THE ROYAL LEPAGE - REAL ESTATE SERVICES & SHELTER FOUNDATION - MBE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 51 | AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

biography

How To Turn Your Vision Into Goals And Your Goals Into Success

2nd September 2019

THIS MONTH FOCUSING ON 5 Great Entrepreneurial Success Stories

Ending The Plastic Age

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CONTENTS

24

ROYAL LEPAGE Company Profile

06

Finding success Through A Balance In Life.

08

Healthy Working Relationship with Subordinates

10

Effective Leadership

27

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

12

Interview With Siva Kandiah

28

Horoscope

16

The Impact Of Mbe Atms,

30

The Key Factors That Determine Digital

18

MBE POS - A Complete Solution Provider for Your Business & Transaction Needs

20

Event Calendar

Leadership is almost managing people.

Royal Brokers Corporation

Its Benefits To Clients & Its Future Ahead

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2019

22

LEO - VIRGO (AUG - SEP 2019)

Marketing As A Dynamic Tool Of E-Commerce...

34

TIMMINS PREVENTIVE EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND THE ROLE OF SENATOR HOTEL`

Philip Soper Biography

President and CEO, Royal LePage and Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc.

38

GREEN GROCER SPUD is at the forefront of eco-friendly e-commerce - and it’s bringing other retailers along for the ride

EDITOR'S LETTER This is the August & September Issue of MB Business Magazine and we are bringing our readers an exclusive interview with Siva Kandiah the Founder & CEO of Royal Brokers Corporation as well as a feature on Royal Lepage, a leading Canadian Real Estate Franchiser and a profile of its President Phil Soper.

We have also included the latest and most relevant business news from around the world and helpful tips on health & fitness, finance & taxation as well as entrepreneurship.

Continuing with tradition, we have included the latest business news, market insights, forecasts and all events, exhibitions & conferences set to be held across Canada in August & September 2019.

As always, we hope this issue will be an informative and entertaining experience for our readers and that it will live up to your expectations. Our team continues to work tirelessly to improve and refine our business magazine.

Your feedback is highly valuable to us, if you have suggestions or comments feel free to call us at 1-866-667-1377 or email us at info@mbeforyou.com to tell us what you think about this issue.

For ad placements and marketing related queries, please email us at mbe-marketing@mbeforyou.com Thank you, Aurora Zabala, Editor In Chief.

Publisher MB Enterprises Editor-in-chief Aurora Zabala Senior Editor Peter Z. Vaisey Managing Editors Steve Montgomery Mahmood Naqvi Design Cynthia Tolson A. Khan S. Saad Production, Technology & Print Simon Wilson R.J Advertising S. Hassan Shoeib Kamal Administration Alamdar Hussein Erum Asghar R. Adil HOW TO REACH US Website: www.mbeforyou.com Feed-back: 1-866-667-1377 E-mail: info@mbeforyou.com Mail: 100 Dynamic Drive, Unit 104, Scarborough, ON, M1V 5C4.

Fax: 1-866-204-6888 MBE Business Magazine is a monthly issue business magazine published by MBE. Inc. Ontario, Canada.

Printed by Vision Printers Contents Š Copyrights 2017 by MBE, may not be reprinted without written permission.

Subscribe / Unsubscribe or Advertise by emailing us at mbe-marketing@mbeforyou.com

Finding success Through A Balance In Life Syed mANSOOR Naqvi

PRESIDENT MBE

As time passes, we are all running towards a better life and

Now that I am in my late 40's, I have to take on more and

looking to achieve our goals. We often forget about when we

more responsibilities on my shoulders and deliver the job to

were young and we had endless energy but we did not have

others. The more responsibilities, the more you will grow and

the power to make decisions. As we grew older and gained

become wiser which makes you successful. One day we all

the power to make our own decisions, we found ourselves

have to die so why should we wait for someone to pass away

missing out on time. When we reach old age and have

before we start respecting them? Have courage and admire

achieved everything and again have time on our hands, we

people and help them while they are alive which gives you

start losing our health. Life is funny! Our parents love us, help

strength and power to grow as a human.

us grow, teach us, and they do everything they can but when their turn comes we often forget them. We think that our life is

My summary for this article would be; if you spend 8 hours at

more important and our kids are more important than

your job, then that is your time, that is your life, your growth,

anything else.

your success, you have to decide how you can best apply your brain in these hours. The most successful person is the

If we all think that we want to live like humans then we have

one that can find a real balance between life, work, time,

to create qualities that will make people say "Yes you are a

family and respecting and treating the ones around them the

good human being!" Some of these qualities that are impor-

best they can.

tant are being trustworthy and being there for others while not being selfish.

