Canadian Grocer Sept/Oct 2024

HOW TO WOW WITH IN-STORE EVENTS • THE IMMIGRATION BOOM AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR STORE • CATCHING UP WITH RON WELKE, CFIG’S NEW BOSS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

CFIG’s new chair

Erin Higdon

is on a mission to make things better for the country’s indie grocers

Contents 28

32

Features

10

Departments

28 CFIG’s new chief

5 Front Desk 7 The Buzz 55 New on Shelf

Ron Welke on what’s ahead for the organization

54

PEOPLE

10 Planting a seed How a

32 On a mission

CFIG’s incoming chair Erin Higdon is advocating for indies

37 Capitalizing on the immigration boom FROM TOP LEFT: CAREY SHAW, JOHNNY C.Y. LAM, CHRISTIE VUONG, , DOMNITSKY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Sept/Oct || Volume 138 - Number 6

Rising numbers of newcomers offer grocers a world of opportunity—if they get it right

HOW TO WOW WITH IN-STORE EVENTS • THE IMMIGRATION BOOM AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR STORE • CATCHING UP WITH RON WELKE, CFIG’S NEW BOSS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

CFIG’s new chair

CFIG’s incoming chair Erin Higdon Photography by Johnny C.Y. Lam

is on a mission to make things better for the country’s indie grocers

Erin Higdon

15 Green grocer This IGA

in Montreal takes hyper-local produce to new heights

17 The Big Question How

grocers offer value in the face of inflation

19 All in the family: A Q&A with Rabba Fine Foods’ Rick Rabba

store size, less can be more

Memorable in-store experiences will keep shoppers coming back for more

On the cover

IDEAS

21 Grocery’s small-format advantage When it comes to

41 Finding fun (again) in the grocery store

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

trip to Sweden inspired Joseph Chen to create a cracker brand

COLUMNS

23 Canadians wary of AI integration People welcome tech advancements, but trust needs to be built

25 Beating the heat with hydration Mintel’s Joel

Gregoire digs into the demand for drinks that refuel and rehydrate

27 A new comfort zone

Ipsos’s Jenny Thompson on the evolving definition of comfort food FRESH

47 Flower power An

on-trend floral department can get sales blooming AISLES

49 The big cheese Demand for cheese is high and it’s fuelling innovation

53 On board As a snack or a

meal, charcuterie is the meat of the matter

54 Millets: Four things to know Move over muesli! This super grain is coming in hot EXPRESS LANE

56 In good standing

Rotman’s David Soberman on the delicate art of reputation management

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 3

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD BONNIE BIROLLO, SOBEYS; RAY HEPWORTH, METRO; KEN KEELOR, CALGARY CO-OP; BRENDA KIRK, PATTISON FOOD GROUP; CHRISTY MCMULLEN, SUMMERHILL MARKET; GIANCARLO TRIMARCHI, VINCE’S MARKET

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JAIME HOGGE

Printed in Canada

EYE ON INDEPENDENTS As retailers go, independent grocers are a resilient bunch. They’ve had to be.

Confronted by challenges to their business at every turn—from heightened competition to soaring operating costs and what they would describe as a less than level playing field—indies have developed a knack for getting creative with their solutions to these problems, while leaning-in to what makes them stand out from the crowd.

“Independents are the hardest-working, dynamic out-of-the box thinkers that I have had the opportunity to work with,” said Erin Higdon, incoming chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) when we spoke to her for this month’s cover story.

Higdon, who is vice-president of business strategy at Newfoundland’s Powell Group of Companies, parent to Atlantic Grocery Distributors and Powell’s Supermarket, knows a thing or two about what independent grocers are up against; her company has been in the grocery business since 1948. As chair of CFIG, she’ll be advocating for indies across the country including pressing the government to do more to support them, “to ensure independents not just remain on the playing field, but also improve their future position.” (Read the story on page 32.)

In this issue we also bring you an interview with Ron Welke, CFIG’s new boss. Welke took over the role on Aug. 1, from a retiring Tom Shurrie. We caught up with Welke to see how he’s settling into his new gig, learn what’s ahead for the organization and about his desire to help build a more collaborative industry.

(Read the interview on page 28.)

Independent grocers like Denninger’s in Ontario serve up a unique shopping experience

And we’ve got more on independents!

For the latest instalment in our Taking the Lead series, we talk to Rick Rabba, president of Rabba Fine Foods (with 37 locations in the Greater Toronto Area), about how running a family business has shaped his leadership style. On the CPG side, we bring you the story of Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps and its founder Joseph Chen. Read how a trip to Sweden inspired Chen to create a snack brand from his home base of Prince Edward County that’s landing on grocery shelves in Ontario and beyond. (Read Chen’s inspiring story on page 10.)

See you next time! CG

Shellee Fitzgerald Editor-in-Chief

sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com

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

Visit canadiangrocer.com to subscribe September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 5

NEW

DISTILLERS COLA NO ARTIFICIAL NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS COLOURS

CARIBBEAN KOLA NUT

MADAGASCAN VANILLA

NON GMO

LIME WEDGE

DISTILLERS COLA

DARK SPIRIT

www.fever-tree.com | @fevertreecanada | #mixwiththebest

The Buzz

The latest news in the grocery biz

Farm Boy marks the opening of its Burlington, Ont. location, which is also the grocer’s 50th store in the province

T&T Supermarket is opening a 55,000-sq.-ft. store in San Jose, Calif. next year

Metro executives and local government officials cut the ribbon on the grocery company’s newest store, located within Ottawa’s famed ByWard Market

OPENINGS

SHAY CONROY FOR FARM BOY, T&T SUPERMARKET, METRO, RED BARN MARKET

LOBLAW is piloting a discount concept in Ontario under its No Name brand. The stores—in Windsor, St. Catharines and Brockville—will offer up to 20% off on everyday grocery items and household essentials by “lowering operating costs and carrying only a targeted assortment of products,” the company said. No Name stores will carry a limited assortment of 1,300 products, including shelf-stable bakery and produce items, as well as a small range of frozen food items. It won’t, however, carry refrigerated items such as dairy or fresh meat.

METRO opened a 32,000-sq.-ft. store in Ottawa’s ByWard Market—a hub of outdoor farmers market stalls, boutiques, restaurants, specialty food shops and more. Named Metro Rideau, the store— Metro’s 132nd location in Ontario—features a wide range of fresh and local produce, seafood, an on-site butcher, a full floral section and products from the grocer’s private-label lines Irresistibles and Selection.

FARM BOY has hit a major milestone. The Empire-owned banner has opened its 50th store. Located in Burlington, Ont., the new store offers Farm Boy’s usual selection of farm-fresh produce, butcher-quality meats, artisan cheese, fresh dairy and private-label products, as well as gluten-free, plant-based, vegan and vegetarian options.

Red Barn Market’s newest store in North Saanich on Vancouver Island is the food retailer’s eighth and largest location

Asian grocery retailer T&T SUPERMARKET is set to open its first store in California.

The 55,000-sq.-ft. space, which was previously occupied by a Walmart, is slated to open in fall 2025 at the Westgate Center in San Jose. Shoppers can expect a BBQ counter, noodle station, dim sum, a street food section, an in-store bakery as well as a hot food bar and a made-to-order Chinese crepe station.

RED BARN MARKET has opened its eighth and largest store—a 6,000-sq.-ft. space, which is part of the new Sandown Park

Shopping Centre in North Saanich on southern Vancouver Island. The store carries meat, produce, deli and grocery items as well as a sandwich bar.

Four The Bargain! Shop locations (two in Saskatchewan, one in British Columbia and one in Ontario) have rebranded to RED APPLE STORES. In addition to Red Apple’s signature Candyworks section, each refreshed store offers an expanded selection of brand-name fashions, toys, groceries and home essentials.

News to share? Tell us about your openings, comings and goings, etc. by dropping a line to sfitzgerald@ensembleiq.com September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 7

PEOPLE

Vince Timpano

Amid a restructuring of Lassonde Industries’ senior leadership team, president and chief operating officer Vince Timpano has transitioned into the chief executive officer role, previously held by Nathalie Lassonde (also vice-chair), who is now executive vice-president and co-chair of the board. Timpano joined Lassonde in 2020 as president and CEO of its U.S. subsidiary, Lassonde Pappas and Company. In 2021, he became Lassonde’s president and chief operating officer.

Rolster Taylor has moved into a new role at the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG). Previously the association’s director of sales and operations, Taylor, who has been with CFIG for nearly 16 years, is now vice-president of sales. In his new role, Taylor will oversee aspects of sponsorship, operations and exhibition sales.

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

CFIG LIFE MEMBER, SPIRIT OF THE INDEPENDENT AND LIFE PARTNERS RECIPIENTS 2024

Grocery Connex Rolster Taylor

Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI) and the Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance (CIGBA) have hired Marina Zaitseva as manager of events, communications and technologies. She replaces Matthew Brown, who has joined the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) as manager of marketing and communications.

Zaitseva has previously worked at such companies as Altitude Travel Club, La Maison De Pascale and Fashion Group International.

Giancarlo Trimarchi

Tim Berman

Tom Shurrie

GroceryConnex

Ingrid and Will Willemsen

GroceryConnex

Marina Zaitseva

Shingly Lee

Energy drink company Guru Organic Energy has appointed Shingly Lee as vice-president of marketing. Lee most recently served as head of marketing and brand at Alpha Foods. She previously worked at Danone on the Vega brand, The Kraft Heinz Company and Procter & Gamble.

Schär Gluten Free has appointed Sophie Labrecque as its new regional sales manager for Quebec and Eastern Canada. Labrecque, who brings more than a decade of sales experience to the role, has been tasked with building the company’s presence in the Canadian market by “forging partnerships with relevant stakeholders that can aid in Schär Gluten Free’s growth and continuous expansion,” according to a press release.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) announced the recipients of this year’s Life Member Award, Spirit of the Independent Award and the inaugural Life Partners Award. Life Member designations have been awarded to Giancarlo Trimarchi of Vince’s Market in the independent grocer category, and retired Kraft Heinz executive Tim Berman in the industry builder category. Meanwhile, former CFIG president and CEO Tom Shurrie has been recognized with the 2024 Spirit of the Independent Award. The organization has also recognized Will and Ingrid Willemsen of Ontario grocer Sunripe with the Life Partners Award. The recipients will be honoured during an awards gala in Toronto on Oct. 30.

GroceryConnex Sophie Labrecque

GroceryConnex CANADIAN GROCER’S GROCERY CONNEX conference will take place at Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York hotel on Monday November 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join industry leaders and key decision makers for an inspiring day of keynotes, expert panels and networking. Visit groceryconnex.com for information and tickets.

Canadian Grocer has been named finalist for The Folio: Eddie and Ozzie Awards in three categories: • Full Issue, B2B Retail: December 2023/ January 2024 issue • Magazine Section, B2B: People who you need to know • Series of Articles, B2B, Food & Beverage: Generation Next Thinking The 2024 awards will be handed out in New York City in October.

CFIG

GroceryConnex

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 8

The ACTION: In 2024, we installed solar panels on our grading stations and farms in Southern Ontario.

The GOOD: We expect to harness enough power to sustain approximately 65 average households every day, reducing our energy consumption up to 26%*

Taking local action for the greater good.™

*At the Gray Ridge Strathroy Grading Station

© L. H. Gray and Son Limited, 2024

Winner, 2024 Canadian Grocer Impact Award Sustainability Category

People

Who you need to know

PLANTING A SEED After discovering crispbread on a trip to Sweden, Joseph Chen set out to make his own gluten-free version

By Andrea Yu

PHOTOCREDIT

Photography by Christie Vuong

10 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

I

n 2019, while working in consumer insights for Mondelēz, Joseph Chen travelled to Stockholm, Sweden to visit a friend. There, he fell in love with crispbread: a flat, dry bread usually made with rye flour. When Chen returned home, he began tinkering in his kitchen to recreate a gluten-free version of the popular Nordic snack. “My partner, Robert, is gluten intolerant,” Chen explains. “I always enjoy taking something that has gluten and making it gluten free.”

After experimenting with different seed combinations and techniques, Chen landed on a winning recipe with a nutty character and crisp texture, flavoured with saffron and pink salt. “It was a lot of trial and error,” he recalls. At first, Chen just made the crackers for his partner and friends to enjoy at home.

But, in the fall of 2021, he quit his job at Mondelēz to start his own market research consulting business. With more free time, and encouragement from Robert, Chen considered turning his homemade seed crisps into a commercial product.

His first step was to develop two more flavours: Truffle as well as Rosemary and Black Pepper, to add to his original Saffron and Pink Salt crispbread. “Through my CPG background, I knew that you should have more than one flavour to get peoples’ attention,” Chen says. He named his company Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps. “My mom and my partner always call me Joey,” Chen explains.

He added the umlaut to give the name a Nordic feel, connecting it back to the origin of the product. “I also wanted to give tribute to Sweden and the Nordic region for the inspiration,” he says.

Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps made their debut in the summer of 2022 at a farmers market in Chen’s home of Prince Edward County in Ontario. “We got great feedback from the community,” he says. “We sold out every single weekend we were there.”

Chen’s customers encouraged him to approach specialty stores in the area about stocking his seed crisps. His first retailer, Carson’s Garden + Market, is Chen’s neighbour. From there, he began approaching other retailers and wineries in Prince Edward County, entering about a dozen retail locations in the area before he widened his reach to Toronto in November 2022.

Landing in Toronto’s Summerhill Market was one of Chen’s early wins. “I always dreamed about seeing my product there,” he recalls. “When the VP of merchandising told

me that he tried our product and loved it, I literally cried. That was a huge win for us.”

Another big win, in the fall of 2022, was getting into the local program at Sobeys, which landed Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps on the shelves of the Foodland in Picton, Ont. It was actually another food entrepreneur—Margaret Coons, founder of the vegan cheese company Nuts For Cheese, who helped connect Chen to the local development specialist at Sobeys. “I’m so appreciative of the CPG community, especially the startup community,” Chen says.

As Chen’s business grew, he moved from a home-based production facility (his kitchen had been certified commercial as the previous owner, a chef, used to run his catering business there) to a gluten-free production facility in Milton, Ont. “My brother and dad would come with me once a week to do a huge bake for the whole day,” Chen explains.

“That gave us time to bond as well.”

The following year brought more great partnerships to Chen’s business. In fall 2023, Village Juicery began stocking its products, and since Village has locations in three Farm Boy stores, it brought Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps into another big-name grocer. Then, in November, Chen learned his seed crisps would be sold in seven Whole Foods Market locations in Ontario, starting in June 2024.

“Seeing my product on the shelves there was really emotional,” Chen explains. “That was a huge milestone for us.”

The growth also spurred Chen to move his production to a co-packer in Ottawa.

Now, Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps are available in about 150 locations in Ontario, plus one specialty grocer in Whistler, B.C.—Flute & Fromage—that discovered Chen’s product and reached out to him for a shipment. Chen hopes to increase his products’ reach outside of Ontario, and even into the United States, by working with new distributors. “We have a retail chain in Southern California who’s really interested in carrying our product,” he says. Chen is also planning to launch limited-edition flavours at the end of the year.

For Chen, after working so long behind the scenes of product innovation and brand strategy for other companies, it’s been an extremely rewarding experience to finally have a product of his own. One of his favourite parts of marketing Jöey Nordic Seed Crisps is doing demos and getting feedback from consumers about his products. Says Chen: “Getting peoples’ reactions is super fulfilling.” CG

30 seconds with …

JOSEPH CHEN What do you like best about your job?

I love problem-solving. Every day brings something new.

I love being able to think of different solutions.

If you weren’t in the food business, what would you be doing?

I think I’d probably still focus on doing market research and trying to help other companies understand their consumers. I love beauty and fashion, so it might be in one of those industries.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

An old boss told me that you have to enjoy what you’re doing. That made me do some reflection. I realized I love food and want to have a business in the food industry one day.

What is your favourite product from the lineup?

My favourite product from our lineup is the Truffle Seed Crisps. We spent a lot of time perfecting that flavour and making sure you can really taste it, but it’s not too strong. It was hard to find the right balance, but we did it.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I’ve always loved gardening. I spend a lot of time gardening during the summer. I plant all types of vegetables like tomatoes, beans, zucchini and carrots. I love seeing how everything grows.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 11

CANADIAN BEEF

RETAIL

SHOWCASE

89%

OF CANADIANS WANT TO BUY CANADIAN BEEF* *Based on an October 2023 survey of 913 Canadians when asked to agree or disagree to the following statement: When shopping for fresh beef at the grocery store or butcher, I prefer to purchase beef from Canada.

The wheretofind.cdnbeef.ca website has been created to rec Canada Beef congratulates and thanks these retailers for supp

The Canadian Beef Retail Showcase has been created to help inform consumers about where they can buy Canadian beef products.

The Retail Showcase highlights Canadian retailers who are currently selling and promoting Canadian beef and shares information for each banner about:

Beef Types What product categories are available? Consumers can learn if the retailer sells Canadian beef Roasts, Ground Beef, Steaks and Other products (e.g., cubes, stir fry strips, etc.).

Canadian Beef Grades Which grades are being sold? Consumers can see if they can purchase Canada Prime, Canada AAA, Canada AA or other graded Canadian beef at each retailer showcased.

Retailer Website Consumers can choose to directly access the retailer website, to learn more about its Canadian beef offerings.

Location This feature allows Canadian consumers to discover retailer footprints, illustrating whether a banner has a national or regional presence.

cognize retail banners that promote Canadian beef. porting Canadian beef farmers and ranchers.

CANADIAN. LOCAL. CERTIFIED. Trust the quality in every egg.

The Egg Quality Assurance™ (EQA®) certification mark is more than a symbol; it is a beacon of trust. Especially for the 9 out of 10 Canadians who feel that a quality symbol on Canadian egg cartons would reassure them that the eggs meet national standards.

Show Canadians that their high-quality eggs are produced by Canadian farmers according to strict national standards.

Display the EQA® certification mark on your cartons, products and menus. To learn more about the EQA® program and to apply for a no-cost license, visit eggquality.ca

™

eggquality.ca

Ideas

RETAILERS || SUPPLIERS || SHOPPERS || INSIGHTS

URBAN AGRICULTURE

IGA EXTRA FAMILLE DUCHEMIN SAINT-LAURENT

GREEN GROCER

Some of the organic produce sold in Richard Duchemin’s IGA store in Montreal travels mere steps before reaching consumers.

Since 2017, the owner of IGA Extra Famille Duchemin Saint-Laurent has been selling organic fare grown on his rooftop. “They’re hyper-local products that don’t travel by truck. For delivery, it’s 44 steps,” Duchemin says of the close to 40 varieties of vegetables and herbs harvested on his store’s roof.

Last year was dedicated to regenerating the growing areas on the roof. This year, planting space increased from 25,000 to 29,000 square feet.

The non-profit La Ferme de Rue Montréal was tapped to oversee the garden when La Ligne Verte, the previous urban farmer, stepped away. The organization prepares the produce for market and ensures a constant supply from the rooftop to the grocer. La Ferme got its start converting Montreal alleyways into gardens.

“Their mission is to promote urban agriculture, something that’s close to my heart,” Duchemin says.

Produce grown includes ground cherries, bell and chili

peppers, carrots, radishes, garlic, eggplant, tomatoes, spring mix and zucchini. The organic produce is Ecocert Canada-certified.

La Ferme gives 15% of the tonnage it grows to charities such as food banks. Duchemin buys the rest from La Ferme and sells it in store with signage proclaiming, “Frais du toit” (fresh from the roof). A television in the produce department provides a live feed from the rooftop, giving shoppers a view of the farm 20 feet above their heads.

The rooftop garden operates from April until the end of October. “A roof isn’t like a normal field,” Duchemin notes. “The snow melts faster than in a field. We can start the season earlier.”

The idea for the garden came when the Saint-Laurent borough required 50% of the building’s roof be covered with a green roof system. “That constraint became an opportunity for us,” Duchemin explains.

Next year, plans for the rooftop include recovering vegetable wash-water, cultivating berries and edible flowers and installing beehives. —Danny Kucharsky

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 15

FLAVOURFUL AND DELICIOUS. SERIOUSLY!

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2024-09-04 18:10

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1 800 363-9496 *Per 188 mL serving,Olympic Organic drinkable yogourts have at least 50% less sugar than the leading drinkable yogourt in Canada as measured by Kg volume (Nielsen, NAT GB+DR+MM, L52W-PE DEC 30, 2023)

VISIT US AT:

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Ideas THE BIG QUESTION

HOW DO YOU OFFER VALUE IN THE FACE OF INFLATION?

Danny Brannagan

Chief executive officer GOODNESS ME!

“At Goodness Me!, we understand inflation is a tough issue facing our customers. This past year, we introduced Healthy Deals, our new program that offers discounts ranging from 10% to 20% off hundreds of products each week. Additionally, we have launched our free loyalty program that offers customers an additional 5% off all Healthy Deals for even greater savings.

These strategies aim to help customers manage costs while still accessing healthy and quality food options, allowing our communities to discover the power of food!”

Nena Pidskalny

Giancarlo Trimarchi

President

VINCE’S MARKET “At Vince’s, we tackle inflation by doubling down on freshness and quality. We source locally to keep our fresh departments stocked with the best produce, meats and dairy. Our in-store made, value-added items like fresh bakery goods and readyto-eat meals offer convenience without compromising on taste. By building strong relationships with local suppliers and focusing on in-house production, we keep costs manageable and pass those savings on to our customers, ensuring they always get great value.”

Brad Fletcher

Monica Walker

Associate vice-president, food

President

THE VILLAGE GROCER

Head of food and grocery

“We offer value by taking a multi-faceted approach.

Our private-label program delivers great value daily, while our Value Priced Everyday initiative ensures competitive regular pricing.

We also execute strong, relevant promotions to provide additional savings.

Beyond pricing, we focus on exceptional customer service and quality through our in-store butchers, bakeries and convenient meal solutions.

By addressing both cost and customer needs, we ensure our shoppers receive value that extends beyond just price, even amid inflation.”

“Offering customers added value in times like these requires out-the-box thinking.

Transitioning traditional centre aisle products to freshly made ‘in-house’ products is one option. Focusing on environmental stewardship opportunities such as returnfor-refund packaging for products like fresh squeezed juice or condiments in glass packaging are a couple we have embraced in our store. On a bigger and more strategic scale, the work done around Canada’s grocery code of conduct serves as an excellent example of how the grocery industry can add value to consumers from coast to coast.”

“Healthy Planet’s mission is not only to offer value from a pricing perspective, but a true one-stop-shop in customer experience. What people have least of these days is time.

Consumers are looking for a true added-value experience.

We provide a solution to these problems by offering free on-site consultation by trained holistic nutritionists; buy online pickup in-store service; daily food and supplement demos that allow customers to taste and test products before they buy them; and full-service cafés in five locations that offer organic, fresh, made-to-order healthy meals, smoothies, specialty coffees and teas.”

FEDERATED CO-OPERATIVES LIMITED

HEALTHY PLANET

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 17

If you needed more reasons to stock California Raisins beyond their naturally sun-dried and no sugar added nature, let’s look at the numbers!

IN A 2023 SURVEY OF CANADIANS * : •

93% Think of raisins first when they think of dried fruits!

•

64% Purchased raisins in 2023!

•

California/USA Raisins are the most recognized, 4x higher than others

REASONS FOR RAISINS? CALIFORNIA RAISIN PARFAIT MASON JARS 0.75 cup California Raisins

•

89% – Appealing taste

•

85% – Price

•

74% – No added sugar

1 cup sliced strawberries 0.5 cup blueberries 0.5 cup raspberries 3 cups plains Greek yogurt 4 tsp. liquid honey

HOW THEY MOST USED RAISINS:

1.25 cups granola

•

63% – In a trail mix

•

54% – In a cookie

•

51% – In a cereal or granola

No matter how you look at it, it all adds up to California Raisins being a star and must-have product for savvy Canadian retailers!

Visit CaliforniaRaisins.ca/professionals for more. * Rose Research Report conducted in April/May 2023 among nationally representative sample of 501 Canadians reasons to stock California Raisins.

Ideas

TAKING THE LEAD:

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Rabba Fine Foods’ Rick Rabba on how he leads a growing family business By Chris Daniels RICK RABBA’S roots in the grocery industry run deep. His father Jack, a Middle Eastern immigrant, bought a convenience store in Toronto in the 1960s and called it Variety Food Fair. Here, Rabba worked alongside his grandfather. “I have fond memories of learning to serve customers and bake banana bread under the watchful eye of my grandfather,” recalls Rabba.

“He knew how to make a customer feel like royalty.”

One store became two, and three (and more) and in 1985, the growing chain rebranded as Rabba Fine Foods. Decades later, Rick Rabba is president, overseeing 37 locations across the Greater Toronto Area and, like his grandfather, his focus on customers and community is laser sharp. (And it’s still a family affair. Jack is still involved in the business and Rabba’s cousin, Rima Rabba, is head of marketing and leads the Rabba Roots Community Giving Program.)

Here, Rabba discusses how running a family business shapes his leadership style and why community involvement is important to him. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Rabba is a family-run business. How does that impact how you lead it?

TOBI ASMOUCHA

When working with family members, choosing your battles is a critical part of leadership. When I speak to other independent grocers, this always seems to be a common theme. The business of running 24-hour urban markets requires a great deal of passion. The magic is in allowing the passion that one feels for family to become infectious throughout the culture, while still maintaining enough discipline and professionalism that you can focus the energy in productive ways.

From inflation to labour woes, there is no shortage of issues keeping leaders up at night. What topics are on your mind?

For me, the focus is on maintaining

golf tournament or our Rabba Roots Community Program. We focus on inclusion and equality, ensuring our efforts benefit everyone in the community.

How do you mentor and support others in leadership positions?

strong connections with our communities and ensuring Rabba Fine Foods continues to be a reliable and trusted part of our customers’ daily lives. We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, both for our team members and the neighbourhoods we serve. If both our community and our team rely upon and trust us, I have no trouble sleeping at night.

Bottom-up versus top-down management. Which works best?

[At Rabba,] we believe that a good idea is valuable regardless of tenure or job title.

One of our core values is that everyone is welcome to contribute and senior management is always accessible and never in an ivory tower. As a leader, I need to create a culture of trust and shared responsibility where people feel they’re able to contribute their ideas. Ultimately, this helps us make better decisions, both internally and in our community efforts. This approach is reflected in our support for local initiatives, whether it’s our annual charity

Developing leaders is, in many ways, to act as a guide. I endeavour to provide future leaders the tools, information and support that will allow them to shine. A guide can eliminate roadblocks, help you to workshop ideas or help to lead you in the right direction. Celebrating successes and allowing people to take calculated risks both empowers them and teaches valuable lessons. I want to create an environment where everyone feels they have a role in our success. I always make time to explain the bigger picture to my team so they understand how their work contributes to our larger goals. I believe in the power of listening—the leaders in my organization can teach me many things, as long as I am ready to listen. It’s not a one-way street.

Leadership is about creating opportunities for growth and instilling passion in those around you, not about authority.

How does the time you spend away from work make you a better leader?

Time with my family and volunteering within the community keeps me grounded and makes me a better leader.

My family reminds me of the importance of balance, while community involvement helps me stay connected to the people we serve. Whenever I can engage in community events and be part of the work we are doing, it refreshes my spirit.

In our Taking the Lead series, Canadian Grocer is speaking to leaders from across the industry about a specific project or initiative they’re leading. Have a pitch? Send it to jmorgan@ensembleiq.com

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 19

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Ideas

Grocery’s smallformat advantage

LOBLAW COMPANIES LIMITED

When it comes to store size, less can be more

A FEW MAJOR North American grocers are making big moves into small-format stores, as they aim to be more accessible to consumers.

This past May, Loblaw’s discount banner No Frills opened its first small-format store in downtown Toronto. A second location opened in Toronto’s Liberty Village neighbourhood in July.

At 15,000-sq.-ft., the new format is less than half the size of a traditional No Frills store, but customers can still find an extensive selection of grocery items, including fresh produce and meat.

The stores stock locally sourced products to meet the preferences of the community, as well as new products such as rotisserie chicken and other hot foods, says Melanie Singh, president of hard discount at Loblaw.

On the advantages of the new format to both the business and its customers, Singh says, “Our smaller format stores give us more flexibility when determining new locations. Even though it is smaller

in size, the customer experience is the same as a larger No Frills store. It even has the same promotions.” Singh says the company plans to open several small-format No Frills stores in 2024 and in 2025.

In the more upscale arena, Whole Foods Market is rolling out a small, urban format in New York City called Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, with plans to bring it to other cities across the United States. The stores will stock fresh produce, meat and seafood, prepared foods, breads and alcohol, as well as the retailer’s private-label products.

Ranging between 7,000 to 14,000 sq. ft., the Daily Shops are roughly a quarter to half the size of a traditional Whole Foods, paving the way for expansion in dense urban areas, according to the company.

Other U.S. grocers experimenting with small-box stores include Sprouts, which is rolling out its smaller-format concept, at around 23,000 sq. ft.; and Wegmans Food Markets, which has been building smaller-format stores since 2021.

While small-format stores aren’t new, experts say they’re gaining traction.

“Customers are being a little more cautious and more picky about where they’re spending their money,” says Liza Amlani, principal and co-founder of Retail Strategy Group in Toronto.

“The opportunity of shopping small … all comes down to building loyalty and trust,” she says. “This is where a grocer can have more opportunity to build a relationship with their customer, build trust with them, and get insights from them around the product [assortment].”

And that’s just easier to do in a smaller store, Amlani says.

It’s also easier to build a sense of community in a smaller, localized store.

“Whether it is experiential, like food tastings or having a cooking class, or seeing if there’s an opportunity to partner with other small businesses in the neighbourhood—that builds community and connection,” she says. “And when customers feel connected, they will continue to shop [there] and put their hard-earned money into a retailer’s pocket.”

