclid Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5G1

T: (604) 347-7188

E: Davy.labardisse@telus.net

Velocity imports fibre trays with peelable lining for raw meat, ready-made meals and produce. BOOTH: 706

WAJAX

2250 Argentia Road, Mississauga, ON, L5N 6A5

T: (587) 589-5692

E: info@wajax.com

www.wajax.com

Wajax is one of Canada’s leading distributors in sales, rental, and after sales parts of equipment, power systems and industrial parts. BOOTH:1021

WANZL NORTH AMERICA

700 Technibilt Dr, Newton, NC, USA 28658

T: (800)351-2278

E: bill.niarchos@wanzl.com

www.wanzl.com/na

Wanzl is the leading global supplier of B2B solutions for retailers and offers a portfolio of diverse products, solutions, and innovations. BOOTH: 1718

WEBER MARKING SYSTEMS CANADA

6180 Danville Road, Mississauga, ON L5T 2H7

T: (905) 564-6881

E: info@webermarking.ca

www.Webermarking.ca

Weber Marking Systems in Canada is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality labels, innovative labeling systems, and reliable coding products to the Canadian marketplace. BOOTH: 1726

WESTERN GROCER MAGAZINE

1313 Border Street Unit 16, Winnepeg, MB

T: (204) 954-2057

E: rbradley@mercurypublications.ca

www.westerngrocer.com

Serving the west for over 100 years! Western Grocer Magazine is read by key decision-makers in grocery stores across the west. Drop by our booth! BOOTH: 619

✪ WILDLY DELICIOUS FINE FOODS AND MARTELLI FOODS/GAROFALO

1146 Glenridge Drive, Oakville, ON, L6M 2K7

T: (416) 705-0807

E: gingriselli@northerndancersales.com

www.northerndancersales.com

We are innovation providing an assortment of Condiments, BBQ Sauces, Pasta Sauces, Premium Pasta, Infused Vinegars and Oils, Premium Imported Tomatoes, Fish, and Biscuits. BOOTH: 823

WORKSAFE BC

PO BOX 5350 Stn Terminal, Richmond, BC, V6B 515

T: (888) 967-5377

E: manufacturing@WorkSafeBC.com

www.WorkSafeBC.com

A healthy and safe workplace is a shared responsibility. For more resources and information, please visit our Manufacturing pages. BOOTH: 1411

✪ YORKSHIRE VALLEY FARMS LTD.

80 Galaxy Boulevard, Etobicoke, ON M9W 4Y8

T: (647) 938-5839

E: liz@yorkshirevalley.com

www.yorkshirevalley.com

Yorkshire Valley Farms is committed to the highest quality organic poultry, offering products you feel good about, for your families and the world we live in. BOOTH: 508

✪ ZAST-FOODS

222 Islington Ave. Suite 6C, Toronto, ON, M8V 3W7

T: (416)300-0566

E: info@zastfoods.com

www.zastfoods.com

Try Nudefruit and Just Chill’in; our “local” natural frozen fruit, Cookin’ Greens; our frozen dark leafy greens, or indulge with our Cineplex Big Screen Snacks!

BOOTH: 510

ZOA ENERGY

1220 E. 5th Ave Suite A, Tampa, FL, 33605

T: (866) 994-6962

E: yourfriends@zoaenergy.com

www.zoaenergy.ca

Come taste delicious ZOA Energy! We will be offering samples of Wild Orange, White Peach, Tropical Punch, and Cherry Limeade ZOA Energy drinks! BOOTH: 414

WIFI SPONSORED BY: MOBILE APP SPONSORED BY:

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BAGS

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BAKED GOODS: FRESH/ FROZEN/REFRIGERATED

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La Fournee Doree/Lanthier Bakery

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FoodMesh

Susgrainable

Taste of Egypt

The Cheesecake Factory

BAR CODING EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS

AM/PM Service Point of Sale

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Novolex

BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE

SVI Distributing (SportsFleets Ventures Inc)

Unilever Canada

Proctor & Gamble

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Annex

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Delta Coffee

In-Store Water Systems Inc.

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JNE Retail Equipment Inc.

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Bank of Montreal

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Pasta Time

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Tree of Life Canada

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Upfield Canada Inc.

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MIWE Canada Inc.

Nuba Natural Foods

Taste of Egypt

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Jakeman’s Apple Products

Kraft Heinz

Nuba Natural Foods

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A Lassonde Inc.

Acosta

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Crave Stevia

Direct Plus Food Group

Fresh is Best Salsa Co.

Great Canadian Meat Company Inc.

Jakeman’s Maple Products

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PepsiCo Canada

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Direct Plus Food Group

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