Let me give you some advice. I’m not an adviser, nor am I a perfect person, however, I have seen the world with a different set of eyes. If you want to achieve success, and achieve financial success you have to respect others. Respect should not only be given to your boss or your manager, it should be given to everyone from family to neighbors to strangers. Not only do we have to respect the ones around us, we have to help them and assist them in anyway possible without

“

�

06

thinking about our own financial interests all the time. The people that are selfish and only think about themselves often find themselves struggling and falling behind in life.

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE

inc.

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PASSION

EARNING MONEY FROM SCRATCH AND BE A SELF MADE MAN An autobiography that reveals the success story of a visionary who made it possible with just a dream in his eyes. He turned his vision into success and how he accomplished all the goals of forming an enterprise called MBE. A Book designed to give you insights about Founder & President MBE Group Syed Mansoor Ali Naqvi, his journey to success and formation of his company MBE Enterprises. Ways in which he encountered the challenges in his journey and showed nothing is impossible if your vision and your determination is powerful. A fruitful message for young Entrepreneurs to learn from his life story, and make a goal with a clear mind-set. Take positive lessons from the life of President Mansoor Brothers Enterprises & learn to set your goals, as goals always give you passion to go beyond boundaries and achieve success.

SYED MANSOOR NAQVI

Biography info@mbeforyou.com 100 Dynamic Dr, Scarborough, ON M1V 5C4 1-866-667-1377

Healthy Working Relationship with Subordinates SYED ALAMDAR HUSSAIN Country Head - MB Enterprises

“

�

an asset for an organization, as they

nothing can be personal while

are the influence generators, and

working together for the writ of the

their individual and team involvement

company. Being a responsible

in undertaking key tasks is the sole

corporate member of an organization

responsibility of the Team Lead.

one must remember to be responsi-

Leadership holds high regards when

ble in handling tasks, sharing goals,

taken responsibly, and with an

managing a project, making a

attitude to manage people in a

strategy and project planning.

corporate work environment.

There is a difference between a Attitudes matter a lot while we create

positive attitude and a negative

A healthy working environment

a good and healthy relationship with

attitude at work and its importance to

manifests the confusions and

sub-ordinates, and influence them to

exhibit a positive mannerism and

conflicts between peers, and associ-

work together like a team. By a

align the goals and objectives of the

ates. Looking with a closer and deep

healthy relationship, we mean a

company with your own goals.

insight, it holds high importance for

positive relationship with a positive

Negative mannerism can be used to

the company’s growth, its vision for

mindset. We are dealing with

negate your sub-ordinates, and

prosperity and its future agendas.

professionals, and attitudes matter

hence demotivating him/her. Such an

Sub ordinates or team members are

while we work professionally, as

attribute of a leader or a manager is

not the most wanted attitude, although

maturity in decision making, leader-

evaluations, and performance

it can sometimes be helpful but most

ship, and attitude.

integration are the two key KPIs i.e.

of the times it’s unhealthy, unwanted &

Key Performance indicators when

disregarded. The ingredients of a

A HEALTHY WORK ENVIRONMENT:

determining the performance aspects

healthy work relationship, or creating

While we discuss a healthy working

of an employee.

a good environment for work are;

environment, don’t forget the impor

• Team work

tance of ideas sharing and believing in

Conflicts can easily erupt with

• Working for Shared goals and

the vision of the company. We always

subordinates on issues that are

objectives

influence through ideas and the

disturbing or something that needs to

• Alignment of goals with the writ of

implementation of ideas from paper to

be managed properly but is being

the company

practice. What you doing practically is

ignored. Realizing that how attitude

• Creating a good rapport with your

more acknowledged than what you

matters in conflict management, at the

Sub ordinates.

doing on paper as we all have the

same time a leader must be a

• Sharing of respect and caring for

know-how of little things but we can’t

mediator and a key communicator in

your subordinates.

predict how ther're going to shape up

avoiding and resolving conflicts. The

• Dealing with issues through

in future. To create a good and healthy

importance of conflict management in

discussions and co-ordination.

work environment one has to think

people management determines how

• Dealing with the mindset of your

wisely and dedicate time to under-

you will be treated by your sub-ordi-

subordinates.

stand the role as a team lead for good

nates and people working under your

• Positive steps towards a healthy

relations with the sub-ordinates. The

management.

relationship.

business environment is a target oriented environment and working in

Management plays a vital part in

All these factors that are discussed

co-ordination with the people is

breaking the ice between the leader-

above can be the influence of a

considered as part of our task

ship and the subordinates, as and

healthy relationship with the Sub

management.

when required. We, as an employee,

ordinates, and will help in developing

must always have the goal and vision

a positive psychological mind set.