Another benefit for retailers is “access to potentially cheaper real estate,” says DeAnn Campbell, practice lead, retail at Atlanta-bsed AAG Consulting. “It’s very expensive to go into a centre with enough traffic to drive a 150,000-sq.-ft. store and you’re paying for that.”—Rebecca Harris

Healthy Crunch 10 TURNS

Healthy Crunch burst onto the Canadian market in 2014 with its signature Kale Chips, and since then has expanded to 120 nutritious and creative products made with wholesome ingredients. Healthy Crunch products are allergen- and gluten-free, vegan, School Approved, and some are keto-certified. Canadian Grocer spoke with Healthy Crunch founder and CEO Julie Bednarski to find out more about the company, innovation, and celebrating 10 years of bringing healthy snacks to Canadians.

Q: What was your vision when you started Healthy Crunch?

A: When I founded Healthy Crunch, my vision was to create delicious, healthy snacks that everyone could enjoy, regardless of age, dietary needs or preferences. I was driven by a passion to make it easier for people to choose healthier options without compromising on taste. Over the past decade, we’ve been thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to our products, inspiring us to expand our goals even further.

Today, we’re more focused than ever on sustainability, innovation, and diversifying our product lines to reach new markets.

We’re constantly seeking new ways to enhance our products and positively impact the world.

Q: What products have you been most proud of over the years?

A: I’m incredibly proud of all our products because they offer inclusive, allergen-free foods that are better for you—containing less sugar, cleaner ingredients, and more nutrient density—all while being delicious.

Our Dark Chocolate Superfoods hold a special place, as they were among the first chocolate-based snacks in Canada that were both vegan and lower in sugar, and our Seed Butters have been a game changer as a fantastic nut-free alternative.

Q: What makes Healthy Crunch products unique?

A: They combine great taste with clean, wholesome ingredients. Our commitment to real ingredients, free from artificial

additives, truly sets us apart. We focus on creating innovative flavours and textures that make healthy eating both exciting and enjoyable.

Q: How have you kept a focus on innovation as the company has grown?

A: Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Healthy Crunch. We’re constantly exploring new ingredients and trends to develop products that excite and satisfy our customers. We have a dedicated team that continually experiments with new flavours and formulations, and we actively seek feedback from our community to ensure we’re meeting its needs.

Q: How will you be celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary?

A: We’re celebrating by giving back to our community and customers! Throughout the year, we’re hosting a series of exciting events, promotions and giveaways.

Additionally, we’ll be partnering with local charities and donating a portion of our proceeds to support healthy living initiatives. To mark this milestone, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Mattel North America to launch the Barbie Crispy Squares Dreams Collection in September 2024. This collection offers better-for-you treats made with brown rice that are lower in sugar and a good source of fibre. The Barbie ethos of “you can be anything” perfectly aligns with the mission that inspired me to start Healthy Crunch.

We are thrilled to collaborate with Mattel to bring the shared vision of Barbie and Healthy Crunch to life through our Barbie Dreams Crispy Squares.

Q: What’s next for Healthy Crunch?

A: We’re always looking ahead! We have exciting plans to expand our distribution across Canada, the U.S., and internationally, as well as to introduce new products within new categories in grocery that cater to our customer base and that fit seamlessly into daily lifestyles. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements!

www.healthycrunch.com SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE • CANADIAN GROCER SEP/OCT 2024

CONSUMER CONNECTION || Ransom Hawley

Canadians wary of AI integration People are receptive to beneficial tech advancements, but there’s work to be done in building trust

Though AIpowered chatbots are more common, they aren’t necessarily popular. Only 22.6% of people said they were extremely or very comfortable interacting with them instead of a human representative

There’s a lot of buzz around artificial intelligence (AI). From ChatGPT to Microsoft Bing’s chatbot, the reviews have been mixed. Yet, like it or not, technology is becoming standard. According to Statistics Canada, 28.3% of businesses credit technology adoption with improving their operational efficiency— and that includes AI. While still in its early phases, 6.1% of all businesses relied on AI in producing goods and delivering services over the last year.

To understand how shoppers view AI’s role in grocery shopping, Caddle surveyed thousands of people nationwide. The results show many Canadians are wary of the technology, while others are skeptical of its usefulness.

Through online shopping, consumers are increasingly familiar with AI in customer service. Nearly half (47.9%) of Canadians polled said they have interacted with a chatbot frequently or occasionally while buying online or seeking customer support. Just 36.6% said they’ve never dealt with AI in that capacity and 15.5% weren’t sure.

Though AI-powered chatbots are more common, they aren’t necessarily popular. Only 22.6% of people said they were extremely or very comfortable interacting with them instead of a human representative.

Far more (45.6%) said they were not comfortable and 30.8% were only “somewhat” comfortable.

When asked to consider how likely they would be to use a personalized AI chatbot to help find products, most respondents weren’t enthusiastic. Just 29.5% said they would be somewhat likely to use it, while 48.7% said they weren’t likely to accept the service. The lukewarm reception is due, in part, to a perceived lack of practicality. Most people surveyed (38.1%) didn’t see much benefit to a personalized AI chatbot and preferred human interaction, though

26.4% saw the bots’ 24-7 availability as a perk.

There is a generational difference in willingness to use AI-powered chatbots. Baby boomers were most likely to say they were not at all comfortable (40.5%) and those respondents were also more likely to avoid the technology altogether. Female respondents were also more likely to express discomfort with AI (53%) compared to men (43%).

Attitudes toward AI improve with in-store operations. The integration of AI technologies such as smart shelves, digital strips and inventory tracking were supported somewhat by 28.1% of survey respondents and strongly supported by 17.4%, while 35% said they felt neutral about the addition. Once again, male shoppers (59% compared to 38% female) and millennials (38.2%) were more likely to be in favour of the change.

Only 18.3% of respondents in favour of in-store AI were gen Z; however, that generation does more of its shopping online, with 50.5% saying they never buy groceries in physical stores. This aligns with another trend, where people who shop more regularly in physical stores saw technological advancements as improvements to efficiency and convenience. For instance, 64.4% of weekly and 20.7% of daily in-store shoppers felt positively about digital price tags.

Respondents agreed about the convenience of cashierless payment systems like Amazon Go that use AI to allow shoppers to pick up items and leave the store without going through a checkout. About one-quarter of respondents said the option would be somewhat convenient and 20.1% said it would be very convenient. Just over 34% of people said they were neutral to the idea.

Weekly shoppers (62.8%) and millennials (36.1%) were most likely to find cashierless systems appealing, followed by gen Xers (26.3%). In contrast, 44.4% of boomers said they wouldn’t find skipping the line convenient. It’s perhaps no coincidence they also had less understanding of the system, with 59.1% saying they weren’t familiar at all with cashierless shopping.

Indeed, those with more exposure to technologies have a better understanding of the benefits. Most respondents said they were not familiar with Amazon Go (29.6%) or had heard of it but weren’t familiar (33.7%). Yet those who were more familiar (59.4%), had a better estimation of not only cashierless systems but of digital price tags (58%) and AI integration (51.7%), too. While many are leery of advancements, it’s clear Canadians are open to technology once they’ve seen its positive impacts first-hand. CG Ransom Hawley, former packaged goods leader, is founder and CEO at Caddle Inc., the largest mobile-first insights platform that rewards Canadians for sharing data and engaging with brands.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 23

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FOOD BYTES || Joel Gregoire

Beating the heat with hydration

Demand for beverages that refuel and rehydrate are on the rise As the climate changes, the world is experiencing longer and more intense periods of heat. This isn’t a distant concern, but an immediate reality with rising global temperatures making hotter days and nights more common. Consequently, how consumers live and function is evolving, including the need for effective hydration.

THE IMPACT OF RISING TEMPERATURES Increased temperatures bring a heightened risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Hydration, therefore, becomes crucial not only for comfort, but

ATTITUDES TOWARDS HEALTH AND HYDRATION ACROSS GENERATIONS “Staying hydrated promotes overall health and wellness” % agree

68%

All Generation Z

(1997-2010)

Millennials

(1980-1996)

Generation X (1965-1979)

Baby Boomers

(1946-1964)

53% 64% 70% 77% SOURCE: KANTAR PROFILES/MINTEL JULY 2022. MINTEL’S WATER FILTRATION – U.S., 2022 REPORT

also for health and safety. While water has always been the go-to for staying hydrated, the demand for beverages that both rehydrate and refuel in various situations is likely to rise.

Traditionally, sports drinks have stood out in the hydration market, known for their association with high-energy activities and athletic performance. As people age, however, they become more aware of the importance of hydration for their overall health. This awareness opens opportunities for a broader range of hydration products that cater to different needs and occasions. This growing awareness suggests the concept of hydration will increasingly be linked to general well-being and extend athletic performance.

Beyond beverages, there’s also opportunity for food to diversify to meet changing needs related to rising temperatures. For instance, soups are typically associated with colder weather, offering warmth and comfort; however, with summer heatwaves potentially extending into the fall, there is room for innovation. Companies could develop and promote chilled soups such as gazpacho or vichyssoise, which still provide the comfort of traditional soups while being suitable for warmer climates.

RETAIL AND BRAND STRATEGIES For retailers, the challenge is to expand the notion of hydration to help consumers cope with warmer temperatures. During Canada’s hottest months, retailers could set up dedicated sections that offer products to help shoppers stay cool. These sections could include a variety of drinks, refreshing snacks such as frozen treats and even skincare products.

Food and drink brands have multiple opportunities to capitalize on this trend by offering everyday drinks enriched with electrolytes. These beverages can be both functional and enjoyable. Different hydration needs can be met with tailored drink offerings, such as those designed for everyday health, recovery from illness or hangovers, and even lightly-sweetened options for school-aged children.

STAYING RELEVANT AS CLIMATE CHANGE’S IMPACT GROWS With rising temperatures becoming more prevalent, it is almost certain that climate change will continue to impact individuals’ daily lives. As this issue gains more attention, companies have an opportunity to get ahead of the curve with an enhanced focus on hydration. Helping consumers adapt to this evolving reality is one way for brands to remain relevant and essential in the face of a changing climate reality. CG Joel Gregoire is associate director food and drink at Mintel. Mintel recently launched Ingredientscape AI as a predictive tool to help food and drink manufacturers instantly understand the ingredients landscape to reveal emerging and winning ingredients within a category and country of interest.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 25

WHAT’S

NEW NEW PRODUCTS IN GROCERY

Anniversary Blend Coffee Inspired by the Grand Cafés of Paris, Balzac’s was brought to life by a burning ambition to bring that experience to Canada. Starting as a coffee cart in 1993, Balzac’s opened its first café three years later in Stratford, Ontario. In honour of their 30th anniversary, Balzac’s proudly presents this unique blend of specialty grade, 100% arabica beans paying homage to where they came from, where they are and where they are going next.

New Natural Cheese Snacks Meet Armstrong Cheese NIBBLERS, a Canadian family of cheese snacks. NIBBLERS are delicious, high in protein natural cheese snacks that will please the whole family. Canadians can bring them to work, put them in lunch boxes or have them on the go. They are perfect for any occasion. Available in three delicious flavours - Sour Cream & Onion, Smokey Bacon and Original.

Apple Juice Infused Cranberries This deliciously indulgent wholesome treat from Be Better is made from whole cranberries infused with apple juice to provide a punch of flavour. This product is gluten-free and Kosher certified. It has no artificial flavours or colours and has no salt added.

Cheese Fries Saputo’s new Cheese Fries are made of Haloumi cheese and come in two delicious flavours: Original and Hint of Jalapeño. These Cheese Fries are non-breaded, non-frozen, high in protein and a source of calcium. They are quick and easy to prepare. Once cooked, the outside is nice and crispy, keeping a silky texture on the inside. They are great to serve as an appetizer, snack, a side-dish or even as the star topping on a salad or wrap.

No-Bake Energy Bite Mix This dry mix from KEEN allows consumers to quickly prepare and create their own customizable energy bites to suit their unique taste and dietary preferences.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE IN CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

EATING IN CANADA || Jenny Thompson

A new comfort zone As Canada’s population diversifies, the definition of comfort food is evolving

As we head into the colder months, there is opportunity to modernize the way we connect with Canadians by understanding what comfort truly means

With the arrival of fall, Canadians experience a collective shift towards all things cozy and comforting. This transition goes beyond simply swapping summer wardrobes for cozy flannels and dusting off autumnal decorations. It’s deeply intertwined with our food and beverage choices. As Canadians, we tend to satisfy comfort cravings year-round; it’s the top driving force behind 56% of all food and beverage decisions. However, the satisfying of comfort cravings usually experiences a multi-point bump, peaking from October to December.

WHAT DOES “COMFORT” MEAN? What constitutes “comfort food and drink” in the Canadian landscape? The answer, it turns out, is as diverse as the country itself, with generational nuances adding layers of complexity. For gen Z, comfort is often intertwined with recommendations from others, nostalgia and an affinity for sweet indulgences. Millennials with kids, on the other hand, gravitate towards dishes that are both kidfriendly and sophisticated, often reflecting current culinary trends and incorporating a level of spiciness. Boomers, known for their practicality, define comfort as convenient, relying on readily available ingredients and embracing guilt-free options that are natural and less processed. Understanding these distinct behaviours when marketing comfort foods and beverages to different demographics is important.

THE REQUIREMENT FOR “CLEAN” COMFORT The notion that comfort foods and beverages lean heavily toward indulgent choices is not entirely true.

Canadians are increasingly seeking a “clean comfort” approach, prioritizing both satisfaction and

well-being. This is evident in the demand for natural, minimally processed ingredients, with labels such as “all-natural,” “no artificial flavours/preservatives,” “organic” and “premium” holding significant weight for Canadian consumers. The preference for wholesome ingredients extends to ethical sourcing practices, with “farmed responsibly” and “fair trade” labels resonating strongly with those seeking a more mindful approach to comfort food and drink.

Top main dishes that satisfy comfort cravings include eggs, chicken and beef, while sides revolve around steady favourites such as vegetables, potatoes and salads. As far as desserts go, chocolate, fruit and cookies are among top choices, reflecting the balance of permissible indulgence. For commercial beverages, the requirement for warmth as it relates to comfort is reflected in top choices such as hot brewed coffee and tea.

COOKING FOR COMFORT When preparing comforting meals, 47% of Canadians roll up their sleeves and cook from scratch. While they’re generally comfortable dedicating 30 to 60 minutes to preparing these meals, this willingness to invest time increases to 45 minutes or more as the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, highlighting the special place comfort food holds during the fall and winter months. While the stove and oven remain kitchen workhorses, along with air fryers, Canadians are leveraging slow cookers and instant pots they can “set-and-forget”—the convenience factor remains ever-present.

INTERNATIONALLY INSPIRED COMFORT CUISINE Canadian comfort food draws inspiration from a melting pot of gastronomic traditions. While North American dishes primarily drive culinary inspiration, Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisines are also prominent, showcasing the growing appetite for global flavours. Interestingly, both tenured white Canadians and Canadian newcomers share a preference for spices such as five-spice, coriander and paprika, indicating a common desire for diverse, flavourful comfort food experiences. This presents a unique opportunity for food manufacturers and retailers to cater to this evolving palate, offering a diverse range of products that satisfy the desire for both classic and globally inspired comfort food.

As we head into the colder months, there is opportunity to modernize the way we connect with Canadians by understanding what comfort truly means.

Retailers can inspire Canadians of all ages and backgrounds to satisfy their own idea of comfort, one delicious bite at a time. CG Jenny Thompson is a director with Ipsos Canada supporting the FIVE service, a daily diary tracking what individuals ate and drank yesterday across all categories, brands, occasions and venues. Jenny.Thompson@ipsos.com

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 27

Feature

Canadian Grocer catches up with Ron Welke to talk about his new role and what’s ahead for the indie association

CFIG’S

NEW CHIEF

By Shellee Fitzgerald | Photography Carey Shaw

28 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

ON

AUG. 1, Ron Welke stepped up to the job of president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), taking the reins from a retiring Tom Shurrie. No stranger to the association— which is a voice for thousands of indie grocers across the country—Welke served as a CFIG board member from 2013 to 2022, including two years as chair. In his previous life, he also spent more than 32 years at Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), most recently as its associate vice-president of food where he led the Co-op’s food and independent businesses. Canadian Grocer recently caught up with Welke to find out how he’s settling into his new gig, what’s ahead for CFIG and more.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What has your first month heading CFIG been like?

Well, it’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I’ve been able to spend some time with the team, which has been great. We’ve gone through our fiscal year-end, which is the end of July—so a lot going on with budgeting and so forth. We had our summer board meeting, which is a big event for us, and I was able to meet with our associate members’ council. And I’ve had some mentorship from Mr. Tom Shurrie, who has been helping with my onboarding and guiding me along the way. So, feeling pretty good about the first month.

What attracted you to the role?

A couple things. First, CFIG is a purpose-driven organization. It does some great advocacy work and we have this fantastic network of independent grocers. So, that’s primarily what attracted me to the role. And, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many great leaders across the industry during my time on the board of CFIG, whether that’s our independent grocers [or], of course, the associate members, who are leaders in the industry. Certainly, my experience at FCL has been very valuable; I’ve been fortunate to learn from a lot of great leaders there and my first-hand experience being a retailer helps with my new role and understanding the needs of retailers.

What are your observations about the state of the grocery industry right now? What are the challenges and opportunities?

I would say the challenge that everybody’s been talking about for the last 18 months or so is inflation. You’ve got inflation in the food business, in general, but both consumers and businesses are facing all kinds of inflationary pressures. So, on the consumer side, it’s really important that grocers understand the saving strategies

consumers are using and that they have some strategies in place to address this and make sure they’re competitive in the marketplace. I’d say the other challenge facing grocers is inflationary pressures on retail operating costs, including labour costs, energy costs, insurance as well as capital costs for investments such as building new stores, renovations and new equipment. All of these are also under some pressure from inflationary costs. So, operational efficiencies need to be a focus for grocers and that can be through the use of technology or through best practices.

[Grocers] have to get sharper in terms of operations to manage those costs and manage the pressure on their margins.

But, having said all that, I think there are still lots of opportunities to grow the business. Consumers are willing to pay if they’re getting great value, great service. They may be switching their buying habits, eating out a little less, but they still want to have great meals with their family and friends. That’s where grocers can lean in and take advantage of that.

With competitive threats coming from all directions, how should independents respond?

It’s not new, but I think the best strategy is to focus on their strengths. Generally, independents don’t have the scale to offer the lowest prices or have some of the operational efficiencies the larger national and international grocers have, so they need to be mindful of their pricing and they need to get sharper on operations. But, where they need to compete is on differentiation—this is where they can lead and be better in terms of service, quality, specialized assortment, local products and community involvement.

Those things have been the strength of independent grocers, so it’s about doubling down on those things to compete.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 29

WHAT’S

NEW NEW PRODUCTS IN GROCERY

Caffè, Your Way Introducing the new Lavazza Caffè Decaffeinato ground coffee brick, a naturally decaffeinated blend Canadians can enjoy at any time of day. Caffè Decaffeinato is a smooth medium roast with the balanced flavour of dried fruit, crafted by the masters of coffee blending to preserve the signature taste of Classico blend.

Recommended for French press, moka pot, and drip coffee preparations. Enjoy excellence in every cup with Lavazza.

The Laughing Cow Dill Pickle Flavour If you love the taste of pickles, you will love this new flavour from The Laughing Cow®! This spreadable cheese is all Canadians need to elevate snacks, whatever the season. With no colours or preservatives added and made with real cheese it makes the perfect snack.

Cheese Dippers Smoked Ham Flavour Perfect for those looking for a snack that is both easy to throw in a lunch box and delicious. Discover the smoked ham flavour of Cheese Dippers. Dip the crispy whole wheat sticks into melted The Laughing Cow® cheese for a truly indulgent experience. This new flavour, just like the original version of Cheese Dippers, contains no artificial colours or preservatives.

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE IN CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

What will be your priorities over the next 12 months or so?

It’s a fairly simple answer, maybe not simple work, but really listening to the membership and all the stakeholders and refining CFIG’s strategic positioning to meet the needs of our members. We’re going to do some work on that throughout the next year. I want to listen [and] get a better understanding of what their priorities are to make sure we’re focusing on the right things.

There’s been much progress on the grocery code of conduct. What’s next on that front?

And while it’s not a cure for all the industry’s challenges, how will the code make things better for independents?

Well, I want to start by thanking Gary Sands, our vice-president of public policy and advocacy, for his tireless effort representing independent grocers and working with stakeholders across the industry to get where we are today. In terms of what’s coming next, the code board has started the process of hiring an adjudicator. There’s a lot of work to get that in place and get the code operational by June 2025 so, CFIG, led by Gary as our board representative, will be supporting that. And we’ll also be doing a lot of education—educating our members about what the code is and what it isn’t, and making sure they understand how they need to comply with the code, but also how to get the most benefits from the code.

How will it make things better for independents?

I would say the code won’t level the playing field, but it will help stabilize the playing field and that will allow producers and manufacturers some certainty in their relationships with grocers and allow them to invest in innovation. If we do it right, the code should foster an environment where the talented people in our industry can focus on growth and innovation, instead of fines and fees and administration; that should help independents as well as the entire industry.

You’ve spent your entire career in grocery.

What advice do you have for those considering a career in this industry?

I’d say if you like a fast-paced environment, if you like making a difference in communities and working with great people, then grocery is a great place to invest in a career.

What will define “success” for you as head of CFIG? If we can continue to foster the development of leaders in the industry, I would say that would be a good measure of success. Also, if we can play a leadership role in building a more collaborative industry and help ensure we’ve got a vibrant marketplace for independents—those are the three areas [that will define success] for me. CG

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 31

ON A MISSION

Erin Higdon, incoming chair of CFIG, is passionate about the grocery industry and making it better for independents

By Shellee Fitzgerald | Photography Johnny C.Y. Lam

32 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

Cover story

W

WHILE MANY INDIE grocers are bitten by the grocery bug at an early age, a career in the industry wasn’t always in the cards for Erin Higdon.

After studying business and economics at Memorial University in her home province of Newfoundland, Higdon joined the team at PricewaterhouseCoopers in St. John’s. From there she embarked on a nearly eightyear stint as a business analyst for a mining company in Labrador City.

But, by 2014, with a young family (husband Adam and daughters Olivia and Georgia), the urge to move from the mainland of the province back home to the island became too strong to resist. “As fate would have it, I learned about an opening at Atlantic Grocery Distributors (AGD) from my father who actually grew up with its owner, Dave Powell,” says Higdon.

After a successful interview with Powell and the general manager at the time, Higdon secured a role as director of finance for the company, which is headquartered in Bay Roberts, N.L. with a second location in Port aux Basques.

“I was completely new to the industry and I had everything to learn,” says Higdon. “And it’s actually hard for me to believe it’s been 10 years already.”

A PASSION FOR THE FOOD BUSINESS

While it was an unexpected opportunity that led Higdon to the grocery business, she was quickly wooed by its fast-paced, dynamic nature. “It’s had my heart ever since. Working with independents in the food industry, no two days are the same,” she says. “People also like to joke that I love to eat, so going to work surrounded by delicious products to sample is the cherry on top.”

Over the past decade, Higdon, a chartered accountant, has climbed the ranks at the Powell Group of Companies, within which AGD is the largest unit. Part of the senior leadership team, Higdon is vice-president of business strategy for the Powell Group as well as general manager of AGD. “The relationships I’ve built along the way are definitely the best part of my job, and a close second is the

opportunity to daily be a part of building something special,” says Higdon. “I’m grateful to have been invited by Dave and family to be a part of the team that gets to set the course for this proud Newfoundland grocer and wholesaler, creating the strategy and not simply executing against somebody else’s plan.”

Today, AGD is the largest wholesale distributor to independent operators in Newfoundland and Labrador, servicing the entire province as well as the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon and the eastern shores of Quebec. It is also the primary distributor to several of the province’s Indigenous communities. In all, the company serves more than 2,000 retail and foodservice businesses. “We pride ourselves in being a one-stop distribution centre, housing over 20,000 grocery and foodservice products,” says Higdon.

The Group also operates two full-service grocery stores—one in Bay Roberts, the other up the coast in Carbonear—under the Powell’s Supermarket banner. Higdon says the entire operation is rooted in grocery. “We began as grocers,” she says, proceeding to explain how the company has grown under Dave Powell’s entrepreneurial leadership: When he needed a wholesaler to supply his stores (and other independents), Powell began a wholesale distribution company; when he needed a competitive price on bread, he began a commercial bakery (Golden Crust Bakery); and when he needed a cost-effective and reliable way to service his fleet of trucks, he opened a garage, Dave’s Tirecraft & Service Centre.

“The thing that we don’t know how to do here is do one thing at a time, and I think that’s an independent trait; we’re always up to something, we’re always pursuing the next big opportunity,” says Higdon. The company has operated with that mindset since the beginning. “Dave’s father, Herbert J. Powell, passed on the philosophy that ‘in business you continually have to march forward because if you stop, the guy coming up behind you is going to trample you.’ And so, we never stop,” she says.

Recent initiatives from the company include expansion of the Group’s Golden Crust Bakery and the relocation of its Atlantic Restaurant Supplies business to a newly renovated space with a state-ofthe-art test kitchen and increased warehouse capacity. Higdon says the investments were made to keep its commitment to its retail and foodservice customers to provide everything they need to operate their businesses. “And we’re always scouting the next great location to expand our exceptional Powell’s Supermarket offering,” she adds.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 33

Cover story Of course, operating a food business in a province like Newfoundland comes with its own unique set of challenges with which to contend. “While we pride ourselves in being from The Rock, the higher costs of operating on an island in the North Atlantic is our reality,” says Higdon. Relying on products being shipped over long distances—via roads and water or even air—coupled with unpredictable weather conditions resulting in delays (“Ferry routes can be cancelled up to four and five days at a time,” says Higdon) can impact the quality and shelf life of perishable items. This results in increased costs when these products need to be discounted or tossed out. Out-of-stocks present another challenge.

“To mitigate those risks presented by our weather and location, here at AGD we practice a long-time strategy of carrying, where possible, higher than normal inventory levels of non-perishable and long shelf-life food items,” she explains, adding that at AGD’s primary warehouse the main freezer has more than one million cubic feet of frozen storage space. The strategy and investment in storage capacity has paid off, allowing AGD to respond to long product lead times and anticipated delays. “It has also allowed us to deliver on a greater than 90% average fill rate to our customers, even during the most disruptive supply chain conditions of the last few years,” says Higdon.

ADVOCATING FOR INDEPENDENTS

Come October, Higdon will be taking on a new challenge. After six years serving on the board of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), she’ll be stepping up to the role of chair, taking over from Pattison Food Group’s Jamie Nelson. As chair, she’ll be working to make things better for independent grocers across the country.

“Personally, I’ve always had strong convictions regarding our responsibility to be part of necessary change in our industry, and to be a part of the change that we want to see,” Higdon says when asked why she was taking on the role of chair. “Being a member of CFIG and then the board and later the executive, has provided me with that opportunity and the opportunity to take on the role of chair is an honour, but we will be led by the collective direction of our [board and CFIG] team.”

One of the issues Higdon and CFIG will be focusing on in the year ahead stems from a recent Competition Bureau report that recommends the government do more to support indie grocers. “We’re going to bring forward recommendations on ways [the] government can ensure independents not just remain on the playing field, but also improve their future position.” She adds the focus will be on pressing the government on programs that recognize the unique challenges of independents, rather than seeking ways to attract foreign grocers to the country.

Another area of focus is the perennial issue of interchange fees, (the fee paid by merchants for every credit 34 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

card transaction). “We’re going to continue to push for the reopening of this issue and the necessary reductions in the fees charged to independent grocers,” says Higdon, adding that they’ll be impressing upon the government the importance of putting dollars back in the pockets of independent grocers to ensure their future.

Of course, getting the grocery code of conduct across the finish line will be top of mind for Higdon and CFIG in the months ahead. Years in the making, the industry-led code—designed to promote predictability, transparency and fair dealing in the industry—overcame a major hurdle this summer when Walmart Canada and Costco finally signed on.

“We’re grateful and encouraged that we now have a written and industry-supported grocery code of conduct but there, of course, remains a lot of work that still needs to be done. Now, we must ensure the code does what it was intended to do and ensure that the code works for our members,” says Higdon, adding that CFIG will be focusing on education and support for its members. “It’s no good for it to be a code that sits on the shelf; it needs to be a code that goes to work for the betterment of our industry.”

Higdon says through its work to advocate for a grocery code of conduct, the team at CFIG has done a “tremendous” job in raising the profile of the Canadian independent grocer. “One of my goals is that we maintain that momentum and use it to drive other necessary change around other important issues impacting independents,” she says.

Despite the challenges and complexities of operating a grocery business today, Higdon is optimistic about the outlook for independents.

“Canadians are looking for partners they can rely on and trust. Independent grocers are positioned incredibly well to meet that need. So, despite the headwinds we face, through our ties to the communities we serve in all areas of the country, customers know what we stand for and feel connected to our stories,” says Higdon. “We need to be proud of our unique position within the market and continue to tell our story.” CG

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Generation Next thinking

CAPITALIZING ON THE

IMMIGRATION BOOM

Rising numbers of newcomers opens up a world of opportunity for grocers–if they get it right

SHUTTERSTOCK/HOBBITART

By Rebecca Harris

IF NEWCOMERS MEAN new customers, immigration will be a boon to Canadian grocers. Currently, around 500,000 newcomers settle in Canada every year, with the majority arriving from India, followed by China and Philippines. According to the latest census, immigrants number 8.3 million and make up 23% of Canada’s total population. By 2041, immigrants could represent up to 34% of the population. All this at a time when Canada’s natural population growth is declining.

Brian Ettkin, Numerator’s head of strategy, solutions and revenue management, Canada, says these demographic trends aren’t a surprise to anyone—they’ve been in the making for years—but what’s different now is there’s “a perfect storm”

brewing for grocers.

To start, inflation and a challenging economic environment have hit consumers hard, says Ettkin. They’re pulling back on household spending, which is putting pressure on both retailers and manufacturers. “So, the pie is getting smaller because of demographics. Now the pie is getting smaller because consumers are stretched thin,” he says. The other piece is “the big inflow of immigrants coming over the last few years that have kind of saved the industry because more people [means] more mouths to feed and more houses to buy stuff for, and that’s offsetting the decline that we were seeing otherwise.”

For Joel Gregoire, associate director, food and drink at Mintel,

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 37

Generation Next thinking there’s another important number to consider: the age of newcomers. Many (64%) recent immigrants are in the core working age group of 25 to 54, according to Statistics Canada. “New Canadians skew younger … They’re much more likely to be of working age, which as a grocer, is who you want to be targeting,” he says. “The one thing I’d be looking at if I were a grocer is, I may not get the whole basket of a new Canadian but, how do I get a bigger share of that basket?”

While grocers have long courted multicultural consumers, “now is the time to tighten up those strategies,” Numerator’s Ettkin advises. “Rather than saying it’s an opportunity, it’s almost a necessity for any grocer that wants to continue growing in this market environment and in the next few years to come.”

GETTING TO KNOW NEW CANADIANS

Like any aspect of retail, the first rule of reaching newcomers is “know your customer,” starting with who lives within proximity to your stores. “Trade areas are changing very quickly,” says Ettkin. “People arrive in Canada and then figure out where they’re going to settle in the country. Who an individual store thinks their customer is might be changing faster than they’re keeping up with. [Grocers] need to do a good job of being in the community and understanding how that’s changing to make sure that their assortment and the way they’re going to market is relevant to the changing demographics of the trade area they serve.”

When newcomers arrive in Canada, there’s plenty of opportunity to try out different retailers. According to research from Numerator, they are indeed shopping around. “Ethnic grocery stores still play an important role for key items … whether that be produce that’s specific to their home country cuisines or brands they’re familiar with that they can’t get elsewhere,” says Ettkin.

“But, what we saw in our data is people are making that stop and going to other stores,” including mass, conventional, club and independent stores. “Club plays an important role, especially for those households that are larger and trying to stretch their dollar; they’re finding big value in that larger format,” he says.

When it comes to drivers of store choice, the primary factor influencing where new Canadians shop is everyday low prices (23% compared to 27% of consumers born in Canada). However, new Canadians are more likely to value product quality (12%) and convenience of location (17%) compared to consumers born in Canada (8% and 11%, respectively).

“We see convenience tied to the mobility question— the fact that fewer [newcomers] use cars for transportation and rely on transit,” says Ettkin. “But quality is also important … So, the produce needs to be fresh and it needs to be properly presented to gain that trust, while preserving the value on the price side.”

As newcomers seek value for their grocery dollars, research from Leger points to the opportunity for loyalty programs to be a lifeline. In Leger’s recent study, 38 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

Cracking the Newcomer Code, 84% of newcomers said Canada was more expensive than they expected. “That is a pretty high number, so any value or [rewards] through a loyalty program is certainly going to be appreciated and used,” says Lisa Covens, senior vice-president, public affairs and communications at Leger.

On the product front, new Canadians value global brands more than Canada-born consumers. However, that advantage diminishes over time, according to Numerator. “In the early years of their time in Canada, they do look for those brands that resonate authenticity to them. But, what was interesting is that over time we see that changing,” says Ettkin. “We see that the longer people live in Canada, the more they’ve had the opportunity to try different things and be exposed to different brands, and there is a willingness to switch.”

A HYPER-LOCALIZED, TAILORED APPROACH TO EVERYTHING

For larger retailers, one strategy to serve multicultural markets has been to invest in their own ethnic grocery banners. This year, Georgia Main Food Group launched an Asian banner, Meiga Supermarket, in Port Moody, B.C., with plans to expand the banner over the next three to five years. Sobeys’ South-Asian focused Chalo!

FreshCo now has 13 locations in Canada; and Loblaw’s T&T Supermarket—Canada’s largest Asian grocer, is expanding in the United States.

“We also see a lot of T&T private-label products showcased in mainstream Loblaw stores, especially in Markham and Scarborough [in the Toronto area], where you have a substantial Far Eastern population,” notes Amar Singh, senior director of retail at Kantar. “It’s all about customizing the retail offering to reflect the local areas they play in, which goes back to hyper-localization,” whereby retailers tailor their offerings to very specific customers within a given geography.

That is a key strategy in Walmart Canada’s multicultural playbook. Through demographic and customer research, Walmart tailors its product assortment and services to the needs and wants of local communities as part of its Store of the Community program, says Sourabh Malik, vice-president merchandising, food.

For example, in stores with an identified South Asian customer base (such as Brampton, Ont.; Edmonton and Surrey, B.C.), Walmart stores carry basmati rice, atta flour, traditional snacks, biscuits, tea, pickles, ghee and more. In stores with an identified Southeast Asian customer base (for example, Victoria, B.C.; Richmond, B.C.; and Markham, Ont.), Walmart carries various types of rice; instant noodles from Japan, Korea and China; traditional snacks, frozen dim sum and more.

“Listening to our customers and understanding their needs is critical, especially with the increasing diversity brought by immigration,” says Malik. “This diversity is reflected in our expanding global foods and other products to better serve the needs of all our customers, including many new Canadians.”

Generation Next thinking Malik adds that expanding Walmart’s global food offering also gives the retailer the opportunity to celebrate cultural festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year “in a bigger and better way.” That strategy includes food as well as general merchandise items, cookware to prepare traditional meals, décor, box chocolates, gift cards and more. Walmart also supports these events with marketing, which may include a holiday-related flyer, in-store signage, digital marketing, social media, media buys, influencer campaigns, food samplings or in-store events.

When done thoughtfully, celebrating cultural holidays and festivals can foster deeper connections with diverse customer bases. “[New immigrants] want brands and retailers to reflect their values and make them feel welcome and included,” says Kantar’s Singh. “It is also in the best interest of retailers and brands to entice these shoppers because they are the growth shoppers at the end of the day. And it also works the other way—the ethnic consumer finds more affinity with these retailers for the long term.”

“If you have somebody who doesn’t speak English coming to your store, they can point their camera at a package and get [the text] translated to any language,” Rodmell says. Even when they enter the store, customers can be encouraged to download the retailer’s app and have it translated to their own language. “It’s an amazing tool, it’s been around forever, but I’m amazed that more [retailers] haven’t capitalized on it as a tool to support newcomers,” says Rodmell.

Another idea is to make newcomers feel more at home by giving them store tours. “When a person in customer services recognizes a newcomer by language and it’s their first time here, take them on a tour,” advises Rodmell. “Investing in that relationship is so important … Give [staff] the power and autonomy to explore the store with someone.” While that’s not always practical, Rodmell says retailers can also create maps of the store in different languages to help customers find various departments and products.

ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT IN STORE

Whatever strategies retailers choose to implement to reach and resonate with newcomers, the most important element underlying it all is authenticity. “Authenticity goes a long way,” says Singh. For example, retailers shouldn’t celebrate a cultural festival for the sake of it and just put a few items on promotion. Customers want to know the retailer’s back story, says Singh. “Are there community initiatives that you participated in that would help celebrate the culture? Have you sponsored any local events?”

That authenticity should also extend to all marketing touchpoints, whether it’s TV, online media or social media, adds Singh. “It’s about telling that cohesive story and ensuring you’re present [through] an entire marketing campaign to celebrate the event, rather than putting out a flyer and having a couple sub-sections of the store … You should show that you really care and you’re part of the bigger fabric and the bigger story of inclusivity.”

Rodmell also encourages retailers to think of the bigger, more meaningful picture. “Imagine if your brand could become more like a newcomer ambassador,” he says. “So, get your head out of the lens of ‘how do I get this new immigrant to shop at my grocery store?’ What you want to say is, ‘how can I help this newcomer to Canada ingratiate and feel welcome in their new country?’” Rather than having newcomers rely on them for just groceries, retailers can help them in a broader way by offering services such as banking, insurance and transportation, says Rodmell. “There are all these ways you can ingratiate your brand with newcomers in a more profound way.” CG

Beyond having the right product and merchandising mix, creating an inclusive in-store environment is crucial to making newcomers feel welcome and to engender their loyalty. “If you come to a new country, it’s intimidating if you don’t speak the language, so how do retailers make a welcoming environment in their stores?” says Mintel’s Gregoire. “Depending on where your store is, you want to think about the environment you’re offering in terms of the food, but also the people who work there. Do they speak the languages of people of certain backgrounds? For example, at a No Frills in Markham, you want people of Chinese background working there because of the language and because their diets are probably closer to their consumer.”

Luc Dumont, senior vice-president of consumer insights at Leger, says a sense of belonging and feeling represented—key components of the in-store experience—is generally gaining importance in the Canadian marketplace. “We do feel that the increase in immigration has contributed to that pillar being important for people when they shop,” he says. “They want to feel like their shopping experience does, in some way, mirror their personality, their background and their values, by seeing people like them in the stores who work there and might know about the products in a different way than traditionally.”

In addition to hiring more people who reflect local markets, retailers can turn to a simple but underused tool: Google Translate. That’s the advice of Patrick Rodmell, partner and president at retail consultancy Rodmell & Company, who encourages retailers to promote Google Translate in their stores and to bake the tool into their apps and websites to have content translated to any language.

HOW TO REALLY CONNECT WITH NEWCOMERS

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

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 39

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In-store events

U.S.-based grocery chain Stew Leonard’s hosts several events throughout the year, including breakfast buffets with Santa

FINDING FUN (AGAIN)

IN THE GROCERY STORE BACKGROUND, SHUTTERSTOCK/ABSTRACTOR; STEW LEONARD’S

Memorable in-store experiences will keep shoppers coming back for more

By Rosalind Stefanac

IN THESE INFLATIONARY TIMES, it’s not surprising that many grocers have taken a stripped-back approach to business to enable better pricing. But, with less in-store sampling, fewer front-line staff for shoppers to interact with and displays that rarely change from week to week, it’s not surprising people are spending less time in their grocery stores as a result.

The State of Grocery Shopping 2024 report, based on an online survey of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers by Drive Research,

showed that although most grocery shopping still happens in physical stores, use of grocery pick-up services has doubled from 2022 to 2024 (6% to 12%), and grocery delivery services have increased from 16% to 25%. In competing on price alone, industry experts say grocers are missing opportunities for discretionary purchases that could lead to higher basket sizes.

Plus, there is little incentive for shoppers to come back if they’re finding better prices elsewhere.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 41

AVA LABLE

D E 1

65 I y

D 1

2

In-store events Recognizing that price-chopping can be a losing battle— especially with the growing number of discount stores on the scene—some Canadian grocers are venturing back to in-store events in a big way, at levels on par with pre-pandemic times.

“People really are using events to bring excitement back to stores post-COVID, and to drive up sales,” says Tammy Callahan, business development manager at The Look Company, which designs and manufactures a range of visual engagement solutions for grocers such as Loblaws and Walmart Canada.

With the proliferation of self-checkouts, she stresses the importance of maintaining connections with customers via events and unique shopping experiences.

Callahan says these can entail VIP-style events where customers are invited in-store for a specific occasion, or pop-up shops and temporary displays that draw people in throughout the week. “Not every place is equipped to have a farmers market every week, but if you can have a pop-up shop with local vendors, you’re giving customers a reason to check it out,” she says, noting pop-ups are ideal for short-term experiments that allow retailers to get creative. Interactivity plays a key part, too, says Callahan, as it allows customers to feel as if they’re part of what’s happening in-store.

DENNINGER’S

HOW TO ENCOURAGE RETURNING CUSTOMERS

“We rebranded right after COVID where we are now Denninger’s Experience Great Food, and one of the pillars of our brand is events in-store to differentiate ourselves from other grocers out there,” says Nathalie Coutayar, the grocer’s merchandising and marketing senior manager. “It’s a way to make customers want to come back and discover something new—and they do.” While Denninger’s hosts a variety of events throughout the year, she says the goal is to host a major in-store event every single month.

Denninger’s holiday open house in mid-November to early December takes place in all five Ontario locations and has become a customer favourite across the board. The event showcases new, Christmas-inspired products from Europe, with multiple sampling stations manned by staff and suppliers. Last year’s event was the best attended yet, with a Christmas chalet structure in-store where people could walk in and take pictures.

“You see all these big smiles from customers and it creates a lot of fun,” says Coutayar of the event. “Even our employees look forward to this every year because we all dress up and make our stores look so beautiful.”

Other popular events at Denninger’s include wine tastings that happen after-hours and require tickets purchased online, and March break food sessions for kids that take place during the day. “We have a local dairy farm we are teaming up with next year and will be offering foods with high-quality dairy products such as grilled cheese sandwiches and poutine,” says Coutayar.

“It’s going to be educational and fun for kids, too.”

Appealing to children (and their parents) is a formula that’s certainly working for Stew Leonard’s, a family-owned chain of eight supermarkets in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey that first opened in 1969. Often touted as the Disneyland of grocery stores, shoppers are welcomed by singing and dancing animatronic displays and costumed characters that keep children entertained while their parents shop.

Jenn Polaski is a store manager at Stew Leonard’s in

New, Christmas-inspired products from Europe take centre stage during Denninger’s annual holiday open house

Newington, Conn., who spearheads the in-store event programs.

She says the Saturday buffet breakfasts for kids with costumed characters are big hits that always keep families coming back.

Similarly, the breakfasts with Santa are so popular during the holiday season that there are four different seatings over a weekend that draw some 150 attendees each. Customers pay for breakfast and having a buffet helps keep costs in check, says Polaski.

The grocer recently held a “Touch-A-Truck” event, reaching out to various community organizations to get vehicles (e.g., school bus, garbage truck, etc.) in its parking lot on a Sunday morning so children could hop on and see them up close. “Kids love trucks and are amazed by even garbage trucks,” explains Polaski, noting it was such a success they’ll do it again this year.

“It was very low maintenance on our part and the easiest event to put together yet,” she says.

Meanwhile, at Eataly Toronto, a comprehensive offering of “hands-on” sessions that teach customers how to make (and sample) a variety of Italian pastas and desserts will sell out, even at fees of $128.51 per person. This September, the retailer is hosting a ticketed, adult-only farewell to summer celebration at

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 43

In-store events its CF Sherway Gardens shopping centre location in Etobicoke, Ont., with hand-crafted cocktails, DJ and a menu offering allyou-can-eat Italian street food.

Grocers on a tighter budget don’t need to miss out on engaging in-store events. “It’s important to remember that events can be scaled to fit your needs, no matter the size of your store or budget,” says Victoria Cromie, managing director at Mars

United Commerce in Toronto, part of a global marketing company offering solutions for grocers and other clients.

She says partnering with an experienced team can help grocers tailor a solution that works for their specific locations. “We focus on creating effective in-store events that drive success with the brands you carry, ensuring you get the most out of your investment,” says Cromie.

KEY TIPS TO HOSTING THE ULTIMATE IN-STORE EVENT

Want your next in-store event to really shine?

Here are some things to consider first DETERMINE YOUR GOALS FROM THE GET-GO: Whether it’s to better engage with the community, entice new customers, launch products or all of the above, experts advise grocers to determine an event’s purpose from the onset so they can measure outcomes accordingly. “So many of the retailers we work with throw ideas at a dartboard and don’t really think through the objectives and the metrics that will show what’s working and what’s not,” says Lisa Hutcheson, managing partner at JCWG, a retail consulting firm based in Toronto.

PUT METRICS IN PLACE: Hutcheson says stores typically have enough technology (point-of-sale tools, in-store cameras, traffic counters, etc.) to track metrics before and after an event. “Where we will see a blip is in retailers who didn’t think to track the history before an event … so they don’t have enough trend history to draw from,” she explains.

PARTNER WITH YOUR SUPPLIERS: The Look Company’s Tammy Callahan says there are plenty of suppliers who would love to do more with grocers if it helps in promoting their products. For example, she suggests inviting several new wine vendors in to showcase their products and supplying food samples to pair with them. She also points to companies such as hers that can provide innovative displays, printed graphics and installations to make events really pop.

MAKE YOUR CUSTOMERS FEEL SPECIAL: Whether it’s personal invitations, coupons for products featured at the event, or a goody bag of samples to take home, 44 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

shoppers want to feel valued. If you host events that require registration, make the sign-up simple to avoid customer frustration. Follow up post-event, too, to get suggestions for future in-store programs.

GET YOUR TEAM INVOLVED: When running anniversary sales at any of Summerhill Market’s six locations in the Greater Toronto Area, co-owner and vicepresident Christy McMullen says the whole team gets involved. “The cooking team gets involved for samples, the marketing team is involved for promotion and then each store has their teams execute it,” she says.

“Sometimes we’ll do T-shirts for the staff and they get to sample, too, so they get excited about these events.”

CONSIDER IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES: Whether it’s a temporary structure shoppers can walk into, a colourful 3D backdrop for Instagram posts or QR codes to scan for more information and giveaways, consider how to get customers actively involved. “We’ve executed events that not only offer traditional sampling, but also create immersive brand experiences,” says Mars United’s Victoria Cromie, citing one “standout” example involving an on-site mobile hair salon the company set up for one of its beauty clients. The result was an interactive brand experience at a key retailer’s location that was educational and engaging. “It was a hit, leaving a lasting impression on customers and truly bringing the brand to life,” she says.

ALWAYS USE SOCIAL MEDIA: Not only is social media a way to drive traffic in-store, but it can also keep the momentum going.

Experts advise choosing a social media channel based on the type of people you want to entice into the store (TikTok and Instagram skew younger, while an older crowd may gravitate to Facebook and LinkedIn). Then social media can be used before and during to promote the event, as well as after to respond to queries or keep the conversation going about future events and promotions.

A 2024 NIQ report on The Power of Commerce on TikTok shows two in five users who discover a product on TikTok will physically visit stores to make purchases.

In fact, TikTok users are 48% more likely to discover and instantly purchase new products than users on other social/video platforms. Mars’ Cromie says targeting the right audience based on their media consumption habits with in-store support is crucial for the success of any event. “It all comes down to compelling messaging— what’s in it for the customer—and precise targeting, which can make or break an event, whether online or in-store,” she says.

KEEP ON TOP OF TRENDS: JCWG’s Hutcheson says it’s important to keep on top of trends so you can tailor events around what’s currently important to customers.

“Gen Zs and millennials are very driven by experiences and things that are educationbased … and health and wellness is a really big trend now,” she says.

IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, PIVOT AND TRY AGAIN: Even with the best of intentions, be prepared that some events won’t hit your objectives. Take notes on what went wrong and move on, say grocers. “Once we had a magician and clown in-store and it took too much time and was distracting for the customers, so now we focus on the food,” says Summerhill’s McMullen. CG

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FLORAL TRENDS

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An on-trend floral department helps grocers connect with customers and drive profitability By Rebecca Harris IT’S NO WONDER grocery shoppers want to stop and smell the roses: Flowers can brighten up living spaces, enhance people’s moods and make great gifts. They also offer grocers a unique opportunity to improve the in-store experience and connect with customers more deeply.

“The floral department has a real opportunity to be the emotional centrepiece of the store, being able to engage all of the senses and offer an experience to in-store shoppers that they can’t get online,” says Penn Whaling, director, futures and innovation at Kantar. And since flowers are also connected to key milestones in people’s lives, from graduation to Mother’s Day, Whaling says it gives grocers an opportunity to show up for those important events.

Another key incentive to keep the floral department blooming is profit. “Stores should be selling fresh plants and flowers as it is the highest net profitability in the store when done correctly,” notes Deborah Zoellick, director of floral programs

at the U.S.-based International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).

Urban Market 1919 in St. John’s, N.L. is one grocer that’s tapping into flower power. When the supermarket opened in 2020, it started selling local stems and then did pop-up events for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day where customers could make their own bouquets, says co-owner Ivy Hanley. Sales kept growing, so Hanley decided to open a standalone flower shop next door, called Teresa James. The flower shop focuses on bridal, funeral and corporate work, while Urban Market sells grab-and-go bouquets.

When it comes to design trends, Hanley says she and the team love learning from YouTube and TikTok. “We’re so open to designs and different styles that we find a lot of our customers are coming to us because of our flexibility.”

Toronto’s Summerhill Market is also going beyond the traditional. “We are seeing a lot more demand for brighter florals and even clashing palettes,” says Kamea

Baker, the independent grocer’s category manager, floral. “This opens up a world of possibilities where almost anything goes; it’s wonderful for our creativity and play.”

Health and wellness is another trend grocers can try and leverage. “People are starting to see things that can boost your mood and make you feel good not just as guilty pleasures, but as a valuable part of self-care,” says Kantar’s Whaling. “So, there is an opportunity to position flowers as an important part of making yourself feel good.”

While flowers are an important aspect of the in-store experience, they can also be part of the online experience—if done well. “People need a better way to browse and shop for floral products online. Right now, it’s a bit of a guessing game to see what you’ll get,” says Whaling. “There is a key role for digital tools to help bring flowers to life online and give people more confidence in buying via online channels.”

One solution is using augmented reality tools, which Whaling says allows shoppers to visualize how a flower arrangement might look in their space. In addition, generative AI can help people design their own bouquets using natural language inputs. “[Generative AI] can lower some of the barriers to helping them create something that feels really personalized and special,” says Whaling.

On the merchandising front, IFPA’s Zoellick advises retailers to change their in-store displays often. “Some people shop once a week and some every day …

You want to move things around in your department so [customers] don’t think you aren’t selling that item. You may be selling out every day, but it is the perception.”

Also, floral departments can shape customers’ views of the entire store. “A display of fresh flowers and plants, especially when you can see it as you enter the store, gives a great fresh impression for the rest of the store,” says Zoellick. “Customers think, ‘wow this is so fresh, everything they sell must be super fresh.’” CG

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 47

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CHEESE TRENDS

THE BIG CHEESE

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Despite inflation, demand for cheese remains high and it’s fuelling innovation in the category

By Matt Semansky

Prices may rise and fall and trends may come and go, but one thing appears certain: Canadians love cheese. In a period of inflation, changing national demographics and diversifying diets, cheese—in both its dairy and non-dairy incarnations—remains a staple.

According to data from Statista, Canadians will consume an average of 12.6 kilograms of cheese in 2024. That’s only slightly down from the COVID-era high of 13.1 kilograms in 2021 and, with a wide range of products recently introduced or coming down the development pipeline, consumer interest in cheese is expected to remain high.

“With cheese, in general, there’s been a lot of innovation in the last 18 months,” says Logan McCarles, senior brand manager, cooking cheeses portfolio, Tre Stelle at Arla Foods. “We’re looking at the data on our side to try and capitalize on consumer trends and provide value to our customers.”

This innovation spans everything from formats to flavour profiles, convenient spreads to artisanal wedges, and traditional dairy cheese to nut-based

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 49

Aisles alternatives. Jo-Ann McArthur, president of Nourish Food Marketing in Toronto, says the versatility of cheese makes it ideal for experimentation and the creation of products that can scratch a consumer’s itch for comfort food, culinary adventure and everything in between.

“It’s a great base medium for flavours,” McArthur says. “It’s comforting, it’s adaptable, it’s nourishing, it’s indulgent, but permissible. And it’s coming in more convenient formats.”

With customers continuing to choose cheese—and having more cheese to choose from—it’s time to dive into some of the key trends defining the category.

Sugar and spice (and more fun flavours) McArthur is part of a chorus of experts singing the praises of cheese as a foundation for a variety of flavours. “Cheddar, Gouda and ricotta are starting to see some interesting flavours. Fennel and Indian spices are being added into or crusted onto cheeses,” says Debbie Trenholm, founder and sommelier at Savvy Company, an Ottawa-based outfit that curates Canadian wines, craft ciders, artisan cheeses and coffees for gifts, events and subscribers. “I’m also seeing a rise in fresher cheeses and flavours added to it, like mozzarella or feta with different herbs and spices.”

Lisa Zografos, principal category merchant for specialty cheese at Whole Foods Market, adds that, like in other categories, the tastes of the world—such as Calabrian hot peppers and flavours from Asian, Mexican and Middle Eastern cuisines—are finding their way into cheese products. “There are a lot of great flavours that lend themselves to not only combining with cheese, like cheddar and kimchi on a burger, but also lend themselves to flavours in cheese, like ginger and spices,” says Zografos.

GETTY IMAGES/FLOORTJE

Formatted for convenience Responding to consumers seeking quality, variety and convenience, manufacturers are innovating with formats, too. “We know that consumers are very busy and looking for convenient, ready-to-eat applications,” says McCarles, pointing to Tre Stelle’s whipped feta dip, which launched in the spring, as an example of a product that meets customers’ desire for a cheese that’s both novel and handy. “It’s taking a product like feta, which people typically

look at as a topping cheese for things like salads, to the next level. You just open the lid and it’s ready to serve.”

McArthur says spreads and dips present a lower barrier to entry for customers on the fence about trying something new.

“You’re not going to buy a big block of flavoured cheese to eat on its own, whereas a cream cheese or a spread is an easier way to try something.”

Over at Whole Foods, Zografos has noticed a rise in popularity for small formats, citing soft-ripened and cubed cheeses as examples.

Building a board Savvy Company’s Trenholm says cheese boards continue to be popular. “They’re appealing to the eye and they allow people to experiment with how to present different cheeses,” she says. “And I’ve been to parties where all you’re asked to bring is a bottle of wine and a wedge of cheese and that’s the contribution. The cheese board is the new veggie tray.”

Speaking of veggies, Trenholm says dairy-free cheeses have begun to hop on boards. That’s certainly the goal of Nuts For Cheese, a Canadian company specializing in dairy-free, cashew-based artisanal cheese products.

“There are a lot of shreds and slices, but when it comes to [plant-based] artisanal cheeses to put on your cheese board, there are a lot fewer options,” says Candace Campbell, U.S. national sales manager for Nuts For Cheese. “That’s one of the gaps we’re looking to fill.”

Nuts For Cheese’s board-ready portfolio now includes artisanal varieties ranging from brie to blue to Gouda.

Getting nutty McArthur says historically, plant-based cheese has struggled more persistently against its dairy counterpart than alt milks and yogurts have. However, she says the introduction of casein proteins and the fermentation of nut-based cheese has enabled manufacturers to better replicate the taste and texture of dairy cheese. The result, McArthur says, is that non-dairy options are “sucking less.”

Campbell believes so. Nuts For Cheese ferments its products and makes its own cultures in-house. “We’ve studied the microbial composition of our products compared to dairy cheese and they’re actually quite similar,” she says.

The company is exploring goat cheese, halloumi, cream cheese and cheese dips as it looks to expand its portfolio.

THE CHEESE SHOULDN’T STAND ALONE

There are many factors that go into merchandising cheese—and many ideas about which of those factors are the most critical.

Jo-Ann McArthur of Nourish Food Marketing identifies the deli counter as the optimal spot for cheese, particularly artisanal varieties. “There’s an opportunity to do sampling and train up your staff so that if a customer buys something, you can give them a chance to try something else. Tell a story—if you can educate your deli people to do that you can definitely sell more cheese.”

Non-dairy cheese may not enjoy the same success in the deli section, however. “We sometimes get lost in that destination,” says Candace Campbell of Nuts For Cheese.

“From our perspective, the best merchandising is when you group all of the plant-based cheeses together and create a destination for the plant-based consumer.”

For Arla Foods’ Logan McCarles, meanwhile, a key focus is promoting cross-category shopping and capitalizing on recipe trends that go viral on social media. “How do we tie it back to a viral recipe? Can you put all the products in that recipe the customer just saw on TikTok in one location to set them up for success?”

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 50

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Aisles category management, fresh, says the grocer has a dedicated section for its charcuterie items within its deli department, which is located adjacent to its artisanal cheeses. “This makes it easy for customers to explore our range of high-quality products,” he says, adding that Farm Boy also displays sample boards to inspire shoppers.

Customer Education

ON BOARD

Charcuterie continues to intrigue consumers and with pre-assembled or ready-to-assemble options, retailers can help bring these concepts to life

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By Matt Semansky Charcuterie boards are having a moment, with consumers drawing inspiration from—and sharing their own creations on—social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok. But the format itself is nothing new. Melissa Brandt-Welzel, vice-president, sales and marketing for Brandt Meats, is a third-generation executive for her family business, which has been built on feeding the appetite for charcuterie for more than 65 years.

“Charcuterie is basically what we do,” she says. “And people were eating charcuterie before they knew that was the word for it.”

Contributing to charcuterie’s popularity, Brandt-Welzel points to the visual appeal of a well-arranged board, the diversity of tastes and textures that can be featured, and the convenience it offers for consumers who don’t want to cook. Indeed, charcuterie is a versatile option for consumers attending or hosting a party or just looking for a simple, protein-rich meal to graze on.

But what does this all mean for grocers? Joel Gregoire, associate director, food and drink at Mintel, notes

charcuterie—which can blend any or all of meats, cheeses, breads, crackers, nuts, jams and more—challenges store dynamics that are based on strict category management. “You’re making consumers go all across the store,” he says of retailers that don’t show how these disparate products can fit together.

For a serving format that boasts convenience as a calling card, that’s a no-no.

Instead, the experts we talked to shared the following tips to help retailers become charcuterie champions.

Cross-Merchandising The first and most intuitive tip is to place products that belong on the same board in the same area of the store. And, as Gregoire says, the most obvious area is the deli counter. Not surprisingly, retailers including Teresa Spinelli, owner of the Alberta-based independent grocery chain Italian Centre Shop, agree.

“We try to make it easy to shop for charcuterie items. We try to create an area of our deli with little jams, packages of nuts and those kinds of things,” says Spinelli.

At Farm Boy, Matt Dill, director of

Cre ating a flavourful, unique and eye-catching charcuterie board can be intimidating for consumers with more options than expertise. That’s why it’s important for deli employees to meet customers at the level of their knowledge and guide them.

“Our staff are experts and can give advice on items and how to arrange the board,” says Spinelli, adding that her employees are well versed in helping customers create themed and seasonal boards, and ones that reflect dietary restrictions or preferences.

Of course, when it comes to education, many consumers learn best by tasting.

“In-store sampling events have been particularly effective,” says Dill. “These tastings not only drive interest, but also boost sales as customers appreciate the opportunity to experience the quality of our offerings first-hand.”

Leveraging Technology If social media is playing a key role in the current popularity of charcuterie, it’s also fair to say social channels—and other digital technology—can help retailers and food manufacturers capitalize on the trend. In addition to sharing images of charcuterie on their social channels and websites, companies such as Maple Lodge Farms employ QR codes to help customers on their shopping journey.

“We utilize QR codes on displays to guide consumers to our product pages or indicate where they can find our products within their local grocery stores,” says Shalik Amanulla, senior brand manager for Maple Lodge Farms.

At Farm Boy, in-store QR codes link to online resources such as the company’s magazine, inSeason, which includes charcuterie features. “We also use our social media platforms to showcase charcuterie boards, highlight featured products and share tips and recipes, providing ongoing inspiration and engagement,” says Dill.

September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 53

Aisles 1 CLIMATE-RESISTANT CROP

Millets is a group of small-grain dryland cereals grown mostly in parts of Asia and Africa that are easy to cultivate and resilient to drought, climate stress and pests. Made up of several species, millets can be a good source of minerals, dietary fibre, vitamins and protein and have a lower glycemic index than other grains. To promote the benefits to both human health

By Chris Daniels and the environment, the United Nations 3 CEREAL OPERATIONS declared 2023 the International Year Global food and beverage launches with millets jumped 5% in the five-year period between 2019 and 2023, according to Innova of Millets.

Insights. Product offerings include breads such as Loblaw’s “Most ancient grains Market PC Gluten Free Millet & Quinoa, Country Harvest 14 Grains, cereals, provide great nutrition,” flours and more.

Joyfull Millets cereal, which comes in three varieties (Fruit, says Prashant Nut & Seeds with no added sugar; Fruit & Nut; and Choco & Parameswaran, founder Nut), launched this summer in Metro and Highland Farms stores of Joyfull Millets in Ontario. “The product isn’t meant to compete with Kellogg cereal. “But, millets are and Post, but Jordans, Nature’s Path, Dorset and other muesli cereal brands,” says Kurt Hatherly, country head—Canada at Tata the most ‘unselfish’ Consumer Products, the distributor of Joyfull Millets in Canada. grain because they “Each pack of Joyfull Millets contains 25% millets to give it a crunch and that is our point of differentiation. Unlike most mueslis, demand little from which are made of oats, you can step away from a bowl of Joyfull the environment and Millets and milk without it becoming soggy.” farmers.”

Millets Four things to know

4 MOVING TARGET A challenge for products containing millets is educating shoppers on where to find them in store. “Sometimes we’re in the frozen section, sometimes in the bakery and sometimes in the natural aisle,” says Tony Ayala, president of Queen St. Bakery, a Toronto-based company that produces gluten-free breads, English muffins, buns and bagels.

Launched in 2018 with White Bean and Millet Seed Loaf, Queen St. Bakery now has, within its lineup, Cinnamon Raisin Superfood Bagels and a 1-For-1 Superfood Baking Flour with millets and is carried in more than 2,000 stores across Canada.

The company has worked with some grocers on aisle callouts such as shelf flags. “That’s the No. 1 tool we recommend for moving product,” says Ayala.

Nature’s Emporium organizes foods containing millets by product category. “All cereals are displayed together and arranged by brand, while flours are grouped in the baking section,” says Nagel. “This approach makes it easier for shoppers to find what they need.”

Millets is not only a good source of protein, but it’s gluten free as well. “As the need for healthy gluten-free products rises, so, too, does the awareness and versatility of millets in cooking and baking,” says Gina Nagel, event co-ordinator and certified holistic nutritionist at Nature’s Emporium. The grocer sells

millet flours from Bob’s Red Mill, Cuisine Soleil and in organic bulk.

“People are turning to millet [flour] not only because it’s more affordable, but also due to its mild taste and superior texture compared to alternatives like rice or coconut flour,” says Nagel.

(According to Future Market Insights, the global millet flour

54 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

market will grow from US$5.1 billion this year to $7.8 billion in 2034.) And, as Lu Ann Williams, global insights director at Innova Market Insights, notes, everyone these days is looking for sources of quality protein beyond meat. “Nearly one in two consumers in Canada say protein is an important ingredient,”

says Williams, citing an Innova consumer survey. “With 28% of consumers in the U.S. and Canada saying they always look at ingredients of interest on the product pack, this opens opportunities to showcase millets directly on pack and highlight its functional benefits.”

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September/October 2024 || CANADIAN GROCER 55

Express Lane

IN GOOD STANDING

Rotman’s David Soberman on the delicate art of reputation management

By Kristin Laird

What contributes to a strong brand reputation?

The No. 1 thing is providing an offer to customers that really appeals to them and delivering against that offer. In the case of supermarkets, that would be giving people a selection of products they find very appealing at prices they find affordable … in an environment they find pleasant to shop. Those things together create the reputation of a food retailer.

There’s some consumer distrust out there—how do you turn that into an opportunity?

People don’t think about a company’s reputation in great detail. They simply think about how much they pay when they go into the grocery store, and are they walking out of the grocery store with as much money in their wallet as when they shopped last week or last month or last year. Times are pretty tough for people right now and we say inflation is 56 CANADIAN GROCER || September/October 2024

slowing, but we’ve not quite gotten there.

So, in a sense, the No. 1 thing that’s going to repair the reputation of these grocers is slowing inflation—something quite out of their control. From a marketing point of view, is there a lot they can do?

If they’re able to reduce prices in certain categories, that’s definitely something they can publicize. Try to help shoppers save money and make their grocery budget go further—that’s really the first thing that affects people’s opinion about grocery retailers.

in areas like Europe where Russia has invaded Ukraine and also in the Middle East. These things are contributing factors to inflation. The real issue, though, is that people see in the news that, OK, if inflation has gone up [for argument’s sake] by 10%, the grocery chains’ profits have gone up by 15%. Given the inflationary environment, that’s pretty much to be expected, but that’s not the message [in the media] we’ve been getting.

Aside from price and value, what should grocers focus on?

Shifting the narrative really means nothing. What’s going to mean something is how people feel when they go shopping and whether they feel their hardearned money is going further. This isn’t an issue of, ‘Oh, I wanna create a good image for myself.’ The issue is how people feel after paying for their groceries.

I think those things are important to people when they go shopping, whether they’re going to have a direct effect on the reputation of the supermarket is another question. I think, in Canada, we are still very skeptical. A lot of Canadians have travelled to the United States and a substantial number of us have also travelled to Europe. We’ve seen what hard discounters do and how they provide an alternative to people whereby you forgo the service and the pleasant environment to get better prices.

But grocers have shouldered a lot of the blame for high food costs despite there being several factors at play.

The main thing that’s driven up prices is general inflation in the economy, largely driven by energy prices that have gone up versus where they were two or three years ago and, to a certain degree, uncertainty in the world driven by conf lict

Is there a way grocers can shift the narrative?

How should grocers be investing in their brands right now?

You want to communicate the things that made you successful, [for example] Loblaw’s President’s Choice and PC Optimum program are very attractive and that [loyalty] card can be used at Shoppers Drug Mart, which gives them even more strength. The only way to grow in this market is by [stealing] business from someone. So, the things they need to do are also relative to what their competitors are doing. If you are larger in one region, you probably have an advantage in terms of buying. So, you may be able to offer more attractive prices. CG

ROTMAN SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

IN BUSINESS, REPUTATION is everything. A good reputation can help boost customer loyalty and trust, sales, attract new customers and allow a business to stand out from its competitors. But what happens if the positive reputation a company has worked hard to build takes a hit?

We asked David Soberman, a marketing professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, his thoughts on reputation management and the messaging grocers should be focused on right now. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

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CONTENTS

2025 SAVE THE DATES!

GENERAL INFO 3.................. CFIG Staff 5.................. Welcome Message 7.................. General Information 9.................. 2024 CFIG Board of Directors 11.................. CFIG Associate Members’ Council 17................. Thank You to Our Sponsors

GROCERY & SPECIALTY FOOD WEST 2025 APRIL 14, 15, 2025 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE, EAST BUILDING www.gsfshow.com

CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW 12................. Schedule

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

EXHIBITOR LISTINGS 18................. Trade Show Floor Plan 20................ Exhibitors by Company Name 37................ Exhibitors by Product Category 42................ Exhibitors by Booth Number

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA 2025 OCTOBER 28, 29, 2025 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING www.GroceryInnovations.com

CFIG STAFF MEMBERS RON WELKE

NANCY KWON

MAI HAMED

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

ROLSTER TAYLOR

IRMELI KOSKINEN

LAURA COLLATON

DIANA STEVENSON

Director, Conference & Events

TYSON SMITH

SUZANNE REGIMBAL

CINDY SUH

President & CEO

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

ANDREA ALMARZA

Senior Vice President & COO

GARY SANDS

Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy

FRAN NIELSEN

Vice President, Finance & Administration

Vice President, Sales

Account Manager, Member Services

Manager, Sponsorship, Membership & Programs Coordinator, Member Services Account Representative, Sales Coordinator, Trade Show Operations

MATTHEW BROWN

Manager, Marketing & Communications

To learn more about the benefits and types of membership (Retail/Associate/Affiliate) contact: Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers: 1-800-661-2344 | www.cfig.ca

Visit us at CFIG Members' booth inside the trade show!

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

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KH-Pure-GIC-TradePublication-Bleeds-F.pdf

1

2024-08-26

4:31 PM

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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WELCOME TO GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA A MESSAGE FROM RON WELKE, PRESIDENT & CEO Welcome to Canada’s premier grocery conference & exhibition, Grocery Innovations Canada.

Be part of Grocery Week as industry gathers over the two-day event. It’s A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES at the show; with MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS. Download the Show App to be able to schedule meetings and connect with all facets of the grocery trade. With some 550+ exhibits and 1500+ companies and over 130,000 sq. ft., attendees can find everything under one roof. Must-see pavilions: Sustainability Sentral; Ontario; and First Timers. Keep a look out for the exclusive show specials/offers. Innovations can be seen at the entrance in the New Product Showcases in the main lobby where attendees will be able to cull the latest trends and innovations.

By downloading the show app, attendees can participate in the retailer meeting program. Meeting spaces are located by the new Sip & Sample stage, where food demos will take place. There are free networking events: Monday’s opening reception and Tuesday’s Mix and Mingle Networking cocktail prior to the Merchandising Excellence Awards night, where the best merchandising displays will be featured.

Exclusive sessions and speakers await from the latest news about the grocery code to the best practices for grocers, morning and afternoon sessions will provide data and insights to help your business. Not to miss: Ethnic grocery panel, store design experts, security/theft session and more!

After exhibition closes, retailers and suppliers gather to celebrate the best in the business. Tuesday’s Master Merchandiser Awards celebrates in-store merchandising displays followed by Wednesday’s Independent Grocer of the Year gala honouring the best grocers in Canada.

We look forward to connecting with you at GIC 2024!

MAKE CONNECTIONS AT GIC: MONDAY, OCT. 28 | 5:30-7:30PM | OPENING RECEPTION ALL WELCOME TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE (TCC)–NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR–J. MITCHELL LOBBY

TUESDAY, OCT.29 | 4:30-6:30PM | NETWORKING EVENT & MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS ALL WELCOME TCC- NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR–J. MITCHELL LOBBY–BALLROOMS A,B

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30 | 6:30PM | INDEPENDENT GROCER OF THE YEAR AWARDS *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TCC NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR–J. MITCHELL LOBBY–BALLROOMS, A, B

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

RON WELKE PRESIDENT & CEO, CFIG WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CFIGFCEI/ @CFIGFCEI

HTTPS://CA.LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/CANADIAN-FEDERATION-OF-INDEPENDENT-GROCERS

WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/GICSHOW

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

5

How do you communicate with your customers?

Email Receipts? Digital Flyers? Digital Gift Cards?

Customize your store’s Smart Phone Loyalty App

by Howell Data Systems

Visit GIC Booth 1103

HowellData_CGSep24_FullPageAd.indd 1

2024-09-11 16:02

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT GENERAL INFO REGISTRATION HOURS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2024............... 8:00AM—4:00PM MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024.............. 8:00AM—4:00PM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024.............. 7:00AM—4:00PM WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024...... 7:00AM—6:00PM

CONFERENCE HOURS

OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024..................8:45AM—11:00AM TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE (TCC)–NORTH BLDG. (HALL H) BALLROOMS A,B

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024.......7:15AM—11:00AM *PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SESSIONS TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–BALLROOMS A,B

TRADE SHOW HOURS

EVENTS

Monday, October 28, 2024 OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS

5:30—7:30PM | OPENING RECEPTION TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR– J. MITCHELL LOBBY

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES AND EXHIBITORS

4:30PM—6:30PM | NETWORKING COCKTAIL & MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS Master Merchandiser & Top 10 Awards announced TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR– J. MITCHELL LOBBY (BALLROOMS A,B)

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

*PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SESSIONS

5:30—6:15PM | *INDEPENDENT GROCER OF THE YEAR RECEPTION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024.............. 11:00AM—4:30PM

TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR– J. MITCHELL LOBBY

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024....... 11:00AM—4:00PM

6:30PM—9:15PM | DINNER & AWARDS

TCC–NORTH (HALL I)

SERVICES FIRST AID OFFICE

The First Aid Office is located by Hall H wood doors.

For any emergency, contact Toronto Congress Centre Building Security (Door 4) at: 416–688–6469

WHEELCHAIR SERVICES

TCC has one wheelchair on standby in first aid room for emergency purposes.

MEDIA OFFICE

Nancy Kwon is the key media contact for Grocery Innovations Canada 2024. All media must be registered before entrance into the trade show. The media office is located beside the trade floor.

T: 416-492-1804 | E: nkwon@cfig.ca

TCC–NORTH (BALLROOMS A, B)

MULTI-FAITH PRAYER ROOM Available in Hall H - Room 5

RECOMMENDED ATTIRE

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 Merchandising Excellence Awards~Smart Casual Conference~Business Casual Trade Show~Business Casual WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024 Evening Dinner & Awards~Business *BLACK TIE OPTIONAL

BADGE COLOURS

RED—Retailers/Wholesalers GREEN—Manufacturers/Suppliers/ Restaurant/Foodservice YELLOW—Distributor/Importer/Exporter BLUE—Exhibitors GREY—Media

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

7

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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2024 CFIG BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

RON WELKE

DOMINIC ARSENAULT

BRIAN BRADLEY

✶

Treasurer, Stong’s Markets, Vancouver, BC

Honorary Past Chair, Pattison Food Group, Langley, BC

DAN BREGG

GENE COLEMAN

NATHALIE COUTAYAR

BRAD FLETCHER

JIM HAMILTON

*ERIN HIGDON

NEIL KENNEDY

BROOKE KYNOCH

CHRISTOPHER LEE

*JAMIE NELSON

PAT PESSOTTO

*RICK RABBA

JUSTIN SCHLEY

MIKE SHARPE

DEBBIE UNICK

✶

Secretary, IGA Coaticook, Coaticook, QC

President & CEO CFIG, Toronto, ON

Denninger’s Foods of the World, Hamilton, ON

Safety Mart Foods & Scotch Creek Market, Chase, BC

Quality Foods, Errington, BC

Village Grocer, Markham, ON

Southside Market AG Foods - Revelstoke, BC

Sharpe’s Food Market, Campbellford, ON

Hammy’s, Ponoka, AB

Chair, Pattison Food Group, Langley, BC

Vice Chair, Powell’s Supermarket Ltd., Bay Roberts, NL

Longo Bros., Vaughan, ON

Coleman Group of Companies, Corner Brook, NL

Sobeys Strathmore, Strathmore, AB

Member at Large, The J. Rabba Company Ltd., Mississauga, ON

Federated Co-operatives Ltd., Saskatoon, SK

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

9

FMS Solutions: Canada’s Grocery Business Experts Elevate Your Operations with: Outsourced Accounting & Payroll Shrink & Markdown Management Digitize Your Workflow with Specialized Grocery Accounting Solutions Transform your grocery business from good to exceptional.

Visit us at GIC - Booth #1702!

Get In Touch Joe.Sawaged@FMSsolutions.com 416-587-0537 www.FMSsolutions.com

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

Visit us in

Booth

1209

sobeyswholesale.com

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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ASSOCIATE MEMBERS’ COUNCIL

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

MICHAEL BATKE

PETER BOWMAN

*GREG COLES

ROBERT CLARKE

KOSTAS KAPRALOS

JOHN KOTSOPOULOS

STEEVE LAMONTAGNE

*SCOTT LORIMER

SAM MAGNACCA

COLIN MANN

TIM MCNERNEY

VINCENT NADEAU

MARTIN PAYANT

TOM SZOSTOK

HENRY VANDENHOOGAN

LANCE WADE

TRACI WILDISH

Sr. VP Canada Sales Leader, Procter & Gamble Inc.

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

Sr. VP National Sales & Mrkting, Coca-Cola Company

VP Customer Development, PepsiCo Foods

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

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

VP Sales, Kraft Heinz Company

Vice Chair, Chief Customer Officer, Nestlé Canada Inc.

Chair, Sr. VP Retail Sales, Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

Chief Customer Officer Unilever Canada

Director of Sales, McCain Foods

VP & GM, Acosta Canada

Sr. VP Sales, Lactalis Canada

VP National Sales, Lassonde

VP Market Development, General Mills Canada Corp.

VP Sales Tree of Life Canada

VP Canada Sales and North American Retail Operations McCormick

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

11

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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PROGRAM SCHEDULE

INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE SESSIONS

MONDAY, OCTOBER 28

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

8:00AM | Industry Tour *REGISTERED RETAILERS ONLY

Sponsored by:

5:30PM – 7:30PM | Opening Reception OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS, DELEGATES TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR– J. MITCHELL LOBBY

Sponsored by:

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29

12:00PM – 12:30PM Food Means the World to Us: With a focus on community connection and sustainability, Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters, offers insights into the future of food consumption and retail.

2:00PM – 2:30PM Loyalty & Grocery: Jason Beales, AIR MILES joins Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters, to discuss ways to engage customers and grow their business through loyalty levers and promotional capabilities.

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL EXHIBITORS, DELEGATES TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–BALLROOMS A, B

7:45AM – 8:45AM | Registration/Check-In Annual General Meeting Sponsored by:

Feder ated Insurance

8:45AM – 9:15AM | CFIG’S Annual General Meeting Updates from CFIG, Ron Welke, President & CEO 9:15AM – 10:00AM | Grocery Code of Conduct: What You Need to Know This Industry must-attend session. What the Code will mean for your business and how you can ensure it benefits you. Industry group members who constructed the Code will go through key provisions and answer questions.

Panelists: Diane Brisebois, President & CEO, RCC; Michael Graydon, CEO, FHCP; Ron Lemaire, President, CPMA; Giancarlo Trimarchi, President, Vince’s Market. Moderated

by Gary Sands, Sr. VP, CFIG. 10:00AM – 10:45AM | Grocery Forecast: Trends & Opportunities Shaping the Grocery Industry Aaron Goertzen, BMO Capital Markets; Carman Allison, NielsenIQ and Shabnam Weber, Tea and Herbal Association of Canada joins Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters.

Sponsored by:

11:00AM – 4:30PM | TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION TCC–NORTH (HALL I)

SIP & SAMPLE STAGE SESSIONS

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

1:00PM – 1:30PM Maple Leaf’s Head of Culinary, Chef Sam Lazuric draws inspiration from the season to showcase sophisticated holiday entertaining with Prime RWA Chicken Breast. Tantalize your taste buds by sampling her Curried Apple, Cranberry, Chicken Salad with Toasted Pistachio and learning sustainable upcooking and upcycling practices. Celebrate ethnic flavour profiles with easy meal solutions that will make a big statement around the table!

3:00PM – 3:30PM Explore the world of mocktails with Maison Perrier CHIC as Brand Activation Manager, Erik Mili, shares insights on the booming trend of non-alcoholic mocktails and what consumers are looking for.

Discover what sets Maison Perrier CHIC apart and indulge in a delightful sip of the new sophisticated yet low calorie mocktail experience.

EVENING EVENTS 4:30PM – 5:00PM | MIX AND MINGLE NETWORKING EVENT OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–COLLABORATION CORRIDOR– J.MITCHELL LOBBY (BALLROOMS A, B)

Join industry colleagues for complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Sponsored by:

12

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

12

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SHOW APP

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5:00PM – 6:30PM | MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS Awards will be presented to Master Merchandiser Winners for best in-store displays; Top 10 in Grocery, and Best Booths from GIC. Co-hosts Ron Welke, Tony Chapman MERCHANDISING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Reception Sponsored by:

9:15AM – 9:55AM The New Game: How AI Is Changing Your Growth Plans Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the landscape of digital marketing and growth strategies. Join leading Digital Marketing Strategist & Entrepreneur Ross Simmonds to uncover how AI tools and technologies are reshaping businesses and how they can adapt to stay ahead. In addition, he brings it all together by sharing tactical ways marketers can use AI while also showing clear examples of ways in which AI could revolutionize the way we work for decades to come.

Sponsored by:

Master Merchandiser Sponsors:

10:00AM – 10:10AM | COFFEE BREAK Sponsored by:

MC

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR ALL SESSIONS TCC–NORTH (HALL H)–BALLROOMS A, B

7:15AM – 7:50AM | Breakfast Sponsored by:

7:50AM – 8:30AM Fireside chat on retail trends in design and communication to consumers in today’s environment with JP Lacroix, SLD and Patrick Rodmell, Rodmell & Company with Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters.

Sponsored by:

8:30AM – 9:10AM The Demand for Diversity in the Aisles. How ethnic grocery retailing has evolved beyond dumplings and donairs. Rick Rabba, Rabba Fine Foods; Inder Chohan, CJR Wholesale Grocers; Adrian Gianello, Yummy Market, with Tony Chapman, Chatter that Matters.

Sponsored by:

10:15AM – 10:45AM CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS ROOM 1 THEFT/SHRINK: Retail Theft: from general shrink statistics that tell you how many got away, to the overall economic impact of retail crime. Get access insight that will make the most on your bottom line before it goes public. Presented by Stephen O’Keefe, Bottom Line Matters.

ROOM 2 BENCHMARKING: FMS’ Annual Independent Grocers Survey 2024 results are presented by Robert Graybill, FMS ROOM 3 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: New ideas around the world that help you build loyalty and trust at home. Rachel Loui, Strategic Growth Factor ROOM 4

IN-STORE RETAIL MEDIA: The Path to Purchase Institute's Cyndi Loza shares proprietary research looking at the impact in-store retail media as well as retailer and brand loyalty programs have on shopper behaviour.

Sponsored by: FCC Food and Beverage Financing

11:00AM – 4:00PM TRADE SHOW EXHIBITION TCC–NORTH (HALL I)

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

13

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2024-09-12

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GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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INSIGHTS & INNOVATIONS TRADE FLOOR STAGE SESSIONS

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

EVENING EVENTS

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TCC-NORTH (HALL H) J. MITCHELL LOBBY, COLLABORATION CORRIDOR (BALLROOMS A, B)

5:30PM – 6:15PM | RECEPTION

12:00PM – 12:30PM Detailed Loss Prevention programs: From summary to step-by-step instruction on how to implement programs, Stephen O’Keefe, Bottom Line Matters provides proven solutions for retailers.

Sponsored by:

2:00PM – 2:30PM Harnessing Gen AI: A competitive edge for grocery retailers. How to optimally use free Gen AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to get insights about your business. Rachel Loui, Strategic Growth Factor

Dinner Sponsored by:

6:30PM – 9:15PM | INDEPENDENT GROCER OF THE YEAR AWARDS Awards will be presented to the best grocers in Canada.

Sponsored by: Dessert Sponsored by:

SIP & SAMPLE STAGE SESSIONS

Awards Sponsored by:

SESSIONS OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES AND EXHIBITORS

1:00PM – 1:30PM If ¾ of your drink is the mixer, mix with the best!

This dedicated tasting features Fever-Tree’s new Non- Carbonated Mixers, made with only the best naturally sourced ingredients from around the world. Sip and Sample the Margarita, Mojito, and Caesar mixers presented by Fever-Tree, Tree of Life and Beth Havers, Kinda Whisky Inc. 3:00PM – 3:30PM Chef Devan demonstrates how Liberté Plain Yogourt elevates any dish with its versatility and delicious taste, perfect for adding rich flavour and nutrition to everyday meals.

DAILY SHUTTLE

Sponsored by:

WANT TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS PROMOTED AT THE SHOWS AND WITH CFIG? GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

EVERY 15-20 MINUTES Westin Toronto Airport Hotel to/from Toronto Congress Centre Monday, October 28—4:45PM – 8:00PM Tuesday, October 29—7:00AM – 7:30PM Wednesday, October 30—6:30AM –11:00PM Sponsored by:

DRAW FOR GRAND PRIZE TRIP TO NGA SHOW IN LAS VEGAS!

REACH OUT ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES TO: MAI HAMED, SHOW GROCERY SPONSORSHIP INNOVATIONS CANADA MHamed@cfig.ca

Feder ated Insurance

MATTHEW BROWN, MARKETING/ADVERTISING MBrown@cfig.ca

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

15

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2024-09-12 9:45 AM

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS*

Grocery Innovations Canada 2024 thanks the following sponsors for their support. *As of October 18, 2024

FCC Food and Beverage Financing

Feder ated Insurance

MC

OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR:

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

17

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

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18

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SHOW APP

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

19

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

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ACOSTA

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A. LASSONDE INC.

18 Richelieu Lacolle, QC J0J 1J0 T: (289) 795-5012 E: sfeere@arnegdml.com www.arneg.ca The largest Canadian refrigeration case and compressor systems in Canada. Proudly manufactured and assembled and serviced in Canada for the retail grocery industry.

Booth #1519

4600 Rue Armand-Frappier Saint-Hubert, QC J3Z 1G5 T: (800) 268-7777 E: peter.alfonsi@agropur.com www.argropur.com Agropur Cooperative is a producer of highquality dairy products for the retail food service and industrial markets.Booth #1912

2700 Matheson Blvd East, East Tower, Suite 101 Mississauga, On L4W 4V9 T: (905) 238-8422 E: tal.dovas@mosaic.com www.acosta.com Acosta provides trusted brands with integrated sales and retail merchandising solutions to move products off shelves and into shopper’s baskets.

Booth #1424, 1424A

250 Yonge Street, 5th Floor Toronto, ON M5B 2L7 T: (437) 246-8376 E: businessdevelopment@loyalty.com www.airmiles.ca AIR MILES is one of Canada’s most recognized loyalty programs, with participation from more than half of Canadian households and 300+ Partners in-store and online.

Booth #1914

ADCO DISPLETECH

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 #1509

1310 Chabanel O Montreal, QC H4N 1H4 T: (514) 381-2396 E: info@displetech.com www.displetech.com Adco Displetech specializes in store fixtures and shelving. We are an electronic shelf label solutions provider. Booth #530

ADVANTAGE SOLUTIONS

60 Courtney Drive Park West, Unit #3 Mississauga, On L5W 0B3 T: (905) 752-2850 E: leeanne.mischiato@advantagesolutions.net www.advantagesolutions.net We provide branded, retailer and experiential services. We team up to figure out the best ways to get those products on shelves, online, and in shopper's baskets. Booth #725

AFFILIATED INDEPENDENTLOBLAW INC.

AMERLUX, LLC

178 Bauer Drive Oakland, NJ 07436 USA T: (937) 882-5010 Info@amerlux.com www.amerlux.com Manufacturer of innovative lighting solutions that captivates, inspires, and commands attention. Enhancing retail, commercial, hospitality and supermarket environments while focusing on quality and service excellence. Booth #734

1 President’s Choice Circle Brampton, ON L6Y 5S5 T: (888) 495-5111 E: businessdevelopment@loblaw.ca www.loblaws.ca The Affiliated Independent Group includes over 300 Independent, Freshmart® and L’Intermarche® retailers from coast to coast.

Booth #1503

AM/PM SERVICE

✪ AFFINITY GROUP CANADA

ARARAT TRADING 2002 CORP.

21 East Wilmot Street Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1A3 T: (905) 763-2929 E: info@affinitysales.ca www.affinitysales.com Keep your brand connected to a community of resources and relationships that will drive your business.

Booth #1708

20

2237 Hawkins Street Unit 1110 Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 0M2 T: (800) 336-2622 E: inquiries@ampmservice.com www.ampmservice.com For over 35 years, AM/PM Service has provided world-class POS solutions for the grocery industry across Canada. Booth #1603 5820 Kennedy Rd. Mississauga, ON L4Z 2C3 T: (416) 878-4071 E: alex@araratfoods.com www.araratfoods.com Ararat Trading is a leading import and distribution company specializing in grocery items, dry items, deli products, candies, oil, and olive oil. Booth #512

#201-1497 Admirals Road Victoria, BC V9A 2P8 T: (250) 952-7100 E: jcoombs@jadefinefoods.com www.arbutusfarms.ca Arbutus Foods provides high quality, delicious, retail-ready products for food service and retail. Booth #1008 180 Dundurn Street South Hamilton, ON L8P 4K3 T: (904) 528-5903 E: solutions@armaghpos.com www.armaghpos.com Founded in 1979, and based in Ontario, Armagh POS Solutions is one of the oldest and most established point of sale systems provider in Canada. Booth #437

ARNEG CANADA

ARTERRA WINES CANADA

441 Courtneypark Drive E Mississauga, ON L5T 2V3 T: (416) 859-2874 E: awconatrioorderdesk@arterracanada.com www.arterracanada.com Arterra Wines Canada owns and distributes over 100+ wine brands and operates eight wineries. Headquartered in Mississauga, ON. Booth #909

✪ AVANTI PRESS, INC.

155 W. Congress, Suite 200 Detroit, MI 48226 USA T: (800) 228-2684 E: stuartbunn@avantipress.com www.avantipress.com Avanti Press is a Detroit-based publisher of greeting cards. We offer vendor managed greeting card programs on a plan-o-gram with free displays and shipping. Booth #936

✪ BANK OF MONTREALBUSINESS BANKING

33 Dundas St. West Toronto, ON M5G 3C2 T: (416) 523-2566 E: businessbankingprograms@bmo.com www.bmo.com/business BMO Business Banking is proud to support CFIG and its members with a tailored banking and financing industry program for independent grocers in Canada. Booth #1304

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

20

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

BEE MAID HONEY LIMITED

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

BIMBO CANADA

645 Black Diamond Blvd.

Winnipeg, MB R2J 4M7 T: (204) 786-8977 E: honey@beemaid.com www.beemaid.com Visit Bee Maid Honey, a 100% Canadian honey cooperative, showcasing our pure Canadian honey products and Auntie Bea’s coldbrewed teas, crafted with Bee Maid Honey.

Booth #1327

2 International Boulevard, Suite 100 Etobicoke, ON M9W 1A2 T: (800) 465-5515 E: crelations@grupobimbo.com www.bimbocanada.com Bimbo Canada is the country’s largest and oldest bakery, feeding Canadians delicious and nutritious food for more than 110 years.

Booth #1403

BEER NUTS INC

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: dalia@beernuts.com www.beernuts.com Snackin' since 1953. We welcome you to our nutty Beer Nuts®. Don't be late to the party. Original peanuts and bar mixes.

Booth #2002, #2003

#210 20285 Stewart Cres Maple Ridge, BC V2X 8G1 T: (778) 233-9081 E: bob@bobbakeryworld.com www.bobbakeryworld.com We are a 1 Stop Shop for Tools, Equipment and decorations for your bakery. From full program support to simple tools, we are here to help. Booth #1502

✪ BELAND ORGANIC FOODS

BOS SMOKED FISH INC.

19-2390 Boul. Louis XIV Quebec, QC G1C 5Y8 T; (418) 661-5106 E: martin@belandorganicfoods.com www.belandorganicfoods.com/en/home Since 1992, Beland Organic Foods has done sales and marketing throughout Canada.

We have built up an in-depth knowledge of the Canadian organic food industry.

Booth #2018

✪ BEST BRANDS MARKETING INC.

Unit 105-9295 198th Street Langley, BC V1M 3J9 T: (604) 888-0193 E: sales@bestbrandsmarketing.com www.bestbrandsmarketing.com Importer and distributor of well-known brands from Asia: Prima Taste, Itsuki, Daisho, Mr. Viet. Authentic Asian specialty foods from Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Booth #435

BEVERAGE WORLD INC.

590 South Service Rd. Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2W1 T: (905) 719-1885 E: info@beverageworld.ca www.beverageworld.ca Brand owners of the PoP Shoppe & Canadian exclusive importer of Alo & Calypso Lemonade & MELA Watermelon Water.

Servicing customers across Canada.

Booth #1203

✪ BIG CHIEF MEAT SNACKS INC.

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

Booth #1137

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SHOW APP

BOB BAKERY WORLD LTD

1175 Pattullo Ave. Woodstock, ON N4S 7w3 T: (519) 537-5000 E: office@bossmokedfish.com www.bossmokedfish.com Bos Smoked Fish Inc. is a leading smoked fish supplier to numerous distributors, food service companies, major grocery chains, and small retailers across North America.

Booth #1728

✪ BRAVE AND YOUNG DISTRIBUTORS LTD

✪ BSI GROUP CANADA

6205B Airport Road, Suite 108 Mississauga, ON L4V 1E1 T: (800) 862-6752 E: inquiry.mscanada@bsigroup.com www.bsigroup.com/en-CA BSI empowers you and your people to manage business risks and food safety hazards through training, standards certification, and support from industry experts.

Booth #606

BURNBRAE FARMS LTD

940 Matheson Blvd. East Mississauga, ON L4W 2R8 T: (905) 624-3600 E: general@burnbraefarms.com www.burnbraefarms.com Burnbrae Farms is excited to present our relaunch of EGG Bakes! And introduce our NEW Free Run 6pk hard-boiled eggs!

Booth #918

✪ BUSINESS EDGE INTERNATIONAL

55 Village Centre Plaza Mississauga, ON L4Z 1V9 T: (905) 864-8065 E: sales@thebiznessedge.com www.thebiznessedge.com We do printing (business cards, labels, folders, brochures, and flyers), signage (outdoor/indoor, signs, vinyl, window branding, LED/neon, etc.), logo designing, and branded giveaways. Booth #614

11955 95A Ave Delta, BC V4C 3W1 T: (778) 395-2992 E: sales@braveandyoung.ca www.braveandyoung.ca We import snacks and chicken soup, instant coffee, and kimchee produced in Korea and sell them all over Canada. Booth #1127

CALNORT

BRITTLES ‘N MORE LTD.

CAMBRIDGE TREATS INC.

✪ BRRR BOX – ATLAS CONTAINERS LTD

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

Booth #1134

180 Frobisher Dr., Unit 2 Waterloo, ON N2V 2A2 T: (519) 884-3505 E: contactus@brittles.ca www.brittles-n-more.com Canada’s largest gourmet Copper Kettle Brittle and Fudge maker. Everything handmade, fresh-to-order! Brittles 21 varieties, Beer nuts 15 varieties, plus Sponge Toffee & Chocolate Pizzas. Booth #1838 85 Millwick Drive North York, ON M9L 1Y4 T: (416) 716-2214 E: aumentarcanada@gmail.com www.brrrbox.com BRRR Box is a 100% recyclable, biodegradable cooler made using the most modern patented technologies in corrugated packaging. Our goal is to help eliminate Styrofoam Packaging, Sustainable Bags Packaging, Refrigeration. Booth #434

4717 Boulevard Coutoure Montreal, QC H1R 3H7 T: (514) 829-5126 E: calnortcanada@bolsa.ca www.calnortcanada.ca We deal with import and distribution of bouillon and condiments.. Booth #526 115 Goddard Cres.

Cambridge, ON N3H 4R6 T: (647) 498-0158 E: charlie@cambridgetreats.com www.cambridgetreats.com Cambridge Treats Inc. located in ON, Canada produces high quality pet treats for private labels, including dental treats, jerky, chews and vitamin treats. Booth #1825

CANADA BEEF

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

21

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

CANADIAN GROCER

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

CHEP CANADA CORP

20 Eglinton Ave. W., Suite 1800 Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 T: (647) 830-6561 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 170,000+ retailers and decision makers.

Booth #1141

7400 East Danbro Crescent Mississauga, ON L5N 8C6 T: (866) 261-2437 E: customercare.ca@chep.com www.chep.com CHEP is a global leader in supply chain solutions, providing pallet and container pooling services to optimize logistics and reduce environmental impact for businesses worldwide. Booth #1525

CANADIAN PRODUCE MARKETING ASSOCIATION

✪ CHIARA CUCINA

162 Cleopatra Drive Ottawa, ON K2G 5X2 T: (613) 218-3832 E: www.hurban@cpma.ca www.cpma.ca CPMA is an organization that represents companies that are active in the marketing of fresh fruits and fresh vegetables in Canada. Booth #612

✪ CANADIAN WOMEN IN FOOD

66 Billings Avenue Toronto, ON M4L 2S4 T: (647) 408-1417 E: info@canadianwomeninfood.ca www.canadianwomeninfood.ca Be a Taste Bud and visit us to discover women-led food businesses featuring: SOLENZI Foods, Jewels Under The Kilt, and No. 7 Mexican Hot Sauce!

Booth #1524

CAVENDISH FARMS

100 Midland Drive Dieppe, NB E1A 6X4 T: (506) 858-7777 www.cavendishfarms.com Cavendish Farms is sampling new frozen potato and appetizer products, including French Fries, Tots, and Onion Rings.

Booth #1033

CHEF BRANDZ INC.

7050 Telford Way, Unit 100B Mississauga, ON L5S 1V7 T: (905) 672-0741 E: customerservice@signatureculinary.com www.signatureculinarysolutions.matreeks.com At Chef Brandz Inc., we’re not just a meal provider – we’re your partner in delivering exceptional dining solutions. Flexibility is our hallmark. Booth #1645

CHENS ENTERPRISE CORPORATION

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

22

5200 Dixie Rd, Unit 6 Mississauga, ON L4W 1E4 T: (437) 928-4762 E: info@chiaracucina.com www.chiaracucina.com We produce gourmet frozen pizza. Chiara Cucina brings you the authentic flavours of Italy in as little as 9 minutes or less.

Booth #1940

CIAO CHAR INC.

12 Northwestern Avenue Toronto, ON M6M 5G1 T: (647) 746-6751 E: char@ciaochar.com www.ciaochar.com Pasta sauce, inspired by true Italian cuisine. 100% Made in Italy.

Booth #420

✪ CIRCULAR INNOVATION COUNCIL

PO Box 6 Toronto, ON M5C 2H8 T: (888) 501-9637 E: info@circularinnovations.ca www.circularinnovations.ca Circular Innovation Council offers circular and innovative solutions to the grocer industry through training, pilot programs, education and customized resources.

Booth #541

CJR WHOLESALE GROCERS

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

Specializing in distribution & supplychain-solutions. Booth #1224

✪ CLICKHIRE.AI

5928 Nancy Greene Way North Vancouver, BC V7R 4N4 T: (604) 988-7653 E: geoff@clickhire.ai www.clickhire.ai We pre-screen, rank and deliver job applicants for Franchisees, so they can build a better business. Booth #946

CLOROX CANADA

150 Biscayne Cr. Brampton, ON L6W 4V3 T: (905) 595-8200 E: info@clorox.com www.clorox.ca/en Green Works® offers powerful, naturallyderived cleaning products without harsh smells. Glad® helps Canadians waste better and waste less with smart compost, waste, and recycling solutions. Booth #1344

COCA-COLA CANADA BOTTLING LTD.

335 King Street East Toronto, ON M5A 1L1 T: (800) 438-2653 E: mtam@cokecanada.com www.cokecanada.com Coke Canada Bottling is an independent, family-owned business. As Canada’s Local Bottler, the company proudly makes, distributes, merchandises, and sells the most-loved beverages Canadians enjoy.

Booth #1409

COLIO ESTATE WINES/ THORNBURY CRAFT CO.

5900 Ambler Drive, Unit 7 Mississauga, On L4W 2N3 T: (905) 320-8365 E: info@colio.com www.coliowinery.com www.thornburycraft.com We manufacturer of Colio Estate Wines including Girls' Night Out Wines, Hopetown Craft Co, and Most Wanted Wines and Thornbury Craft Co - Cider & Beer.

Booth #2046

CONAGRA BRANDS

2920 Matheson Blvd E. Mississauga, ON L4W 5R6 T: (416) 679-4200 E: naturalsinquiries@conagra.com www.conagrabrands.ca Conagra offers a diverse range of food products, including frozen meals, snacks, & pantry stables with brands like Orville Redenbacher & Hunts. Booth #603

CONCORD NATIONAL

2515 Meadowpine Blvd., Unit 2 Mississauga, ON L5N 6C3 T: (905) 817-0403 E: tony.dalleva@concordna􀆟onal.com www.concordnational.com At Concord National, we build great brands. Our sales, marketing and management experience spans virtually every product category and nearly every corner of the world. Booth #1233

CONGLOM

2600 Marie Curie Avenue St-Laurent, QC H4S 2C3 T: (514) 333-666 www.ksande@conglom.com We are a manufacturer, supplier and distributor of a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Booth #1413

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

22

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

CONTIPACK INC.

COVERED BRIDGE POTATO CHIPS

COOKIE PAL

CRAFTY RAMEN

1160 Birchmount Rd., Unit #2A Toronto, ON M1P 2B8 T: (416) 321-6444 E: marketing@contipack.ca www.contipackinc.com Based in Toronto, Contipack Inc. provides flexible packaging solutions. Our offerings include stand-up pouches, flat-bottom bags, roll stock films, poly bags and more.

Booth #628 2700 Steeles Ave. W. Concord, ON L4K 3C8 T: 9905) 760-9009 info@cookiepal.com www.cookiepal.ca COOKIE PAL specializes in Human-grade organic dog treats. Everyone deserves access to high-quality, healthy food.

Including our pets! Booth #422

COPELAND

35 Alwright Court Waterville, NB E7P 0A5 T: (506) 375-2447 E: info@coveredbridgechips.com www.coveredbridgechips.com/en/ We’re a vertically integrated 4th Generation Family potato farm and food manufacturing facility. We strive to make top-quality products for our customers.

Booth #1325 85 Willis Way Unit 119 Waterloo, ON N2J 0B9 T: (151) 984-1318 E: adam@craftyramen.com www.craftyramen.com Crafty Ramen brings restaurant-quality ramen to the frozen aisle for consumers to enjoy in the comfort of their home in just 7 minutes. Booth #1935

CROSSMARK CANADA INC.

PO Box 1060, 145 Sherwood Drive Brantford, ON N3T 1N8 T: (519) 756-6157 E: canadainfo.climate@copeland.com www.copeland.com Helping grocers meet the demand for fresh, premium quality foods while lowering operating costs with our full range of facility controls, components and monitoring services. Booth #1803

5580 Explorer Drive, Suite 200 Mississauga, ON L4W 4Y1 T: (905) 366-6333 E: contactuscanada@crossmark.com www.crossmark.ca CROSSMARK delivers your brand's growth leveraging our HQ Sales Agency, In-Store merchandisers, Analytics, Back Office Administration & Marketing Solutions.

Ask us how we can help! Booth #913

✪ COPPA INC.

DAIRY FOUNTAIN INC.

34 Swiftsure Ct. London, ON N5V 4L1 T: (519) 521-8374 E: ryan.c@coppainc.ca www.coppainc.ca Coppa Inc., London, ON crafts premium gelato and sorbet, proudly featured in major grocery banners and expanding daily. Our passion is "a smile in every cup."

Booth #1924

CORRIGAN CORPORATION

104 Ambrogio Drive Gurnee, IL 60031 USA T: (847) 878-4734 E: sales@corriganmist.com www.corriganmist.com Préserve is a non-wetting, low energy fogging system that creates the optimum humidity environment for perishables. The clean, closed plumbing design exceeds all sanitation requirements. Booth #1302

COSTCO BUSINESS CENTRE

3 North Service Road St. Catharines, ON L2N 7R1 T: (289) 434-6021 E: w01436mkm@costco.com www.costcobusinesscentre.ca Costco Business Centre offers the same great quality and value you expect from Costco, in a variety of unexpected sizes and choices. Booth #1605

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SHOW APP

1080 Fewster Dr., Unit 14 Mississauga, On L4W 2T2 T: (437) 215-5316 E: info@dairyfountain.com www.dairyfountian.com Dairy Fountain provides premium cultured dairy products for food service and retail, including various types of yogurts, yogurt drinks, kefir, and sour cream. Booth #1631

DANA INDUSTRIES

109 Woodbine Downs Blvd., Unit 1 Toronto, ON M9W 6Y1 T: (888) 998-0880 E: sales@danaindustries.com www.danaindustries.com Manufacturer of an in-aisle retail signage and supplier of shelving and carts. Exclusive distributor in Canada for Bruegmann merchandising solutions, including pushers and rollers. Booth #1719

DANONE

100 Rue de Lauzon Boucherville, QC J4B 1E6 T: (450) 655-7331 E: danone@canada.ca www.danone.ca We offer innovative yogurt, plant-based food and beverages, and coffee creamers.

Booth #1009

DAUPHINAIS

4136 Unit 8 South Service Rd. Burlington, ON L7L 4X5 T: (800) 864-7879 E: info@dauphinais.co www.dauphinais.co/en Dauphinais specializes in designing, manufacturing, & distributing refrigerated commercial display cases for food retail.

Booth #1335

DELMAR FOODS

25 South Service Road St. Marys, ON N4X 1A7 T: (519) 274-1021 E: kpeachey@delmarfoods.ca www.delmarfoods.ca We offer private label sauces, dressings, marinades and mayonnaise in a variety of retail packaging options in an SQF certified nut-free facility. Booth #1637

✪ DEMETRES

111 Strada Drive Woodbridge, ON L4L 5V9 T: (416) 544-3411 E: hello@demetres.com www.demetres.com Locally made handcrafted artisanal ice creams in unique but approachable flavours. Booth #1625

DIGI CANADA INC.

87 Moyal Ct. Concord, ON L4k 4R8 T: (416) 648-2243 E: cara.tulloch@ca.digi-group.com DIGI Canada Inc. is a global leader in the food industry, offering a complete line of high-quality food equipment for over 30 years.

Ask us about what we offer! Booth #919

DIRECT PLUS FOOD GROUP

8261 201 Street, #120 Langley, BC V2Y 0G9 T: (604) 881-7751 E: info@directplus.ca www.directplus.ca Your complete solution for choice, distribution and sales of the highest quality food products. Booth #834, #835

✪ DISTRIBUTION CANADA INC./ CANADIAN INDEPENDENT GROCERY BUYERS ALLIANCE

3425 Harvester Road, Suite 102C Burlington, ON L7N 3N1 T: (905) 681-3933 E: admin@distributioncanada.ca www.distributioncanada.ca DCI fosters collaboration in the Canadian food market, offering a platform for sharing funding and solutions to boost sales and profits. Booth #1543

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

23

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

✪ DONUT EXPRESS

2545 9th Line Rd. Metcalfe, ON K0A 2P0 T: (514) 583-5370 E: mik@donutexpress.c www.donutexpress.ca We are committed to manufacturing and delivering unparalleled products and service, through innovation, and exceptional client experiences. As leaders in the donut industry, we strive to blend tradition with creativity, using the finest ingredients. Booth #1741

✪ DORA

176 St-Joseph Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, QC J5N 3W9 T: (514) 865-8975 E: amelie@piedmontdora.com www.piedmontdora.com Specialized in Canadian-made breakfast condiments since 1945: jams, syrups spreads, coulis. GFSI certified, gluten-free, offering branded and private label products for retail and food service.

Booth #2018

DRAKKAR INTERNATIONAL

#400 – 125 Chemin du Tremblay Boucherville, QC J4B 7K4 T: (450) 651-9137 E: rnormand@drakkarinternational.com www.chariotshopping.com Since 1998, Drakkar International designs, manufactures and markets the largest selection of shopping carts and material handling equipment used in every food store in Canada. Booth #1612

DRINKS ONTARIO

1500 Upper Middle Road West, Suite 228 Oakville, On L6M 0C2 T: (416) 522-7321 E; info@drinksontario.com www.drinksontario.com Drinks Ontario is the leading advocate for agents, suppliers, and associations in the Ontario beverage alcohol industry.

Booth #2

✪ DYNAMIC PRODUCTIONS INC.

#5 – 62 Fawcett Road Coquitlam, BC V3K 6V5 T: (877) 345-4653 E: info@dynamicproductions.ca www.dynamicproductions.ca Dynamic Productions transforms retail spaces with customized audio solutionsenriching customer experience through tailored announcements and curated music playlists to drive sales. Booth #1345

✪ DYNA-PRO ENVIRONMENTAL 575 Roseberry Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0T3 T: (204) 774-5370 E: larryj@dyna-pro.com www.dyna-pro.com

24

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

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 30 years.

Booth #929

Federated Insurance is committed to working closely with our partners and members like you to develop tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.

Call 1.844.628.6800. Booth #1313

ENJAY CONVERTERS LTD.

495 Ball Street Cobourg, ON K9A 3J6 T: (905) 372-7373 E: customerservice@enjay.com www.enjay.com We specialize in manufacturing high quality, cost-effective, food-safe packaging. SQF certified. Booth #1135

1880 Birchmount Rd. Scarborough, ON M1P 2J7 T: (647) 292-2170 E: jason@fivecontinentsintl.com www.fivecontinentsintl.com We are the leader in Pan-Asian food import and distribution. Whether for foodservice or retail, we offer a vast selection of products from Asia. Booth #1339

ERATO COFFEE INC.

✪ FLIPP OPERATIONS INC.

8-200 Trowers Road Woodbridge, ON L4L 5Z8 T: (416) 640-7071 E: eratocoffeecompany@gmail.com www.thecoffeestoreonline.com Erato Coffee Inc., the private label gurus, blending innovation, quality, and sustainability into every cup, brewing a future steeped in passion, integrity, and excellence. Booth #548

ESSLINGER FOODS LTD.

5035 North Service Road, Unit B7 Burlington, ON L7L 5V2 T: (905) 332-3777 E: info@esslingerfoods.com www.esslingerfoods.com We are manufacturers of dehydrated sauces, gravies, soup bases and spice blends. Booth #1727

EFI SALES LTD.

515 Hanlon Creek Boulevard Guelph, ON N1C 0A1 T: (519) 822-1895 E: info@efifoodequip.com www.efifoodequip.com EFI Sales is an industry leader in commercial foodservice equipment. Offering a wide range of products, including refrigeration, preparation & cooking, small appliances and more. Booth #518

FCC

7025 Langer Drive, Unit 210 Mississauga, On L5N 0E8 T: (888) 332-3301 E: csc@fcc-fac.ca www.fcc.ca/food FCC provides financing, while creating value through knowledge and expertise.

FCC offers financial and non-financial products and services to support evolving needs of the industry. Booth #1919

FEDERATED INSURANCE COMPANY OF CANADA

2540 boul. Daniel-Johnson, Suite 110 Laval, QC H7T 2S3 T: (514) 730-6781 E: mauro.ditullio@federated.ca www.federated.ca

FIVE CONTINENTS INTERNATIONAL

350 – 3250 Bloor St. W., East Tower Etobicoke, ON M8X 2X9 T: (647) 492—0776 E: contactus@flipp.com www.corp.flipp.com Flipp is a retail technology company connecting major North American retailers and brands with over 100 million shoppers weekly through shoppable digital visual merchandising experiences. Booth #1915

FLORA FOOD CANADA

480 University Ave., Suite 803 Toronto, ON M5G 1V2 T: (613) 890-7387 E: maham.khan@upfield.com www.florafoodgroup.com Upfield is a global leader in plant-based foods category -across 4 markets: plant butters, cheeses, creams, liquids-driving change for the people and the market.

Booth #1133

✪ FMS SOLUTIONS

800 Corporate Drive, Suite 350 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 USA T: (416) 587-0537 E: joe.sawaged@fmssolutions.com www.fmssolutions.com FMS provides a comprehensive suite of financial applications specifically for the retail grocery industry including critical accounting functions, payroll services, and retail inventory management. Booth #1702

✪ FROMAGERIE L'ANCÊTRE

1615 boul. de Port-Royal Bécancour, QC G9H 1X7 T: (438) 868-3371 E: gleboeuf@fromagerieancetre.com www.fromagerieancetre.com Every bite is a better world. L’Ancêtre Cheese Factory is proud to offer authentic organic cheeses and butters!

Booth #2018

FRUIT OF THE LAND

1 Promenade Circle – Box 977 Thornhill, ON L4J 8G7 T: (905) 761-9611 E: info@fuirtoftheland.com www.fruitoftheland.com

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

24

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

Fruit of the Land features local, award winning, specialty foods including jams, honeys, pepper jellies, wine jellies, jarred fruits, condiments, syrups, nut butters & more. Booth #1840

FUMOIR GRIZZLY INC.

159 D’Amsterdam Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures QC G3A 2V5 T: (418) 558-1393 E: sml@grizzly.qc.ca www.grizzly.qc.ca/en With 30+ years of passion, Fumoir Grizzly is a top Canadian smokehouse. Enjoy our smoked salmon, trout, tartare, and readyto-eat fish for a feast!

Booth #2018

✪ FUNKY FUNGHI

775 Church St. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 T: (905) 788-5474 E: pastoanthony@gmail.com www.FunkyFunghi.ca We have created a line of healthy soups and risottos from farm to table. We are the only mushroom farm with an executive chef.

Booth #1646

FUN TYME FOODS

102-455 DeBaets St. Winnipeg, MB R2J 4M 3 T : (204) 918-8999 E : john@funtymefoods.com www.funtymefoods.com We offer a wide variety of snack foods, sauces, dried fruit, and shelf stable meals.

Booth #1613, #1808

GBS FOODSERVICE EQUIPMENT, INC.

2871 Brighton Rd. Oakville, ON L6H 6C9 T: (905) 829-5534 E: pdouglas@gbscooks.com www.gbscooks.com Canada wide stocking distributor of foodservice equipment focused on the retail/grocery HMR channel. GBS is your one stop resource. Booth #1217, #1317

GENERAL MILLS

1875 Buckhorn Gate Suite 201 Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 5N9 T: (905) 212-4872 E: tobias.bourdeau@genmills.com www.generalmills.ca General Mills, making food the world loves.

Join us to experience exciting new products for your family to enjoy. Booth #719

GIOVANNI RANA

25 – 1195 Queensway #.

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

Booth #1013

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

GLOBE POS SYSTEMS

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

Booth #1332

✪ GOLDY’S

6 Chapel Rd. Etobicoke, ON M8W 1G1 T: (416) 873-0920 E: meredith@goldys.ca www.goldys.ca Goldy’s Superseed Cereals and Instant Oatmeal is on a mission to bring wholesome nutrition and fun back to the breakfast table. Booth #1829

✪ GOODLEAF FARMS

3-35 Cooper Drive Guelph, ON N1C 0A4 T: (226) 332-3213 E: sales@goodleaffarms.com www.goodleaffarms.com Pesticide-free, nutrient dense, and oh so delicious Microgreens, Baby Greens and Dressing Optional Blends! Canadian grown, and vertically farmed in Alberta, Ontario & Quebec. Booth #634

GOURMET FOODS INTERNATIONAL

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 www.gfifoods.com Family-owned since 1967, Gourmet Foods International has been purveying the most extensive offering of specialty foods, focusing on a diverse range of international products, including imported cheeses, charcuterie, olives, sauces, and the largest assortment of American Artisan cheeses in North America.

Booth #2002, #2003

GRAY RIDGE EGG FARMS/ EGGSOLUTIONS

644 Wright Street Strathroy, ON N7G 3H8 T: (800) 387-0087 E: info@thgray.com www.lhgray.com Gray Ridge Eggs. Sparks Eggs. Golden Valley Eggs. EggSolutions. EggSolutions-Vanderpols Eggs. Together, we’re L. H. Gray & Son: All Things Eggs in Canada. Since 1934.

Booth #1034

GREAT CANADIAN MEAT COMPANY LTD

1390 Hopkins Street, Unit 5 Whitby, On L1N 2C3 T: (905) 666-9395 E: info@greatcanadianmeat.com www.greatcanadianmeat.com We are Canada’s Premier Meat Snack Company that produces tasty, 365 day shelf-stable meat snacks using the finest Canadian ingredients. Booth #1629

GREAT LAKES GREENHOUSES INC.

834 Mersea Rd. 4 Leamington, ON N8H 3V6 T: (519) 419-4937 E: tinah@greatlakesg.com www.greatlakesg.com Great Lakes Greenhouses in Leamington, ON has been family owned and operated for over 40 years. Growing, shipping, packing the highest level of quality products.

Booth #1928

GREEN SUN FOODS

144 River Oaks Blvd. East Oakville, ON L6H 5N7 T: (519) 897-0742 E: mperezegana@greensunfoods.com www.greensunfoods.com Healthy Chocolate snacks made form 70% Dark Peruvian Cacao, Organic, Vegan, 100% Natural and 100% Real natural products.

Proudly Canadian Company. Booth #409

GREY JAY SALES & DISTRIBUTION

GRAPE GROWERS OF ONTARIO

1634 South Service Road St Catharines, ON L2R 6P9 T: (905) 688-0990 E: info@grapgrowersofontario.com www.grapegrowersofontario.com Local Ontario VQA Craft Wines: a labour of love that you can taste in every sip of wine that begins right here in our backyard.

Booth #416

257 Stirling Cres.

Bradford, ON L3Z 4L5 T: (647) 780-7299 E: jordan@greyjaysales.com www.greyjaysales.com Grey Jay Sales & Distribution drives retail grocery innovation, partnering with national customers across Canada to deliver unique, high-quality products and exceptional value. Booth # 2024, #2025

✪ GRAPE LEAVES FOOD INC.

GREY JAY-CITY SELTZER

5950 Rhodes Dr., Unit 8 Windsor, ON N8N 2M1 T: (519) 890-1351 E: jenna@grapeleavesfood.com www.grapeleavesfood.com We are a family-run company dedicated to crafting authentic Middle-Eastern products, including Garlic Sauce, Fattoush Salad Dressing and Chicken Shawarma Marinade.

Booth #1938

15-5510 Canoteck Road Ottawa, ON K1j 9J4 T: (613) 688-6207 E: yo@cityseltzer.ca www.cityseltzer.ca Made with nothing but fresh Ontario water, bubbles and imaginatively crafted natural flavours, the result is a lineup of intensely refreshing sparkling water.

Booth #2024 + 2025

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

25

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

✪ GREY JAY-GLOW BEVERAGES

5655 rue beaulieu Montreal, QC H4E 3E4 T: (514) 451-0950 E: info2varoncorp.com www.varoncorp.com GLOW is an Immune Forward, Sparkling Functional Hydration beverage, with an additional line of energy products.

Booth #2024, #2025

✪ GREY JAY-HEALTH GARDEN USA

200 Keen St. Paterson City, NJ 07524-2433 USA T: (845) 877-7090 E: info@healthgardenusa.com www.healthgardenusa.com Health Garden is the only company offering a full line of non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, low-glycemic sweeteners and condiments.

Booth #2024, #2025

GREY JAY–JACK ASTOR’S BAR AND GRILL

5360 South Service Rd., suite 200 Burlington, ON L7L 5L1 T: (905) 681-2997 E: mgolba@sircorp.com www.jackastors.com Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill branded condiments (hot sauce, buffalo sauce & bbq sauce). Booth #2024, #2025

✪ GREY JAY– MARY

MACLEOD’S SHORTBREAD

80 Galaxy Boulevard, Unit 16 Toronto, ON M9W 4Y8 T: (416) 461-4576 E: sales@marymacleod.com www.marymacleod.com Permium all-butter shortbread cookies packaged for CPG, Bakery, Food Service, Gourmet, Seasonal Gifts, Hotel Amenities and Turn Down, HMR, Grab ‘n Go, and Independents. Booth #2024, #2025

GREY JAY-MUSKOKA SPRINGS

220 – 1 Bay Street Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1H1 T: (705) 687-8852 E: office@muskokasprings.com www.muskokasprings.com Muskoka Springs has been producing craft beverages in cottage country for over 150 years, like our original Pale Ginger Ale and new Maple Cream Ale. Booth #2024, #2025

GREY JAY-SAKURA MAPLE FOOD GROUP

899 7th Line Innisfil, ON L9S 4E9 T: (164) 778-0729 E: jordan@sakuramaple.com www.sakuramaple.com Sakura Maple Food Group specializes in premium products and pancake mixes, delivering high-quality, natural ingredients for exceptional taste, with a focus on innovation. Booth #2024, #2025

26

GROCERY BUSINESS MAGAZINE

PO Box 23103 Longworth PO Bowanville, ON L1C 0H0 T: (905) 697-0467 E: admin@grocerybusiness.ca www.grocerybusiness.ca Grocery Business Magazine is Canada’s leading grocery publication and eNews provider, serving independents across Canada with trending information they can use to increase profit. Booth #1810

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

✪ HNA DISTRIBUTION

1530 Birchmount Rd. Scarborough, ON M1P 2G9 T: (647) 249-5346 E: adam@hnadistribution.com www.hnadistribution.com HNA is the leading Canadian food service & grocery distributor supplying essential foods to restaurants & retailers. Booth #637

HOBART CANADA

6655, rue Picard Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 1H3 T: (450) 771-4627 E: info@nutrigroupe.ca www.nutrigroupe.ca/ Nutri Group, a company owned by local farming families. Artisanal-style pickled eggs made with passion: a healthy snack for any occasion! Booth #1909

105 Gordon Baker Rd., Suite 801 Toronto, ON M2H 3P8 T: (888) 334-2371 E: marketing@hobart.ca www.hobart.ca Hobart Canada offers the broadest line of equipment including cooking, food preparation, refrigeration, bakery systems, ware washing and waste systems, and weighing, wrapping, and labeling systems. Booth #1504

✪ HARLOW BLEND

HOLY PEROGY!

HEALTHY CRUNCH

HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION

GROUPE NUTRI

2020 Winston Park Drive, #200 Oakville, ON L6H 6X7 T: (416) 806-2895 E: debbie@harlowblend.com www.harlow-blend.com Harlow Blend Pet brand considers the animal’s total wellness – looking beyond basic dietary requirements to achieve optimum equilibrium between body, mind & spirit. Booth #402 160 Matheson Blvd East, Unit 4 Mississauga, ON L4Z 1V4 T: (416) 575-9531 E: julie@healthycrunch.com www.healthycrunch.com Healthy Crunch is on a mission to innovate everyday foods making them better-foryou while still being super delicious.

Booth #2105

HEARTLAND FOOD PRODUCTS (SPLENDA)

309 – 3223 5 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2A 6E9 T: (647) 224-9988 E: mikep@impactsales.ca www.heatlandfpg.com/products The Splenda® Brand is the #1 brand in the low-calorie sweetener (LCS) category and the most recognizable in the world.

We want to inspire people. Booth #1529

✪ HERBALAND NATURALS INC.

12340 Horseshoe Way Richmond, BC V7A 4Z1 T: (604) 284-5050 E: service@herbaland.ca www.herbaland.ca Herbaland is Canada’s largest gummy product manufacturer, offering delicious, fun and functional snack innovations to over 40 countries. Booth #529

777 The Queensway, Unit E Toronto, ON M8Z 1N4 T: (416) 451-8254 E: info@pelmen.com www.pelmen.com Pelmen Foods produces premium frozen perogies, offering an exceptional variety of flavours, each crafted with quality ingredients for an authentic and delicious experience. Booth #1628 1 Hormel Place Austin, MN 55912 USA T: (905) 625-4000 E: hormel@cbpowell.com www.hormelfoods.com Discover SKIPPY® Brand’s new Canadian retail cookie snacks! Booth #1703

HOTSOURSALTYSWEET INC

58 Cumberland Lane Ajax, ON L1S 7K4 T: (647) 629-0551 E: info@h3s.ca www.h3s.ca UnButter TM the first line of plant-based butters with all the attributes of real butter- allergen, GMO & gluten free in Unsalted, Salted, Herb & Garlic.

Booth #1743

HOWELL DATA SYSTEMS

5732 Highway #7, Suite #9 Woodbridge, ON L4L 3A2 T: (800) 410-6871 E: sales@howelldatasystems.com www.howelldatasystems.com Howell Data Systems with 21 Canadian offices provides, Enterprise Management, Point-of-Sale (POS) Self-Checkouts, Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) Smartphone Loyalty Apps, ECommerce. Booth #1103

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

26

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

HUSSMANN

5 Cherry Blossom Road Cambridge, ON N3H 4R7 T: (519) 653-9980 E: Ashley.fuller@hussmann.com www.hussmann.com Hussmann is a leader in providing display merchandisers, refrigeration systems, installation and services to food retailers around the world. Booth #825

IDEAL BY DESIGN HOUSE

41 North main Street, Suite 202 Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 USA T: (440) 318-1876 E: contact@designhouse.design www.designhouse.design Ideal is a dynamic digital circular including video, shopping-lists, recipes, and digital coupons. Our targeted programmatic media-distribution drives eyes to your circular + Key Data Analytics.

Booth #644

IN&OUT GENERAL TRADING WHOLESALER

2446 Cawthra Rd., U2 B4 Mississauga, ON L5A 3K6 T; (902) 877-0096 E; wail@noutrade.ca www.noutrade.ca IN&OUT General Trading Wholesaler offers confectionery and premium chocolate bars and treats, renowned for unique flavours, superior quality, and attractive packaging.

Booth #2110

✪ INCA GOLD ORGANICS

21 Muir Drive Scarborough, ON M1M 3B5 T: (416) 264-4622 E: juana@incagoldorganics.com www.incagoldorganics.com Inca Gold Organics is an importer and wholesaler. Organic gluten-free superfoods. We sell organic quinoa, organic chia and organic maca. Women-owned business. Booth #1927

✪ INDIGO SODA

794 Bd Arthur-Sauvé Saint-Eustache, QC JR7 4K3 T: (514) 603-0333 E: info@indigosoda.ca www.indigosoda.ca/en Canadian company providing CO2 Carbonators at significant savings for in-home sparkling water machines. Compatible with all devices on the market. Booth #412

✪ INFIN8BRANDS

500 Esna Park Drive Markham, ON L3R 1H5 T: (905) 604-4066 E: sales@infin8brands.com www.infin8brands.com We will be exhibiting confectionary, such as gummies, lollypops, Turkish delights and juices. Booth #635

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

INSTACART

50 Beale Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94105 USA Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, works with grocers and retailers to transform how people shop. Booth #1336

IN-STORE WATER SYSTEMS

112 Oakdale Rd. Toronto, ON M3N 1V9 T: (800) 508-7125 E: timg@instorewatersystems.com www.instorewatersystems.com Supplier specializing in Refill Water Vending, Departmental Water Filtration, Produce misting/Fogging. Booth #445

ISHIDA CANADA INC.

2220 Argentia Road, Unit 7 Mississauga, ON L5N 2K7 T: (888) 517-1556 E: info@ishidacanada.ca Ishida Canada is a leader in the design, manufacture and installation of complete weighing and packaging solutions.

Canadian supplier of Proluxe and Watanabe food equipment. Booth #928

ITALPASTA LIMITED

116 Nuggett Court Brampton, ON L6T 5A9 T: (905) 792-9928 E: info@intalpasta.com www.italpasta.com Providing the highest quality pasta with love and care isn’t just our job, it’s our purpose. Because it’s not just pasta, it’s Italpasta. Booth #1125

JACK LINK’S PROTEIN SNACKS

2476 Argentia Road, Suite 103 Mississauga, ON L5N 6M1 T: (416) 803-8804 E: info@jacklinks.com www.jacklinks.com Jack Link's has the meat snacks you need to power thru life: jerky, bites/nuggets, sticks, steaks, and bars. Booth #746

JAKEMAN’S MAPLE PRODUCTS

454414 Trillium Line, RR1 BEACHVILLE, ON, N0J1A0 (519) 539-1366 chad@themaplestore.com www.jakemansmaplesyrup.com The Jakeman Family has been producing our award-winning blend of 100% pure Maple Syrup since 1876. Booth # 1725

✪ JIMMY ZEES DISTRIBUTORS INC

1145 1579 Kingsway Ave. Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 0H1 T: (604) 945-9337 E: sales@jimmyzees.com www.jimmyzees.com Candy, Toys and Guy Gifts check out all our Retro Candy, and Tik Tok Trending items, If It’s Hot Jimmy Zee’s Got It!! Booth #1512

JRTECH SOLUTIONS

2365 rue Guénette Montreal, QC H4R 2E9 T: (514) 889-7114 E: info@jrtechsolutions.ca www.jrtechsolutions.ca JRTech Solutions, Canadian leader in Electronic Shelf Labels since 2008, integrates robotics, digital waste management, and wireless signage to revolutionize retail as the trusted leader in store connectivity. Booth #611

JTM FOODS

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: dhill@jtmfoods.net www.jtmfoods.net The Best Choice in Snack Pies and Crispy Treats and Home of America's #1 Snack Pie Booth #2002, #2003

✪ KALCOR CANADA INC.

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON l6H 0C3 T: (866) 779-9850 E: rjohnson@kalcor.ca www.kalcor.ca Developing innovative strategies for food companies – achieving growth in Canada.

We work with Vendors outside Canada to give them access to the Canadian market.

Booth #2002, #2003

✪ KANEL SPICES

795 Bd Arthur-Sauve #102 Saint-Eustache, QC J7R 4K3 T: (514) 797-3120 E: camille@kanel.com Kanel makes perfectly balanced salts and spice blends from premium ingredients.

Using exciting flavours from around the world, our all-natural blends make home cooking easier. Booth #2018

KEBAB FACTORY

5757 Kennedy Rd., Unit 8 Mississauga, ON L4Z 0C5 T: (647) 328-5545 E: info@kebab-factory.com www.kebab-factory.com Showcasing the market leader in the Ethnic, Halal Meat category Kebab Factory ! Locally produced, please see our booth at the Ontario pavilion for samples!

Booth #1640

KELLANOVA CANADA

5350 Creekbank Road Mississauga, ON L4W 5W1 T: (905) 290-5276 E: lisa.carabetta@kellanova.com www.kellanova.com Kellanova Canada is a leading company in global snacking, with iconic, worldclass brands like Cheez-It®, Pringles®, Pop-Tarts®, Eggo®, MorningStar Farms®, RXBAR®, Rice Krispies Treats®.

Booth #747

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

27

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

KANAK NATURALS

321 Hovan Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825 T: (403) 809-6864 E: dustin.dunlop@kanaknaturals.com www.kanaknaturals.com Single use foodservice packaging, tableware and service items, specializing in molded fiber and RPET. Expertise in custom packaging and private label retail programs. Booth #524

✪ KOREA FOOD TRADING

8500 Keele St. Vaughan, ON L4K 2A6 T: (905)532-0325 E: info@koreafood.ca www.koreafood.ca Showcasing a selection of Korean favourites that are delicious for all ages, offering a unique taste of Korea.

Booth #1542

KOSTKLIP

119 1611 Broadway St. Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2M7 T: (604) 468-1117 www.kostklip.com Kostklip’s solutions include ticket molding shelf edge strips, reusable ShelfTalkers, shelf management product organizers, sign holders, product merchandisers and fixture mounts for electronic shelf labels.

Booth #935

KRACKCORN

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: cody@krackcornpopcorn.com www.krackcornpopcorn.com Welcome to The Ultimate Snacking Experience!® Sweets & SnacksMost innovative new product awards winner 2022. Booth #2002+2003

KRAFT HEINZ CANADA

207 Queens Quay W, 700 Toronto, ON M5J 1A7 T: (416) 441-5000 E: info@kraftheinz.com www.kraftheinzcompany.com Kraft Heinz provides high quality, great taste, and nutrition for all eating occasions. Kraft Heinz’s iconic brands include Kraft Peanut Butter, Heinz Ketchup and KD. Booth #1225

KRUGER PRODUCTS INC.

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

Booth #1208

28

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

✪ LA BEST POUTINE EVER

134 Rue Amand Neguac, NB E9G 1A6 T: (506) 779-7584 E: cocoresteau@gmail.com www.LaBestPoutineEVER.com LaBestPoutineEVER.com - Gravy mix packages create approximately 4 cans of restaurant flavour gravy. Booth #442

LACTALIS CANADA

405 The West Mall, 10th FL Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J1 T: (416) 626-1973 E: contactus@lactalis.ca www.lactalis.ca With nearly 140 years of brand heritage in Canada dairy industry, Lactalis Canada is committed to the health and wellness of Canadians. Booth #1119

LA FOURMI BIONIQUE INC.

5530 St-Patrick St., Suite 1109 Montreal, QC H4E 1A8 T: (514) 769-4246 E: genevieve@lafourmicbionique.com www.lafourmi.ca Estalished in 2004, La Fourmi has become synonymous with quality and luxury, bringing a bold, contemporary angle to classic and grain-free granolas.

Booth #2018

LA PRESSERIE

1401 Morningside Avenue Scarborough, ON M1B 3J1 T: (647) 351-5433 E: info@lapresserie.com La Presserie is a Toronto-based manufacturer of innovative premium foods and beverages that set the benchmark for delicious taste, artisanal quality, and nutrition. Booth #519

LA TERRA FINA

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: chess@laterrafina.com www.laterrafina.com We're the food you’d be proud to call homemade. Booth #2002, #2003

LAVAZZA

Elevate your beverage experience with Lecoupe Ice. Our luxury ice balls and towers ensure minimal dilution, maximum chill, and sophisticated flavour infusion.

Booth #441

LEGO CANADA

25 Centurian Dr. Markham, ON M2k 1P5 T: (416) 819-1268 E: john.murphy@lego.com www.lego.com The LEGO System in Play allows children and fans to build anything they can imagine. There are 1,000 LEGO branded stores across the world. Booth #1538

LEMONTREE PRODUCE DISPLAYS

32 Pioneer Drive Erin, ON N0B 1T0 T: 1 (888) 579-0134 E: info@lemontreeproducts.com www.lemontreeproducts.com LemonTree Products is a leading North American manufacturer of grocery store fixtures. Booth #938

✪ LES ALIMENTS MERJEX INC./ TEMPEHINE

3-1300 Av de Valleyfield Laval, QC H7C 2K6 T: (514) 795-6578 E: sonel@merjex.ca www.tempehine.ca Tempehine is a family-owned business specializing in organic tempeh, offering North America's largest, innovative product line recognized for quality and first-in-class standards.

Booth #2018

LPB DISTRIBUTION

1550-1580 Chabanel ouest Montreal, QC H4N 1H4 T: (514) 358-8888 E: mariane@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. Booth #819

100 Commerce Valley Dr. Markham, ON L3T 0A1 T: (905) 749-2598 E: scaiger@sofinafoods.com www.lavazza.ca/en We operate in every sector of the coffee industry, offering our products through every channel with our high-quality coffee blends. Booth #1439

LUMBERJACK DISTRIBUTOR CANADA

LECOUPE ICE

81 Zenway Boulevard, Unit 16 Vaughan, ON L4H 0s5 T: (905) 856-6800 E: info@mactrans.ca www.mactrans.ca Mactrans Logistics offers transportation solutions across North America.

2451 Evans Rd. Val Caron, On P3N 1L1 T: (705) 675-4423 E: info@luxuryiceballs.com www.luxuryiceballs.com

2234 Speers Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7L 5X7 T: (877) 248-1978 E: info@lumberjackpellets.ca www.lumberjackpellets.ca BBQ pellets, sauces, rubs, BBQ’s, accessories and more! Booth #1809

MACTRANS LOGISTICS INC.

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

28

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

We provide customized services to several food producers, distributors, retailers and their vendors. Booth #538

MADINA FARANGIZ ZAMINI FARMING KENAGAS VILLACE Samarkand, Samarkand 141611 UZBEKISTAN T: (998) 933-4421 E: samgoldfarm@gmail.com www.samgoldfarm.uz Ecologically clean dry fruits.

Booth #845

MAD MEXICAN PREPARED FOOD PRODUCTS LTD

64 Crockford Blvd.

Toronto, ON M1R 3C3 T: (647) 352-2555 E: info@madmexican.ca www.madmexican.ca We craft preservative-free, authentic Mexican food using quality, fresh ingredients, preserving the true enjoyment of food as intended. Booth #1833

MAMA YOLANDA’S GOURMET LASAGNA

Unit #1 – 175 Nebo Rd. Hamilton, ON L8W 2E1 T: (905) 645-0447 E: info@mamayolandas.ca www.mamayolandas.ca CFIA-certified pasta manufacturer specializing in authentic Italian recipes, innovative $&D, premium frozen lasagnas, and competitive pricing for private label and co-packing solutions. Booth #1636

MAPLE LEAF FOODS

6987 Financial Drive Mississauga, ON L5N 0A1 T: (800) 268-3708 E: eric.bond@mapleleaf.com www.mapleleaffoods.com Maple Leaf Foods is Canada’s leader in pork, poultry and plant protein under the Maple Leaf, Schneiders, Greenfield, Mina, Field Roast, and Light Life brands.

Booth #1025

MCCAIN FOODS

439 King Street West Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 T: (866) 622-2461 E: consumeraffairs@mccain.ca www.mccain.ca Celebrating real connections through delicious, planet-friendly food. McCain show-cases its new Shareable Appetizers and Plant-Based Meals, plus world famous Potato Products, Desserts and Handheld Snacks. Booth #1003

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SHOW APP

WIFI SPONSORED BY: M-C DAIRY & FUTURE BAKERY

106 North Queen Street Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2E2 T: (647) 225-1173 E: sale@futurebakery.com www.futurebakery.com Everything we make from our sourdough breads, to kefir and cheeses are traditionally made, natural, and best in class. Booth #1844

MONTALIS FINE FOODS INC.

1400-18 King St. East Toronto, ON M5C 4C1 T: (647) 948-5454 E: info@montalisfinefoods.com www.montalisfinefoods.com Provider of high-quality food products to food industry globally. Montalis produces & sources authentic Mediterranean olives, IQF vegetables & fruits, oils, jams, & more.

Booth #846

✪ MOTHER’S PREPARED FINE FOODS

PO Box 71056 RPO Maplehurst Burlington, ON L7T 4J8 T: (289) 237-1323 E: info@mothersrestaurants.com www.motherspizza.com Since 1970, one of Canada’s best known nostalgic pizza brands, now offers a wide range of fully prepared retail products.

Booth #1744

✪ MOTOROLA VALUE ADDED DISTRIBUTOR

MUSKOKA BREWERY

1964 Muskoka Beach Road Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1 T: (705) 646-1266 E: info@muskokabrewery.com www.muskokabrewery.com Nestled in the heart of Muskoka, Muskoka Brewery handcrafts premium beverages as unique and refreshing as the region they’re from. Proudly independent since 1996.

Booth #1738

✪ MUSKOKA MORNINGS – NO YOLKING

77 Tamarack Trail Bracebridge, ON P1L 1Z1 T: (705) 706-2165 E: kerry@muskokamornings.ca www.muskokamornings.ca Muskoka Mornings’ No Yolking egg white protein powder is perfect for smoothies, baking, and cooking, providing a versatile, clean, and high-protein boost to any recipe.

Booth #1644

✪ NELLIE’S CLEAN INC.

2455 Dollarton Hwy, Unit 114 North Vancouver, BC V7H 0A2 T: (888) 984-7471 E: wendy@neliiesclean.com www.nelliesclean.ca Nellie’s provides you with a planet-friendly, simple honest choice for all your cleaning needs. Not to mention our packaging sells itself! Booth #515

NESTLÉ CANADA INC

633 Granite Court Pickering, ON L1W 3K1 (190) 562-6443 E: mvanderkooi@lenbrook.com www.lenbrookcanadasolutions.com Lenbrook is Canada’s Value-Added Distributor for Motorola Two-Way Radios & Body-Worn Cameras. Visit us to learn about the benefits of the digital ecosystem.

Booth #1213

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

MRAKOVIC FINE FOODS INC.

501-68 Water Street Vancover, BC V6B 1A4 T: (604) 679-0321 E: info@northamgropu.com www.northamgropu.com Try Forager gluten free beer, Sneaky strong beer, Lonetree alcoholic & de-alcoholized cider, Bumper Crop cider 7% and Hey Y'all Hard and non-alcoholic iced teas! Booth #2115

80 Galaxy Boulevard, Unit 1-3 Etobicoke, ON M9W 4Y8 T: (416) 695-5656 E: info@mrakovic.com www.mrakovic.com Producer of premium frozen & smoked meat products. Based in Toronto, Canada, we pride ourselves on delivering halalcertified meats with exceptional quality.

Booth #1837

✪ MURRAY MARKET NATIONAL

6315 64 St. Delta, BC V4K 4E2 T: (604) 952-6025 E: jon@murraymarketnational.com www.murraymarketnational.com MMN helps fast-moving consumer goods companies get their products onto retailer’s shelves and into the hands of consumers.

Booth #525

NORTHAM BEVERAGES

NORTHERN DANCER SALES

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

We align the consumers’ needs with the manufacturers we represent.

Booth #702, #703

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

29

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

NORTH SOUTH MANAGEMENT

7500 Hwy 27, Unit 17B Vaughan, ON L4h 0J2 T: (647) 588-7227 E: sales@northsouthmgmt.com www.northsouthmgmt.com Distributor & Broker: Guinness 0, Libra Craft Beer, Nozeco Non-Alc Wines, ALT Non-Alc Spirits, Chef Woo Ramen Noodles, Star Snacks Nuts & Bar Mixes Booth #303

NOS CABANES

1382 boul Marie Victorin Longueuil Longueuil, QC J4G 1A3 T: (514) 242-5307 E: info@noscabanes.com www.noscabanes.com By choosing Nos Cabanes, you choose to travel on a treasure hunt that elevates your everyday by bringing to home the best quality maple. Booth #2018

✪ N'TAKE CUSTOM BAGS

& PRODUCTS BY SYRACUSE ENVIRO GROUP

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

Booth #1214

OLD DUTCH FOODS LTD.

100 Bentall Street Winnipeg, MB R2X 2Y5 T: (800) 351-2447 E: consumercare@olddutchfoods.com www.olddutchfoods.ca Old Dutch Foods is a national snack food company, manufacturing and distributing a full assortment of your favourite Old Dutch and Humpty Dumpty snacks. Booth #1408

ONTARIO BEEF MARKET DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

25 Enterprise Dr. London, ON N6N 1A3 T: (905) 301-0137 E: john@ontariobeef.com www.ontbeef.ca Promote Local Flavour with an Ontario Beef program and show your support for farmers and Ontario’s economy. Ask how we can help! Booth #1528

ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING

70 Foster Dr., Suite 800 Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6V2 T: (800) 387-0098 E: jmurdock@olg.ca www.olg.ca/en/home/html Stop by the OLG booth to see the exciting new Self-Serve Terminal. Booth #1132

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

ONTARIO MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND AGRIBUSINESS 1 Stone Road West Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2 T: (877) 424-1300 E: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca www.ontario.ca/page/ministryagriculture-food-and-agribusiness-andministry-rural-affairs Ontario is home to over 4,600 food and beverage producers exporting food products to consumers globally. Let us connect you to Ontario’s agri-food sector.

Booth #1735

ORGANIC MEADOW/ROLLING MEADOW

1-335 Laird Rd. Guelph, ON N1G 4P7 T: (519) 767-9694 E: info@organicmeadow.com www.organicmeadow.com Local Guelph Ontario dairy cooperative, producing a full line of organic and grassfed dairy products including milk, butter, cheese, cream, kefir, yogurt, sour cream.

Booth #1932

ORKLA INDIA PVT. LTD.

2nd & 3rd Floor 100 Feet Inner Ring Road Ejipura, Bangalore 560047 INDIA T: (647) 807-5766 E: nihar.chaudhary@orklaindia.com www.orklaindia.com Our culinary expertise blends years of rigorous quality, tradition, and taste in a wide range of ready-to-eat curries, rice, soups, breakfast mixes, dessert mixes, and snacks.

Booth #737

OUT OF THE BOX PACKAGING INC.

581 Trethewey Drive North York, ON M6m 4B8 T: (905) 291-1013 E: info@ootbinc.com www.ootbinc.com Co-Packer, Contract manufacturer (Private Label and branded cotton candy, cookies, snacks). Nut-free bakery, re-pack and rework and so much more! Booth #1010

✪ PANELA BAKERY FACTORY

2768 Slough St. Mississauga, ON L4T 1G3 T: (289) 384-9965 E: info@panelafactory.com www.panelafactory.com Panela is a SQF certified manufacturer of baked goods & confectionery. Discover the delicious food we have to offer. Booth #1726

✪ PAN-OSTON LTD.

660 Neal Drive Peterborough, ON K9J 6X7 T: (705) 748-4811 E: info@panoston.ca www.panoston.ca Pan-Oston is a manufacturer of checkouts and other various fixtures. Convertible checkouts & self-scan cabinets, Produce & Bakery Tables, Refrigerated cases & Shelving.

Booth #1303

✪ PARMIDA CHOCOLATE

9251 Yonge St. Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9T3 T: (437) 667-2777 E: hello@parmidachocolate.ca www.parmidachocolate.ca Since 1998, Parmida has been dedicated to the artistry of chocolate-making, crafting chocolates that exemplify excellence in taste, texture, and overall experience.

Booth #427

✪ PASSION FOR DESSERTS – COOKIES

6545 Highway 7th East, Unit #17 Markham, ON L3P 3B4 T: (905) 209-1051 E: info@passionfordesserts.com www.passionfordesserts.com Decorated Shortbread, Sugar and Gingerbread Cookies. “Alfajores”, branded and custom cookies Booth #1937

PAZO GLOBAL

35 Keys Crescent Guelph, ON N1G 5J7 T: (905) 460-4534 E: gary.taylor@pazoglobal.com www.pazoglobal.com Leader in Frozen Category Pizza and Ethnic (Korean) style foods products.

Booth #738

PEPSICO CANADA

2095 Matheson Blvd. E. Mississauga, ON L4W 0G2 T: (647) 321-4890 E: jason.ricketts@pepsico.com www.pepsico.ca PepsiCo Canada is the country’s largest food and beverage company with brands including Pepsi, Gatorade, Aquafina, Lay’s, Doritos, Tostitos, and Quaker.

Booth #903

PINE RIVER FOOD PRODUCT INC.

22 Melanie Dr., Unit 6 & 7 Brampton, ON L6T 4K8 T: (905) 790-8133 E: info@pineriverfood.com www.pineriverfood.com Pine River is an Ontario-based dairy offering a variety of high-quality cheeses.

Booth #1729

POP DADDY SNACKS

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: mark.sarafa@popdaddysnacks.com www.popdaddysnacks.com Gourmet flavour without the guilt. 100% All natural ingredients and Kosher certified.

A healthy alternative to chips. Non-GMO. Resealable bags. Booth #2002+2003

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

30

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

POPPI

309 – 3223 5 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2A 6E9 T: (647) 224-9988 E: mikep@impactsales.ca www.buypoppi.ca Modern Soda for a Modern Generation.

We’re bringing soda back! Good for you, gut healthy, contains ACV. Booth #1529

PRESTIGE MAPLE PRODUCTS

296 rue Principale Saint-Euebe, QC G0L 2Y0 T: (514) 971-2076 E: joann.cleary@prestigemaple.com www.prestigemapleproducts.com Prestige Maple producer, manufacturer of Organic Conventional maple syrup, maple granulated sugar and maple flakes.

Retail, Food service, HoReCa, Guarantee of constant supply all year-round.

Booth #2018

PROCTER & GAMBLE INC.

4711 Yonge St. Toronto, ON M2N 6K8 T: (416) 730-6830 E: calugareanu.g@pg.com www.pg.com P&G has been doing business in Canada for more than 100 years. We are strongly committed to providing branded products and services of superior quality. Booth #625

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

REUVEN INTERNATIONAL

1881 Yonge Street, Suite #201 Toronto, ON M4S 3C4 T: (437) 433-7330 E: frankd@reuven.com www.reuven.com Reuven International is a Canadian family owned and operated company. We have been supplying quality chicken and beef products to Canada since 1977. Booth #403

R. HENRY & ASSOCIATES INC. (CAMBRO MANUFACTURING)

6-295 Queen St. East, Suite 437 Brampton, ON L6W 4S6 T: (905) 535-0178 E: karen@rhenryassociates.com www.rhenryassociates.com Shelving, sheet pan rack, pan trolley and storage solutions that will save time and money and reduce labour costs. Booth #436

RITTAL CANADA

6485 Ordan Drive Mississauga, ON L5T 1X3 T: (905) 795-0777 E: kyriazis.ch@rittal.ca www.blog.rittal.ca/home Rittal Canada provides enclosures, power distribution, climate control, IT infrastructure, automation systems, and related software and services. Booth #736

RIVERCITY INNOVATIONS LTD.

R&H TRADING INC.

22 Amstel Ave. Richmond Hill, ON L4E 0P7 T: (647) 937-2966 E: andy@rntrading.ca www.rnhtrading.ca Custom-made restaurant supplies.

Wooden Cutlery (spoons, forks, and knives), Wooden Utensil Kits, Bamboo Chopsticks, Coffee Stirrer, and paper souple bowls. Booth #418

201 -116 Research Drive Saskatoon, SK S7N 3R3 T: (306) 986-8888 E: jeff@rivercityinnovations.ca www.rivercityinnovations.ca Discover cold chain management across your supply chain with automated wireless temp. monitoring using loT tech. Reduce food loss, digitize compliance data, & boost staff efficiency while supporting sustainability goals. Booth #638.

REAL SWEETS BAKERY CORP.

RIZ BRANDS INC.

244 South Service Rd. Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2N9 T: (289) 389-1454 E: azra@realsweetsbakery.com www.realsweetsbakery.ca We manufacture a wide selection of natural products: pies, quiches, cheesecakes, and more. Booth #1739

RED BULL CANADA

99 Atlantic Ave., Unit 200 Toronto, ON M6K 3J8 T: (416) 593-1629 E: consumer.information@ca.redbull.com www.redbull.com/ca-en Red Bull Energy Drink is appreciated worldwide by top athletes, busy professionals, college students, and travelers on long journeys. Booth #1240

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD SHOW APP

Orchard Park Suite 355 5420 Highway 6 Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 T: (519) 825-8858 E: terry.ackerman@rizbrands.com www.rizbrands.com WÄGYU Beef Jerky. Easy to Chew Meat Snack. CFIA Approved, Hala Certified, Gluten Free, Allergen Free, No Sodium Nitrate.

Real Wood Smoke. Made In Canada.

Booth #1641

RJS CRAFT WINEMAKING

441 Courtneypark Drive East Mississauga, ON L5T 2V3 T: (800) 663-0954 E: info@rjscraftwinemaking.com www.rjscraftwinemaking.com RJS Craft Winemaking offers premium winemaking kits – enabling enthusiasts to

create high-quality, personalized wines at home or in Vin on Premise stores.

Booth #1626

RLG SYSTEMS CANADA

900S-175 Bloor St. E. Toronto, ON M4W 3R8 T: (437) 577-9340 E: canada@rev-log.com www.rev-log.com/en_ca Explore innovative circular economy strategies and solutions, including advanced Data Management services, the EcoVend reverse vending machine, and the ground-breaking LiSa battery safety box.

Booth #535

ROTOBALE COMPACTION SOLUTIONS INC.

7232 Arthur Rd. #5 W. Kenilworth, ON N0G 2E0 T: (519) 323-3673 F: (519) 323-3816 E: info@rotobalecompaction.ca www.rotobalecompaction.com Rotobale’s a Canadian manufacturer of compactors and balers with over 50 years experience. We design custom recycling equipment solutions for grocery retailers.

Booth #1338

ROOT SMARTS

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: alejandro.falck@rootvf.com www.rootsmarts.com A family-owned farm located in the heart of Honduras – Root Smarts tuber chips.

Farm-to-Bag in 24 Hours. Fresh taste and nutrient-rich benefits.

Booth #2002, #2003

RYDE: (THE WATER STREET COLLECTIVE)

3711 Rue Saint-Antoine O Montreal, QC H4C 3P6 T: (647) 463-1738 E: support.ca@thewaterstreetcollective.com www.ca-en.ryde.com Explore Ryde: Energize, Focus and Relax wellbeing shots. Meet our Retail Team, learn about stocking opportunities, trial products, and join the exciting Fast Hands Challenge! Booth #2037

SAPUTO DAIRY PRODUCTS CANADA GP

101 Royal Group Crescent Vaughan, ON L4H 1X9 T: (905) 266-8800 E: salescanada@saputo.com www.saputo.ca Manufacturer/distributor of a vast range of fluid/cultured dairy products and specialty cheeses. Some of our brands include Neilson, Milk2Go, Armstrong, Alexis de Portneurf & Vitalite. Booth #1419

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

31

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

SASKATCHEWAN TRADE & EXPORT PARTNERSHIP

#400-402 21st St. E. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7K 0C3 T: (306) 933-6551 E: tgao@sasktrae.sk.ca www.sasktrade.com Non-alcoholic cocktails (Alchomy Alternatives), wheat crunch snacks (Dosch Organic), regenerative flour (Axten Farms), freshwater fish products (Ile-a-la-Crosse Fish), and plant-based foods (ETG Food Products). Booth #2036

SCHINKELS LEGACY

19 McGregor Place Chatham, On N7M 5J4 T: (519) 351-0818 E: kevin@schinkels.ca www.schinkels.ca Schinkel’s Legacy is a family owned and operated business, with roots back to 1963.

We produce high quality meats for every Meal. Booth #1831

SCHOLTENS CANDY INC.

279 Sumach Dr. Burlington, ON L7T 0B5 T: (905) 631-2999 E: info@scholtensinc.com www.scholtensinc.com We specialize in the importing, packaging and distribution of Candies, Nuts, and Trail Mixes! National DSD coverage & your Private Label EXPERTS! Booth #1630

✪ SELLERS PUBLISHING

161 John Roberts Rd. South Portland, ME USA T: (800) 625-3386 E: ashapiro@rsvp.com www.rsvp.com RSVP Greeting Cards, Sellers Publishing Calendars & High Note Planners. We provide vendor managed programs across Canada – customized to fit your space and store demographics. Booth #1715

✪ SGS

Shan Foods offers spice mixes, cooking sauces, frozen food entrees, and innovative food options that are used by families around the world. Booth #1609

✪ SHARMAN’S PROPER, INC.

1750 Plummer Street, Unit #20 Pickering, ON L1W 3L7 T: (416) 938-6871 E: toni@sharmansproper.ca www.sharmansproper.ca Sharman’s Proper is bringing Pie Culture to Canada. Frozen, handmade savoury and sweet pies that go straight from the freezer to the oven. Booth #1841

SHAW’S ICE CREAM

10 Clearview Drive Tillsonburg, ON n4G 4G8 T: (519) 631-2510 E: info@shawsicecream.com www.shawsicecream.com Shaw’s Ice Cream crafts quality ‘cream first’ ice cream. Powered by three sisters, they offer unique flavours like Grammy’s Cupboard, Unicorn Toots and Polar Eclipse!

Booth #1639

SHINY STAR CANADA LTD.

161 McPherson Street Markham, ON L3R 3L3 T: (647) 608-4966 E: jayhe@shinystarcanada.com www.shinystarcanada.com We are an Asian food importer and distributor. Booth #925

SHIVANI’S KITCHEN 16 TAYBERRY COURT

Halifax, NS B3S 1L1 T: (902) 482-7714 E: shivani@shivaniskitchen.ca www.shivaniskitchen.ca Experience the authentic taste of India with Shivani’s Kitchen! Real ingredient pastes and fresh paneer, plus easy heat-and-eat Indian dinners. Booth #414

201 Route 17 North Rutherford, NJ 07070 T: (201) 508-3000 E: food.nam@sgs.com www.sgs.com/foodsafety As the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, SGS leads the way in food safety with product testing, auditing/certification, tailored solutions, training and more. Booth #424

✪ SILIKAL AMERICA

SHAN FOODS

211 Knickerbocker Road Cresskill, NJ 07626 USA T: (201) 568-0110 E: peter@silverpalate.com www.silverpalate.com Pasta sauce with low sodium varieties

4033 Hurontario Street, 420 Mississauga, ON N4G 4W9 T: (647) 471-0702 E: sidra.sheikh@shanfoods.com www.shanfoods.com/canada/

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609-B Fertilla Stret Carrollton, GA 30117 USA T: (888) 830-1404 E: fmorel@silikalamerica.com www.silikalamerica.com We have liquid apply seamless flooring that cures fast. We provide fast cure overnight installation decorative systems. Booth #944

SILVER PALATE KITCHENS INC.

WIFI SPONSORED BY: available. Healthy cereals made with exclusive Onyx Sorghum. Booth #439

✪ SIMPLIFY FOODS RA PURAM

Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018 INDIA T: (984) 129-7159 E: biz@simplifyfoods.com www.simplifyfoods.com Simplify Foods offers a delicious range of 100% Clean Label (zero preservatives, additives or anything artificial), instantly ready foods and MORE! Booth #440

✪ SIR SOLUTIONS

2700 14eme Avenue, Bureau 3 Markham, ON L3R 0J1 T: (844) 687-4747 E: info@sirsolutions.com www.sirsolutions.com SIR Solutions offers innovative ESLs, POS systems, and retail technology solutions, enhancing store efficiency, customer experience, and operational excellence through cutting-edge software and hardware.

Booth #629

✪ SMART LABEL SOLUTIONS INC.

105-3738 North Fraser Way Burnaby, BC V5J 5G7 T: (888) 939-8989 E: info@smartlabelsoltuions.com www.smartlabelsolutions.com Canada’s leading e-paper provider, deliver 32 years of unmatched industry excellence. Booth #1435

SMART SERVE ONTARIO

5090 Explorer Drive, Suite 800 Mississauga, ON L4W 4T9 T: (416) 645-4517 E: info@smartserve.ca www.smartserve.ca Smart Serve® Ontario is a registered charity, dedicated to delivering responsible alcohol beverage training to all individuals who sell, serve, or handle alcohol in Ontario. Booth #407

SMUCKER FOODS OF CANADA CORP.

80 Whitehall Dr. Markham, ON L3R 0P3 T: (905) 940-9600 E: john.kotsopoulos@jmsmucker.com www.jmsmucker.com Coffee, Dog Treats, Cat Food, Frozen Handheld Sandwiches, Cookies & Wafers, Peanut Butter, Fruit Spreads, Flour Booth #1019

SOBEYS WHOLESALE

1020 64 Avenue NE Calgary, AB T2E 7V8 T: (403) 730-3999 E: westcustomerservice@sobeys.com www.sobeyswholesale.com Sobeys Wholesale is a progressive

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

32

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

Canadian food distribution group committed to offering our customers quality products and services in a mutually beneficial partnership. Booth #1209

✪ SOLINK

390 March Rd., Suite 110 Kanata, ON K2k 0G7 T: (613) 816-3709 E: eerlandson2solinkcorp.com www.solink.com/solutions/grocery Centralize video, transactions, and other in-store data from all of your locations on a single application. Booth #528

SOUTHERN RECIPE SMALL BATCH

1100 Parker Square, Ste. 250 Flower Mound, Texas 75028 T: (484) 986-5196 E: mforbes@rudolphfoods.com www.southernrecipiesmallbatch.ca Southern Recipe Small Batch Pork Rinds.

Low Carb, Keto-Friendly, Gluten Free, Collagen Protein. GREAT FLAVOURS. Be Big. Be Bold. Be Adventurous.

Booth #2002, 2003

✪ SPARC TECHNOLOGIES

4 Queen St. St. Catharines, ON L2R 7E3 T: (613) 265-0987 E: info@sparcglobaltech.com www.sparcglobaltech.com SPARC Technologies leverages cutting-edge robotics to enhance guest experiences, improve wait times, and optimize customer service, driving innovation and business growth.

Booth #1910

✪ SPRING CREEK QUAIL FARMS

3625 Sixteen Rd. Saint Anns, ON L0R 1Y0 T: (905) 562-7277 E: stephan@springcreekquail.ca www.springcreekquail.com Spring Creek Quail Farms are on a mission to spice up your egg life. Reliable supply and high-quality at a price that makes sense. Booth # 1941

SPRINGHILLS FISH

133241 Allan Park Road Hanover, ON N4N 3B8 T: (519) 375-6860 E: orders@springhillsfish.ca www.springhillsfish.ca Springhills is your new local Ontario fish supplier. We raise trout, salmon and char on eco-certified farms. Come taste our FIN-tastically fresh and smoked fish!

Booth #1824

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WIFI SPONSORED BY: ST-ALBERT CHEESE CO-OP

150 St-Paul, CP/PO Box 30 St-Albert, ON K0A 3C0 T: (613) 987-2872 E: sales@fromagestalbert.com www.fromagstalbert.com For 130 years, we have been a dairy cooperative manufacturing fresh cheese curds and aged cheddar blocks.

Booth #1732

SUNTORY SPIRITS (CANADIAN CLUB COCKTAILS)

3280 Bloor St. W., Suite #510 Toronto, ON M8X 2X3 T: (416) 518-0861 E: shane.bryans@beamsuntory.com www.suntoryglobalspirits.com Ready to drink coolers – Featuring Canadian Club and Ginger Ale samples!

Booth #1907

STEAM WHISTLE BREWING/ BEAU’S BREWING

SUPER ASIA FOOD AND SPICES

STM DISPLAY SALES INC ADVANCE WAREHOUSE

SUSHI POCKET

249 Evans Ave. Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1K2 T: (416) 362-2337 E: info@steamwhistle.ca www.steamwhistle.ca Steam Whistle Brewing is Toronto's largest independent craft brewery located downtown at the historic John Street Roundhouse. Booth #305

2230 Meadowpine Boulevard Mississauga, ON L5N 6H6 T: (905) 814-5252 E: info@stmdisplays.com www.stmdisplays.com STM Displays Sales is your source for POP Display/Store Fixture needs from steel shelving, slat wall, gondola systems, snap frames, hooks, to custom acrylics.

Booth #1024

STUDIO BRAND BY KORHANI HOME

7500 Keele Street Concord, ON L4K 1Z9 T: (905) 660-0863 E: craigwatson@korhani.com www.korhani.com Surprise & delight your customers with GM seasonal impulse programs all at MSRP $2.00! Merchandised on colour PDQ’s.

Come see what we have to offer!

Booth #1513

SUGAR BOWL BAKERY

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 www.sugarbowlbakery.com Every bite is just right. We believe in bringing joy through simple, delicious food.

Booth #2002, #2003

SUNSHINE PICKLES

30043 Jane Rd. Thamesville, ON N0P 2K0 T: (519) 692-4416 E: info@picklesplease.ca www.picklesplease.ca Sunshine Pickles grows and processes a variety of vegetables in Ontario. We offer conventional and certified organic pickles Branded and co-packing available.

Booth #1740

8905 Hwy 50 Vaughan, ON L4H 5A1 T: (647) 522-7276 E: salman@superasia.ca www.superasia.ca Our exhibit showcases in-house brands: Handi Recipe Mix, Sherbon packaged drinks, and Soofees gummies, offering a diverse range of quality packaged goods.

Booth #1129 14 Carson St. Etobicoke, On M8w 3R9 T: (416) 255-8412 E: sushipocket@myfavemart.com www.instagram.com/sushipockets Sushi Pockets: Where Sushi Meets Sandwich. A frozen, innovative fusion of taste and convenience, perfect for healthconscious, on-the-go consumers.

Booth #536

✪ TALTHI INC

4025 Avenue Berard Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 8Z8 T: (450) 888-1059 E: info@talthi.ca www.talthi.ca Talthi Inc. offers 100% recyclable food packaging solutions focussed on sustainability and quality. Booth #1811

✪ TFB & ASSOCIATES

3100 Steeles Ave. E., Suite 205 Markham, ON L3R 8T3 T: (705) 796-6047 E: maria.cernak@tfb.ca www.tfb.ca As importers and distributors of fine food, beverages, and confectionery products, we will display an assortment of our tasty treats from around the globe. Booth #1308

TEMPO FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

2237 Industrial Park Road Innisfil, ON L9S 3V9 T: (705) 436-4442 E: contactus@tempoflexiblepackaging.com www.tempoflexiblepackaging.com Tempo Flexible Packaging is an awardwinning company specializing in custom printed sustainable packaging. Booth #1309

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

33

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

THE BEE WORKS

5029 County Rd 2 Port Hope, ON L1A 3V5 T: (905) 753-0070 E: beeworks.giftshop@gmail.com www.beeworks.com Honey, condiments, pollen, labels, food processing equipment, wholesale, retail, private label. Booth #1730

✪ THE CARAMEL STACHE INC.

5002-50 Street Stony Plain, AB T: (780) 915-8832 E: chat@thecaramelstacheinc.com www.kickasscaramels.com We produce soft, old fashioned, gourmet caramels. We literally make joy you can eat!

Booth #405

THE FATHERS TABLE

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: cheryl.lawton@thefatherstable.com www.thefatherstable.com A national dessert manufacturer. From delicious creamy cheesecakes to homestyle cake rolls. Our desserts are all baked from scratch. Booth #2002, #2003

✪ THE HEALTEA

1926 Re Sainte Helene, #101 Longueuil, QC J4K 3t3 T: (438) 506-9836 E: victor@thehealtea.com www.thehealtea.com Healtea is a sparkling herbal iced tea crafted to provide an organic, caffeine-free refreshment sweetened with pure maple syrup. It’s a convenient, guilt-free beverage brewed. Booth #1724

✪ THE ICEMAN

782 Adelaide Street West Toronto, ON M6j 1B4 T: (416) 504-6615 E: info@the-iceman.com www.the-iceman.com As Ontario’s leading ice supplier, we specialize in packaged ice, cocktail ice, dry ice & ice machines.

Booth #2104

✪ THE LOW CARB CO

281 Heath St E Toronto, ON M4T 1T3 T: (647) 981-9793 E: jack@thelowcarbco.ca www.thelowcarbco.ca Providing delicious, nourishing low carb snacks with benefits. Growing a community to help you achieve better metabolic health. Booth #1638

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

TIELMAN NORTH AMERICA

180 Middlefield Rd. Toronto, ON M1S 4M6 T: (416) 297-9775 E: tnamail@tielman.com www.tielman.com Tielman North America is a market leader in innovative paper baking containers.

We provide environmentally conscious solutions that includes recyclable, compostable, biodegradable, and sustainable options. Booth #1713

TOMRA CANADA

20500 avenue Clark-Graham Baie D’Urfé, QC H9X 4B6 T: (866) 364-1980 E: Etienne.fleury@tomra.com www.tomracollectioncanada.com/yep At TOMRA Canada, our expertise lies in designing state-of-the-art equipment for the collection, sorting and processing of beverage containers. Booth #546

✪ TOOTSI IMPEX: BULK, ELAN & YUPIK 8800 Henri Bourassa West Montreal, QC H4S 1P4 T: (514) 381-9790 E: bgift@tootsi.com www.tootsi.com We provide, bulk, private label, packaged brands, elan yupik, nuts, dried fruits, ingredients, organic, gluten free, kosher, fairtrade, non-GMO, vegan, and SQF. Booth #1918

TREE OF LIFE CANADA

6185 McLaughlin Rd. Mississauga, ON L5R 3W7 T: (905) 507-6161 E: kayla.booth@treeoflife.com www.treeoflife.ca At Tree of Life Canada, we are passionate about delivering elevated food and beverage experiences to our retail partners and the Canadian market.

Booth #1108, #1108A

TRES PICOSOS

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: jane@trespicosos.com www.trespicosos.com You don’t need another burrito. You need a better burrito. Authentic home style, packed full of flavour. From breakfast through lunch and snacks and dinner, Tres Picosos has mucho gusto!

Booth #2002, #2003

TRUE NORTH NUTRITION

88 East Beaver Creek, Building A Unit 1 Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4A8 T: (403) 909-2652 E: driccci@truenorthnutrition.com www.truenorthnutrition.com For 25+ years, True North Nutrition has provided Canadian Retailers with Industry Leading Performance Nutrition Products: Featuring Mammoth Supplements and Bars & INFIT Protein Chips. Booth #829

✪ TRUFFLES & CIRCUMSTANCE

2 Marconi Drive Bolton, ON L7e 1E5 T: (416) 464-9018 E: cosmic@bundpard.com www.trufflestance.com Real black truffle condiments-no aromas/ artificial flavours! We’ll be sampling our locally produced hot sauce, ranch, hot ranch & cold pressed EVOO-must try!

Booth #1731

✪ TUK TOOK BITES

2921 West 38th Ave., Suite #272 Denver, CO 80211 T: (281) 217-5248 E: contact@tuktook.com www.tuktook.com Authentic and healthy shelf stable Indian flavors - freeze-dried fruits (mangoes, sapodilla), curry sauces, frozen favorites like Naan, Samosa, Naan Pizza & Indian Burritos. Booth #438

TURNSTILE SECURITY SYSTEMS

40 Erinpark Dr. Erin, ON N0B 1T0 T: (888) 371-222 E: sales@turnstilesecurity.com www.turnstilesecurity.com “The secure choice” Turnstile Security Systems didn’t just happen upon the security market; it has been an evolving journey since 1980. We have had a steadfast vision of creating pedestrian control products that are durable, reliable and backed by a service department dedicated to the customer’s interests. Booth #934

TROUW NUTRITION CANADA INC

600 James Street South St.Marys, ON N4X 1C7 T: (905) 741-7896 E: mike.williams@trouwnutrition.com www.trouwnutrition.com Trouw Nutrition Canada Inc has been producing Nutri Choice Advantage Meat: first cat food then dog food, since 1986. Our Nutri Choice Brand is priced lower than the national brand and with lower price.

Booth #1842

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

34

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

TY, INC.

280 Chestnut Avenue Westmont, IL 60559 USA T: (630) 455-7879 E: polberys@tymail.com www.shop.ty.com Ty Inc. is the largest manufacturer of stuffed plush toys in the world. An iconic plush impulse brand that delivers your customers great value. Booth #1908

UNILEVER

160 Bloor St. E., Ste 1400 Toronto, ON M4W 3R2 T: (416) 415-3000 E: canada.communicatioins@unilver.com www.unilever.ca Unilever Canada is excited to showcase its top innovations and wide product range in Beauty & Personal care, Household, Food, Vitamins/Supplements segment and more.

Booth #711

UNITED CRAFT INC. – BEVERAGES

50 Wynford Dr. Toronto, ON M3C 1J7 T: (416) 792-6553 E: hello@unitedcraft.ca www.unitedcraft.ca United Craft Inc. offers a wide range of popular beverage alcohol-craft beers, RTDs, ciders, spritzers & radlers-that meet the needs of today's consumers.

Booth #1946

WIFI SPONSORED BY: Frozen Fruits, Frozen Indian Bread & Entrees, Frozen Snacks & Samosas.

Booth #1709

VILLA RAVIOLI

8405 Du Creusot Saint-Leonard, QC H1P 2A2 T: (514) 648-4552 E: claude.gagne@villaravioli.com www.villaravioli.com Number #1 manufacturer of frozen pasta. Come see us for your frozen pasta selection: retail/food service/HMR &Deli/ Distributor. Booth #1412

VAN HOLTEN’S

2275 Upper Middle Road East, Suite 101 Oakville, ON L6H 0C3 E: ericg@vanholtenpickles.com www.vanholtenpickles.com Van Holten’s Pickle in a Pouch. Low calorie, fat free, gluten free, low carb. From Dill to Tapatio to Warheads flavours-DILL-icious!

Booth #2002+2003

✪ VANILLA CHARM

UNITED SERVICES GROUP

475 Cochrane Dr. Markham, ON L3R 9R5 T: (647) 906-8822 E: vanillacharm@outlook.com www.vanillacharm.com Vanilla Charm provides premium organic Madagascar vanilla beans, extract, paste & powder to manufacturers in the baking, frozen novelties & pharmaceutical industries. Booth #425

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCARBOROUGH

10 Diesel Drive Toronto, ON M8W 2T8 T: (416) 259-3281 E: info@wajax.com www.wajax.com Founded in 1858, Wajax (TSX: WJX) is one of Canada’s longest standing and most diversified industrial products and services providers. Booth #1818

VADILAL INDUSTRIES INC.

700 Technibilt Drive Newton, NC 28658 USA T: (800) 351-2278 E: custserv.US.NEW@wanzl.com www.wanzl.com/na Wanzl is North America’s leading solution provider to retail, grocery, and c-store markets, from shopping carts, retail shelving, and access gates, to custom turn-key solutions. Booth #619

46 Hedgedale Road Brampton, ON L6T 5L2 T: (877) 289-4299 E: info@unitedservicesgroup.ca www.unitedservicesgroup.ca We provide industry leading cleaning and janitorial services as well as specialized services to retail and food service brands across Canada. Booth #608 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough Toronto, ON m1C 1A4 T: (416) 627-7710 E: Madhur.kishore@utoronto.ca www.utsc.utoronto.ca/artscicoop/ The University of Toronto Scarborough assists employers with short-term hiring needs with co-op students from 58 programs in Arts, Technology and Sciences. Booth #426

5805 Whittle Road, Unit 112 Mississauga, ON L4Z 2J1 T: (732) 333-1209 E: shreshth@vadilalgroup.com www.vadilalworld.com Ice Creams – Tubs, Candies & Kulfis, Dairy (Cottage Cheese), Frozen Vegetables,

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WAJAX

WANZL NORTH AMERICA

✪ WELLINGTON BREWERY

950 Woodlawn Road West Guelph, ON N1K 1G2 T: (519) 837-2337 E: store@wellingtonbrewery.ca www.wellingtonbrewery.ca Wellington Brewery is one of Canada’s original craft breweries known for producing award-winning beers with a focus on quality, sustainability, and creativity. Booth #1839

WESTERN GROCER MAGAZINE

675 Berry Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 1A7 T: (204) 797-2009 E: rbradley@mercurypubications.ca www.rbradley@mercurypbulications.ca One of Canada’s oldest trade publications serving as a voice for Western Canadian grocery stores since 1916! We cover the grocery industry news out west! Booth #513

✪ WHOLESOME CRAVINGS

103 Manville Road Scarborough, ON M1L 4H9 T: (647) 927-8657 E: info@wholesomecravings.ca www.wholesomecravings.ca Sandwiches, salads, wraps, snacks, custom meals – We deliver freshness at your doorstep! Booth #1933

✪ WILLIWAW DOG TREATS

595 Ostern Ln. Concord, ON L4k 2B9 T: (905) 660-7213 E: marketing@williwawtreats.ca www.williwawtreats.ca Williwaw Dog Treats: Made with locally sourced, human-grade ingredients.

Premium dog treats for the growing demand of high-quality pet products at affordable prices. Booth #1624

WIREWORX DISPLAYS INC.

7765 Tranmere Drive Mississauga, ON L5A 1V5 T: (905) 676-1115 E: info@wwdcomplete.com www.wwdcomplete.com From ideation to installation and everything in-between. We do it all! your one-stop complete retail merchandising solution partner. Booth #502

WONG WING

1875 Rue Bercy Montreal, QC H2K 2T9 T: (438) 342-9492 E: skoeman@mlwfoods.com www.wongwing.ca/en-ca/Pages/default.html Founded in 1948, Wong Wing is the leading manufacturer of modern frozen Asian cuisine in North America. Booth #607

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

35

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

✪ WORKPLACE SAFETY & PREVENTION SERVICES TM (WSPS)

Suite 300, 5110 Creekbank Road Mississauga, ON L2W 0A1 T: (905) 614-1400 E: customercare@wsps.ca www.wsps.ca WSPS is a not-for-profit organization, serving more than 174,000 member firms and 4.2 million workers across the agricultural, manufacturing and service sectors.

Booth #540

ZAB CAFÉ/CAFÉLIMO

6750 Rue Hutchinson Montreal, QC H3N 1Y4 T: (514) 239-7672 E: yan@zabcafe.com www.zabcafe.com We are specialty coffee roaster, and we are trying to have the best coffee beans the world has to offer.

Booth #2018

✪ ZORAW CHOCOLATES

6 – 6685 Pacific Circle Mississauga, ON L5T 1V6 T: (416) 300-6694 E: sales@zorawchocolates.com www.zorawchocolates.ca The world’s first chocolates fortified with protein, fibre and no added sugar! Made in Canada using only natural ingredients.

Booth #1736

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

36

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

EXHIBITOR BY CATEGORY ADVERTISING/ MEDIA/ MARKETING PROGRAMS AIR MILES Reward Programs Armagh POS Solutions Business Edge International Canadian Grocer Distribution Canada Inc./Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance Dynamic Productions Inc. Flipp Operations Inc. Ideal by Design House Instacart AUTOMATION SYSTEMS Armagh POS Solutions JRTech Solutions TOMRA Canada Rittal Canada SPARC Technologies BAKED GOODS: FRESH/FROZEN/ REFRIGERATED Affinity Group Canada Chiara Cucina Costco Business Centre Donut Express Dreamcrust Inc. Flora Food Canada Grey Jay-Sakura Maple Food Group Kalcor Canada Inc. Mary Macleod's Shortbread M-C Dairy & Future Bakery Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Panela Bakery Factory Passion for Desserts – Cookies Sahar Confectionery Sharman’s Proper, Inc. Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

Ste. Anne’s Bakery Tuk Took Bites BAGS Contipack Inc. Costco Business Centre Clorox Canada Tempo Flexible Packaging BAR CODING EQUIPMENT/SYSTEMS Armagh POS Solutions Howell Data Systems BEAUTY & PERSONAL CARE Brave and Young Distributors Ltd. Cercis Costco Business Centre Five Continents International BEER/WINE/CIDER Arterra Wines Canada Colio Estate Wines/Thornbury Craft Co. Costco Business Centre Grape Growers of Ontario Murray Market National Muskoka Brewery Northam Beverages North South Management RJS Craft Winemaking Steam Whistle Brewing / Beau’s Brewing

37

Suntory Spirits (Canadian Club Cocktails) United Craft Inc. - Beverages Wellington Brewery BEVERAGES Acosta Advantage Solutions Affinity Group Canada Bee Maid Honey Limited Best Brands Marketing Inc. Beverage World Inc. City Seltzer Coca-Cola Ltd. Conagra Brands Costco Business Centre Craft Winemaking Dairy Fountain Inc. Five Continents International GLOW Beverages Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Grey Jay-White Coffee Corporation Heartland Food Products (Splenda) Indigo Soda In-Store Water Systems Jimmy Zees Distributors Inc Korea Food Trading Lecoupe Ice Murray Market National Muskoka Brewery Muskoka Springs Nestlé Canada Inc Northam Beverages Poppi Prestige Maple Products Red Bull Ryde: (The Water Street Collective) Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Suntory Spirits (Canadian Club Cocktails) TFB & Associates Tree of Life Canada United Craft Inc. - Beverages Wellington Brewery Zab Café / Cafélimo CARDS Avanti Press, Inc. Sellers Publishing CARTS Drakkar International Wanzl North America CEREAL Costco Business Centre Goldy’s Grey Jay Sales & Distribution La Fourmi Bionique Inc. Silver Palate Kitchens Inc. TFB & Associates CHECKOUT EQUIPMENT Armagh POS Solutions Howell Data Systems Pan-Oston Ltd. SIR Solutions

COFFEE & TEA Affinity Group Canada Best Brands Marketing Inc. Brave and Young Distributors LTD Costco Business Centre Erato Coffee Inc. Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Grey Jay-Sakura Maple Food Group Grey Jay-White Coffee Healthy Crunch Lavazza Nestlé Canada Inc R&H Trading Inc. Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

TFB & Associates Zab Café/Cafélimo CONDIMENTS & RELISHES Beland Organic Foods Calnort Canadian Women in Food Costco Business Centre Delmar Foods Grey Jay-Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill Kraft Heinz Canada Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Truffles & Circumstance CONFECTIONERY Affinity Group Canada Brave and Young Distributors LTD Canadian Women in Food Costco Business Centre CROSSMARK Canada Inc. Fun Tyme foods Green Sun Foods Healthy Crunch Hormel Foods Corporation IN&OUT General Trading Wholesaler Infin8brands Jimmy Zees Distributors Inc LPB Distribution Mary Macleod's Shortbread Nestlé Canada Inc Parmida Chocolate Sahar Confectionery Shiny Star Canada Ltd. The Caramel Stache Inc. Tootsi Impex: Bulk, Elan & Yupik Vadilal Industries Inc. ZoRaw Chocolates CONSULTING SERVICES BSI Group Canada Circular Innovation Council Distribution Canada Inc./Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance Grey Jay Sales & Distribution SGS SIR Solutions Smart Serve Ontario University of Toronto Scarborough Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) COUPON REDEMPTION SERVICES AIR MILES Reward Programs SIR Solutions

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

37

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

DAIRY & EGGS Agropur Dairy Cooperative Burnbrae Farms LTD Costco Business Centre Dairy Fountain Inc. Danone Fromagerie L'Ancêtre Gray Ridge Egg Farms / EggSolutions Groupe Nutri Lactalis Canada M-C Dairy & Future Bakery Muskoka Mornings – No Yolking Organic Meadow/Rolling Meadow Pine River Food Product Inc. Spring Creek Quail Farms DISPLAY CASES Arneg Canada Edge Food Equipment/Contours Interior Solutions EFI Sales Ltd. DISTRIBUTOR/WHOLESALE Affiliated Independent – Loblaw Inc. Ararat Trading 2002 Corp.

Arterra Wines Canada Beverage World Inc. Bob Bakery World Ltd Brave and Young Distributors LTD CALNORT Conglom Costco Business Centre Direct Plus Food Group Five Continents International Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc. Grey Jay Sales & Distribution IN&OUT General Trading Wholesaler Jimmy Zees Distributors Inc LPB Distribution Lumberjack Distributor Canada Motorola Value Added Distributor Murray Market National Ontario Lottery and Gaming R&H Trading Inc. Shiny Star Canada Ltd. TFB & Associates The Bee Works The Iceman True North Nutrition Vadilal Industries Inc. Vanilla Charm Villa Ravioli ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES Circular Innovation Council RLG Systems Canada United Services Group FINANCIAL SERVICES AIR MILES Reward Programs Bank of Montreal – Business Banking Esslinger Foods Ltd. Federated Insurance Company of Canada FCC FMS Solutions FIXTURES: STORE Adco Displetech Dana Industries Drakkar International Hussmann Kostklip

LemonTree Produce Displays Pan-Oston Ltd. SIR Solutions STM Display Sales Inc – Advance Warehouse Wanzl North America WireWorx Displays Inc. FLOORING Silikal America United Services Group FOOD PREPRATION EQUIPMENT Bob Bakery World Ltd Costco Business Centre Edge Food Equipment/Contours Interior Solutions EFI Sales Ltd. The Iceman FOOD SAFETY & SANITATION Copeland Corrigan Corporation Rittal Canada SGS FOOD SERVICE Chef Brandz Inc. Costco Business Centre Donut Express Edge Food Equipment/Contours Interior Solutions Five Continents International Grape Leaves Food Inc. Healthy Crunch HNA Distribution Kebab Factory Les Aliments Merjex Inc. / Tempehine Mary Macleod's Shortbread Murray Market National Pazo Global Pine River Food Product Inc. R. Henry & Associates Inc./Cambro Manufacturing R&H Trading Inc. SPARC Technologies Tielman North America Villa Ravioli FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT Costco Business Centre DIGI CANADA Inc. Dyna-Pro Environmental EFI Sales Ltd. Five Continents International Hussmann R. Henry & Associates Inc./Cambro Manufacturing Rittal Canada R&H Trading Inc. FOODS: BABY Costco Business Centre Nestlé Canada Inc

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WIFI SPONSORED BY: FOODS: DELI Ararat Trading 2002 Corp.

Brave and Young Distributors LTD Costco Business Centre Direct Plus Food Group Esslinger Foods Ltd. Fromagerie L'Ancêtre Giovanni Rana Grape Leaves Food Inc. Great Canadian Meat Company Ltd Kalcor Canada Inc. Schinkels Legacy St-Albert Cheese Co-op Tree of Life Canada FOODS: DRY Advantage Solutions Ararat Trading 2002 Corp.

Brave and Young Distributors LTD Canadian Women in Food Costco Business Centre CROSSMARK Canada Inc. Dora Five Continents International Funky Funghi Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Health Garden USA HNA Distribution Italpasta Limited Korea Food Trading La Best Poutine EVER Lumberjack Distributor Canada Madina Farangiz Zamini Farming Mother’s Prepared Fine Foods Muskoka Mornings – No Yolking Nos Cabanes Out of the Box Packaging Inc. RIZ Brands Inc. Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Simplify Foods Tuk Took Bites Vanilla Charm FOODS: ETHNIC Best Brands Marketing Inc. Brave and Young Distributors LTD Ciao Char Inc. Costco Business Centre Five Continents International Grape Leaves Food Inc. Grey Jay Sales & Distribution HNA Distribution Holy Perogy!TM Kebab Factory Korea Food Trading Orkla India Pvt. Ltd. Pazo Global Pine River Food Product Inc. Shan Foods Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Shivani’s Kitchen TFB & Associates Tuk Took Bites

FOODS: CANNED Costco Business Centre Five Continents International Grey Jay Sales & Distribution HNA Distribution Italpasta Limited Montalis Fine Foods Inc. Shiny Star Canada Ltd.

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

38

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

FOODS: FROZEN 2.0 Food Inc. Acosta Brave and Young Distributors LTD Cavendish Farms Chef Brandz Inc. Chiara Cucina Conagra Brands Coppa Inc. Costco Business Centre Danone Demetres Donut Express Five Continents International Fumoir Grizzly inc.

Gray Ridge Egg Farms / EggSolutions Holy Perogy!TM Kalcor Canada Inc. Korea Food Trading Kraft Heinz Canada La Presserie Lecoupe Ice Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna Montalis Fine Foods Inc. Mother’s Prepared Fine Foods Mrakovic Fine Foods Inc. Nestlé Canada Inc Pazo Global Shan Foods Sharman’s Proper, Inc. Shaw’s Ice Cream Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Shivani’s Kitchen Springhills Fish Sushi Pocket The Iceman Vadilal Industries Inc. Villa Ravioli Wong Wing FOODS: HEALTH Funky Funghi Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Groupe Nutri Heartland Food Products (Splenda) Kalcor Canada Inc. La Fourmi Bionique Inc. Nestlé Canada Inc Nos Cabanes Ryde: (The Water Street Collective) Silver Palate Kitchens Inc. Spring Creek Quail Farms TFB & Associates The Low Carb Co True North Nutrition FOODS: KOSHER Bos Smoked Fish Inc. Business Centre Covered Bridge Potato Chips Donut Express Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Italpasta Limited Muskoka Mornings – No Yolking Vanilla Charm FOODS: NATURAL/ORGANIC Bee Maid Honey Limited Beland Organic Foods Ciao Char Inc. Costco Business Centre Fromagerie L'Ancêtre

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Funky Funghi Goldy’s GoodLeaf Farms Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc. Green Sun Foods Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Health Garden USA Healthy Crunch Herbaland Naturals Inc. HNA Distribution Inca Gold Organics Indigo Soda Kalcor Canada Inc. Kanel Spices La Fourmi Bionique Inc. Les Aliments Merjex Inc./Tempehine Farangiz Zamini Farming M-C Dairy & Future Bakery North South Management Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Organic Meadow/Rolling Meadow Prestige Maple Products RIZ Brands Inc. Simplify Foods Spring Creek Quail Farms TFB & Associates The Low Carb Co Tootsi Impex: Bulk, Elan & Yupik Tree of Life Canada Tuk Took Bites Vanilla Charm ZoRaw Chocolates FOODS: PREPARED Arbutus Foods Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. Ciao Char Inc. Costco Business Centre Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Groupe Nutri Ishida Canada Inc. Kalcor Canada Inc. Kebab Factory Korea Food Trading Mother’s Prepared Fine Foods Orkla India Pvt. Ltd. Reuven International Vadilal Industries Inc. Wholesome Cravings Wong Wing FOODS: SNACK Acosta Affinity Group Canada Bee Maid Honey Limited Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. Brave and Young Distributors LTD Conagra Brands Costco Business Centre Covered Bridge Potato Chips Demetres Five Continents International Fun Tyme foods Great Canadian Meat Company Ltd Green Sun Foods Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Group Nutri Healthy Crunch Herbaland Naturals Inc. Hormel Foods Corporation IN&OUT General Trading Wholesaler Jack Link’s Protein Snacks Kalcor Canada Inc.

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

Korea Food Trading Kraft Heinz Canada North South Management Old Dutch Foods Ltd. Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Passion for Desserts – Cookies RIZ Brands Inc. Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Super Asia Food and Spices Sushi Pocket TFB & Associates The Low Carb Co Tuk Took Bites Vadilal Industries Inc. Wholesome Cravings Wong Wing ZoRaw Chocolates FOODS: SPECIALTY Costco Business Centre Demetres Direct Plus Food Group Flora Food Canada Fruit of the Land Grape Leaves Food Inc. Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc. Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Healthy Crunch Holy Perogy!TM HotSourSaltySweet Inc Kanel Spices Kebab Factory La Best Poutine EVER LPB Distribution Panela Bakery Factory Pazo Global Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Sushi Pocket Silver Palate Kitchens Inc. TFB & Associates The Bee Works Truffles & Circumstance Tuk Took Bites Vadilal Industries Inc. Vanilla Charm Wholesome Cravings FOODS: SPREADS Costco Business Centre Delmar Foods Dora Flora Food Canada Fruit of the Land Grape Leaves Food Inc. Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Grey Jay-Sakura Maple Food Group HotSourSaltySweet Inc Simplify Foods Truffles & Circumstance Tuk Took Bites FRUITS Costco Business Centre Five Continents International Fun Tyme foods Lecoupe Ice GARDEN/FLORAL/SEASONAL Studio brand by KORHANI Home

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

39

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

GENERAL MERCHANDISE Acosta Clorox Canada LEGO Canada LemonTree Produce Displays Ty, Inc. HERBAL TEAS Costco Business Centre Grey Jay Sales & Distribution HNA Distribution The Healtea United Services Group HOME DELIVERY SERVICE Costco Business Centre Instacart R&H Trading Inc. HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS Advantage Solutions Clorox Canada Conglom Costco Business Centre Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Indigo Soda Studio brand by KORHANI Home Nellie's Clean Inc.

WIFI SPONSORED BY: MATERIAL HANDLING & BACKROOM EQUIPMENT Drakkar International R. Henry & Associates Inc./Cambro Manufacturing TOMRA Canada Wajax Wanzl North America MEAL SOLUTIONS Chef Brandz Inc. Chiara Cucina Giovanni Rana Kalcor Canada Inc. La Presserie Orkla India Pvt. Ltd. Reuven International MEAT PROCESSING Kebab Factory Maple Leaf Foods Schinkel’s Legacy MEAT: BEEF Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. Costco Business Centre Kebab Factory

HOUSEWARES Costco Business Centre Studio brand by KORHANI Home

MEAT: PORK Costco Business Centre Maple Leaf Foods Schinkel’s Legacy

IMPORT/EXPORT Calnort Costco Business Centre Five Continents International R&H Trading Inc. Shiny Star Canada Ltd.

MEAT POULTRY Brave and Young Distributors LTD Costco Business Centre Kebab Factory Maple Leaf Foods Reuven International

JUICES Acosta Costco Business Centre Beverage World Inc. Infin8brands La Presserie Murray Market National Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Super Asia Food and Spices

MEATS: OTHER Acosta Costco Business Centre Great Canadian Meat Company Ltd

LABELING & PRICING EQUIPMENT Adco Displetech AM/PM Service Armagh POS Solutions DIGI CANADA Inc. Ishida Canada Inc. JRTech Solutions Smart Label Solutions Inc. SIR Solutions The Bee Works LIGHTING Amerlux, LLC LINENS Costco Business Centre

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MONEY/CURRENCY HANDLING SYSTEMS AM/PM Service MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES Dynamic Productions Inc. Ontario Lottery and Gaming NATURAL PRODUCTS Health Garden USA Harlow Blend HotSourSaltySweet Inc Kalcor Canada Inc. Nellie's Clean Inc. Northam Beverages Nos Cabanes TFB & Associates The Healtea NUTRITIONAL AIDS GLOW Beverages

PACKAGING BRRR Box – Atlas Containers LTD Conglom Contipack Inc. Enjay Converters Ltd. Ishida Canada Inc. Kanak Naturals Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Ryde: (The Water Street Collective) TalThi Inc Tempo Flexible Packaging Tielman North America PAPER PRODUCTS Avanti Press, Inc. Costco Business Centre Kanak Naturals R&H Trading Inc. Tielman North America PET FOOD & SUPPLIES Acosta Cambridge Treats Inc. Harlow Blend Nellie's Clean Inc. Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

Trouw Nutrition Canada Inc. Williwaw Dog Treats PHARMACEUTICALS: OTC Costco Business Centre CROSSMARK Canada Inc. POINT OF SALE SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT AM/PM Service Armagh POS Solutions DIGI CANADA Inc. Howell Data Systems SIR Solutions STM Display Sales Inc – Advance Warehouse PRIVATE LABEL Beland Organic Foods Costco Business Centre Delmar Foods Donut Express Dora Fruit of the Land Grey Jay Sales & Distribution Kanak Naturals Montalis Fine Foods Inc. Murray Market National Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Panela Bakery Factory Prestige Maple Products RJS Craft Winemaking Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Shaw’s Ice Cream St-Albert Cheese Co-op Tootsi Impex: Bulk, Elan & Yupik Tuk Took Bites RECYCLING/BALERS TOMRA Canada

ORGANIC

Healthy Crunch

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

40

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

REFRIGERATION Arneg Canada BRRR Box – Atlas Containers LTD Copeland Edge Food Equipment/Contours Interior Solutions Giovanni Rana Hussmann SEAFOOD Bos Smoked Fish Inc. Costco Business Centre Five Continents International Fumoir Grizzly inc.

Shiny Star Canada Ltd. Springhills Fish SECURITY SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT Solink Turnstile Security Systems SIGNAGE & GRAPHICS Business Edge International Dana Industries Kostklip STM Display Sales Inc – Advance Warehouse WireWorx Displays Inc. SPICES & FLAVOURINGS Acosta Bob Bakery World Ltd Costco Business Centre Esslinger Foods Ltd. Funky Funghi Kanel Spices Lumberjack Distributor Canada Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Shan Foods Super Asia Food and Spices STATIONERY SUPPLIES Avanti Press, Inc. Costco Business Centre Sellers Publishing STORE FURNISHINGS & DESIGN Business Edge International Corrigan Corporation Edge Food Equipment/Contours Interior Solutions Kostklip Wanzl North America WireWorx Displays Inc.

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

TOBACCO/TOBACCO RELATED PRODUCTS Costco Business Centre TOWELS Costco Business Centre TRADE ASSOCIATION Canadian Produce Marketing Association Drinks Ontario TRADE PUBLICATIONS Canadian Grocer Distribution Canada Inc./Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance Western Grocer Magazine TRAINING/EDUCATION BSI Group Canada Canadian Produce Marketing Association Circular Innovation Council ClickHire.ai SGS Smart Serve Ontario TRANSPORTATION CHEP Canada Corp Mactrans Logistics Inc. UNIFORMS Business Edge International VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS Costco Business Centre Harlow Blend Nestlé Canada Inc True North Nutrition WASTE MANAGEMENT RLG Systems Canada WATER Corrigan Corporation Costco Business Centre Dyna-Pro Environmental GLOW Beverages In-Store Water Systems Murray Market National Muskoka Springs Nestlé Canada Inc

SUSTAINABLE BAGS/PACKAGING BRRR Box – Atlas Containers LTD Out of the Box Packaging Inc. Tempo Flexible Packaging TECH/IT Armagh POS Solutions Flipp Operations Inc. Ideal by Design House Instacart JRTech Solutions Ontario Lottery and Gaming SIR Solutions Smart Label Solutions Inc. Solink

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

41

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

WIFI SPONSORED BY:

EXHIBITORS BY BOOTH NUMBER GIC 2024 2............................Drinks Ontario 303.......................North South Management 305.......................Steam Whistle Brewing/Beau’s Brewing 402.......................Harlow Blend 403.......................Reuven International 405.......................The Caramel Stache Inc. 406.......................Sahar Confectionery 407.......................Smart Serve Ontario 409.......................Green Sun Foods 412........................Indigo Soda 414........................Shivani’s Kitchen 416........................Grape Growers of Ontario 418........................R&H TRADING INC. 420.......................Ciao Char Inc. 422.......................Cookie Pal 424 ......................SGS 425.......................Vanilla Charm 426.......................University of Toronto/Scarborough 427.......................Parmida Chocolate 434.......................BRRR Box-Atlas Containers Ltd. 435.......................Best Brands Marking Inc. 436.......................R. Henry & Associates Inc. 437.......................Armagh POS Solutions 438.......................Tuk Took Bites 438.......................EASY TU:GO 439.......................Silver Palate Kitchens Inc. 440 ......................Simplify Foods 441........................Lecoupe Ice 442.......................La Best Poutine EVER 445.......................In-Store Water Systems 502.......................WireWorx Displays Inc. 512........................Ararat Trading 2002 Corp.

513........................Western Grocer Magazine 515........................Nellie’s Clean Inc. 518........................EFI Sales Ltd. 519........................La Presserie 524.......................Kanak Naturals 525.......................Murray Market National 526........................Calnort 528.......................Solink 529.......................Herbaland Naturals Inc. 530.......................Adco Displetech 535.......................RLG Systems Canada 536.......................Sushi Pocket 538.......................Mactrans Logistics Inc. 540.......................Workplace Safety & Prevention Services 541........................Circular Innovation Council 546.......................TOMRA Canada 548.......................Erato Coffee Inc. 603.......................Conagra Brands 606.......................BSI Group Canada 607.......................Wong Wing

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608.......................United Services Group 611.........................JRTech Solutions 612........................Canadian Produce Mrkt. Assoc.

614........................Business Edge International 619........................Wanzl North America 625.......................Procter & Gamble Inc. 628.......................Contipack Inc. 629........................SIR Solutions 634 ......................GoodLeaf Farms 635.......................Infin8brands 637........................HNA Distribution 638.......................Rivercity Innovations Ltd. 644.......................Ideal by Design House 702, 703..............Northern Dancer Sales 711.........................Unilever 719........................General Mills 725.......................Advantage Solutions 734.......................Amerlux, LLC 735.......................2.0 Food Inc. 736........................Rittal Canada 737........................Orkla India Pvt. Ltd. 738.......................Pazo Global 746.......................Jack Link’s Protein Snacks 747........................Kellanova 811.........................Nestlé Canada Inc 819........................LPB Distribution 825.......................Hussmann 829.......................True North Nutrition 834, 835.............Direct Plus Food Group 845.......................Madina Farangiz Zamini Farming 846.......................Montalis Fine Foods Inc. 903.......................PepsiCo Canada 909 ......................Arterra Wines Canada 913 .......................Crossmark Canada Inc. 918........................Burnbrae Farms Ltd. 919........................DIGI CANADA Inc. 925.......................Shiny Star Canada Ltd. 928.......................Ishida Canada Inc. 929........................Dyna-Pro Environmental 934.......................Turnstile Security Systems 935.......................Kostklip 936.......................Avanti Press, Inc. 938.......................LemonTree Produce Displays 944.......................Silikal America 946.......................ClickHire.ai 1003......................McCain 1008......................Arbutus Foods 1009 .....................Danone 1010.......................Out of the Box Packaging Inc. 1013.......................Giovanni Rana 1019.......................Smucker Foods of Canada Corp.

1024......................STM Display Sales Inc. Advance Warehouse

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

42

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

1025......................Maple Leaf Foods 1030......................Chens Enterprises Corporation 1033......................Cavendish Farms 1034......................Gray Ridge Egg Farms/EggSolutions 1103.......................Howell Data Systems 1108, 1108A.........Tree of Life Canada 1119........................Lactalis Canada 1125.......................Italpasta Limited 1127.......................Brave and Young Distributors Ltd. 1129.......................Super Asia Food and Spices 1132.......................Ontario Lottery and Gaming 1133....................... Flora Food Canada 1134.......................Canada Beef 1135.......................Enjay Converters Ltd. 1137.......................Big Chief Meat Snacks Inc. 1141........................Canadian Grocer 1203......................Beverage World Inc. 1208......................Kruger Products Inc. 1209......................Sobeys Wholesale 1213.......................Motorola Value Added Distributor 1217, 1317.............GBS Food Service Equipment Inc. 1224......................CJR Wholesale Grocers 1225......................Kraft Heinz Canada 1233......................Concord National 1240......................Red Bull 1302......................Corrigan Corporation 1303......................Pan-Oston Ltd. 1304......................Bank of Montreal-Business Banking 1308......................TFB & Associates 1309......................Tempo Flexible Packaging 1313.......................Federated Insurance Company of Canada 1325......................Covered Bridge Potato Chips 1327......................Bee Maid Honey Limited 1332......................Globe POS Systems 1335......................Dauphinais 1336......................Instacart 1338......................Rotobale Compaction Solutions Inc. 1339......................Five Continents International 1344.....................Clorox Canada 1345......................Dynamic Productions Inc. 1403......................Bimbo Canada 1408.....................Old Dutch 1409 ....................Coca-Cola Ltd. 1412.......................Villa Ravioli 1413.......................Conglom 1419 ......................Saputo 1424, 1424A........Acosta 1435......................Smart Label Solutions Inc. 1439......................Lavazza 1502......................Bob Bakery World Ltd 1503......................Affiliated Independent-Loblaw Inc. 1504.....................Hobart Canada 1509 .....................A. Lassonde Inc. 1512.......................Jimmy Zees Distributors Inc 1513.......................Studio brand by KORHANI Home

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

1519.......................Arneg Canada 1524......................Canadian Women in Food 1525......................CHEP Canada Corp 1528......................Ontario Beef Market Development Program 1529......................Heartland Food Products (Splenda) 1529......................Poppi 1538......................LEGO Canada 1542......................Korea Food Trading 1543 Distribution Canada Inc./Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance 1603......................AM/PM Service 1605......................Costco Business Centre 1609......................Shan Foods 1612.......................Drakkar International 1613, 1808............Fun Tyme Foods 1624......................Williwaw Dog Treats 1625......................Demetres 1626......................RJS Craft Winemaking 1628......................Holy Perogy!

1629......................Great Canadian Meat Company 1630......................Scholtens Candy Inc. 1631.......................Dairy Fountain Inc. 1636......................Mama Yolanda’s Gourmet Lasagna 1637......................Delmar Foods 1638......................The Low Carb Co 1639......................Shaw’s Ice Cream 1640......................Kebab Factory 1641.......................RIZ Brands Inc. 1644......................Muskoka Mornings-No Yolking 1645......................Chef Brandz Inc. 1646......................Funky Funghi 1692......................Great Canadian Meat Company Ltd. 1702......................FMS Solutions 1703......................Hormel Foods Corporation 1708......................Affinity Group Canada 1709......................Vadilal Industries Inc. 1713.......................Tielman North America 1715.......................Sellers Publishing 1719.......................Dana Industries 1724......................The Healtea 1725......................Jakeman's Maple Products 1726......................Panela Bakery Factory 1727......................Esslinger Foods Ltd. 1728......................Bos Smoked Fish Inc. 1729......................Pine River Food Product Inc. 1730......................The Bee Works 1731.......................Truffles 1732......................St-Albert Cheese Co-op 1735......................Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Farming & Agribusiness 1736......................ZoRaw Chocolates 1738......................Muskoka Brewery 1739......................Real Sweets Bakery Corp.

1740......................Sunshine Pickles 1741.......................Donut Express

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

43

GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA

A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES MORE TRADE. MORE TASTES. MORE TRENDS

OCTOBER 29 & 30 2024 | TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, NORTH BUILDING #GICSHOW24 | NETWORK: GIC 2024 | PW: gic2024!

1743......................HotSourSaltySweet Inc. 1744......................Mother’s Prepared Fine Foods 1803......................Copeland 1809......................Lumberjack Distributor Canada 1810......................Grocery Business 1811.......................TalThi Inc. 1818......................Wajax 1824......................Springhills Fish 1825......................Cambridge Treats Inc. 1828......................Ontario Impex of Canada Inc. 1829......................Goldy’s 1831.......................Schinkels Legacy 1833......................Mad Mexican Prepared Food Products Ltd. 1837......................Mrakovic Fine Foods Inc. 1838......................Brittles’n More Ltd. 1839......................Wellington Brewery 1840.....................Fruit of the Land 1841.......................Sharman’s Proper, Inc. 1842......................Trouw Nutrition Canada Inc. 1844.....................M-C Dairy & Future Bakery 1907......................Suntory Spirits (Canadian Club Cocktails) 1908......................Ty, Inc. 1909......................Groupe Nutri 1910.......................SPARC Technologies 1912.......................Agropur Dairy Cooperative 1914.......................AIR MILES Reward Programs 1915.......................Flipp Operations Inc. 1918.......................Tootsi Impex: Bulk, Elan & Yupik 1919.......................FCC 1924......................Coppa Inc. 1927......................Inca Gold Organics 1928......................Great Lakes Greenhouses Inc. 1932......................Organic Meadow/Rolling Meadow 1933......................Wholesome Cravings 1935......................Crafty Ramen 1937......................Passion for Desserts – Cookies 1938......................Grape Leaves Food Inc. 1940......................Chiara Cucina 1941.......................Spring Creek Quail Farms 1946......................United Craft Inc. - Beverages 2002, 2003.........Beer Nuts Inc 2002, 2003.........Gourmet Foods International 2002, 2003.........JTM Foods 2002, 2003.........Kalcor 2002, 2003.........Krackcorn 2002, 2003.........La Terra Fina 2002, 2003.........Pop Daddy Snacks 2002, 2003.........Root Smarts 2002, 2003.........Southern Recipe Small Batch 2002, 2003.........Sugar Bowl Bakery 2002, 2003.........The Father’s Table 2002, 2003.........Tres Picosos 2002, 2003.........Van Holten’s 2018......................Beland Organic Foods 2018......................Dora

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WIFI SPONSORED BY:

2018......................Fromagerie L'Ancêtre 2018......................Fumoir Grizzly Inc. 2018......................Kanel Spices 2018......................La Fourmi Bionique Inc. 2018......................Les Aliments Merjex Inc./Tempehine 2018......................Nos Cabanes 2018......................Prestige Maple Products 2018......................Zab Café/Cafélimo 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay Sales & Distribution 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-City Seltzer 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-Glow Beverages 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-Health Garden USA 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-ack Astor’s Bar and Grill 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-Mary Macleod’s Shortbread 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-Muskoka Springs 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-Sakura Maple Food Group 2024, 2025.........Grey Jay-White Coffee Corporation 2037.....................Ryde: (The Water Street Collective) 2046.....................Colio Estate Wines/Thornbury Craft Co. 2104......................The Iceman 2105......................Healthy Crunch 2110.......................IN&OUT General Trading Wholesaler 2111........................Edge Food Equipment/ Contours Interior Solutions 2115.......................Northam Beverages

CANADIAN GROCERY’S LARGEST MEETINGS, EXHIBITION + CONFERENCE EVENT | GROCERYINNOVATIONS.COM

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