CONFLICT MANAGEMENT:

of the company in our minds, while we

‘Leadership’, has a great influence on

You don’t have to be a genius just to

make key decisions. A healthy

the people, especially those that are

avoid conflict with your subordinates,

working relationship is nothing but an

working under you or your immediate

however, one must have the attribute

influence of good and timely decision

subordinates. Managing people in a

of patience to avoid situations that can

making.

corporate environment takes lots of

hurt the performance. Performance

Effective Leadership SYED MAHMOOD NAQVI

Vice President | MB Enterprises

Leadership is almost managing people. Having great ideas and a strategic vision won’t get you far if your employees aren’t willing to follow you. And too many entrepreneurs take leadership skills for granted.

“The ability to lead by example while

defensively to criticism, you’ll create

communicating, mobilizing, sharing and

fear of openness and hinder the

delegating.”

organization’s growth. Try these steps to effective communication: · Listen

Your business is as successful as the

actively-ask open questions. Be

people working in it. Great leaders

genuinely interested in what other

who created successful companies

say.

have one thing in common: They surround themselves with talented,

Change that helps the organization

courageous and loyal people. Once

to improve and be innovative in the

you have recruited them, invest in

current business environment also

their development through training

how leadership affects other factors.

and coaching.

For instance trust, culture and clear vision in the organization as it

Leadership should start at the top of

facilitates the change. Leadership is

the organization, but leaders don’t

one of the main factors in bringing

necessarily come from positions of

positive change to the organization if

power. They can be found at all levels

there is no leadership in the organiza-

but also enable organizations to achieve

in an organization. Identify them and

tion they will not be able to change in

success and growth

help them to develop their leadership

the direction they desire and could

skills.

experience negative change instead.

Every leader has a vision or goal for him and for his team. This

The transfer of knowledge through mentoring allows you to build a

Effective and accurate communica-

vision or goals are synchronized with

strong leadership pipeline in your

tion act as an important factor

organizational aims and

company.

to grow as an efficient and success-

objectives. The leaders have to commu-

ful leader or manager. To

nicate the vision and goals

Effective communication is dialogue.

achieve professional success

to his team so as to motivate them to

Barriers are created by speaking

managers must be effective and

achieve them with efficiency. He or She

down to people, asking closed

convincing communicators. It is

communicates in a way so that they will

questions that elicit yes or no

important that managers and

be able to make others see what they

answers, using excessive authority

their teams must learn how to

are expecting from them. Team Involve-

and promoting a culture that depends

communicate perfectly as this

ment, effective listening, clear and timely

on unanimity. If your focus is winning

will not only help teams to complete

communication is the main feature of

the argument or if you react

their projects successfully

this style.

10

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

ACQUISITION NEWS

Algonquin Lakeside Inn by MBE

We are proud to announce another breakthrough for MBE in the hotel industry after the Senator Hotel Timmins. MBE has acquired the Algonquin Lakeside Inn, a beautiful Inn located on the outskirts of Algonquin Park on the shores of Oxtongue Lake, off Route 60. A great location and holiday resort for the entire family that comes complete with activities for family fun and adventure.

All of our rooms, including the Honeymoon suites and cottages, are well designed in terms of architecture which complement the beautiful surroundings. The beautiful interior of our Honeymoon suites, not only complement the environment around it but it also makes it a place worth spending time.

MBE

inc.

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PASSION

w w w . m b e f o r you. c om w w w . a l go n q uin inn. c o m

INTERVIEW WITH SIVA KANDIAH

Royal Brokers Corporation

12

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

1. Can you please provide the readers with a little background about

4. How did you progress in your Insurance career and what were the keys

yourself?

to your success?

I was born and brought up in Sri Lanka. After completing my studies, I immigrated to Canada in 1984 in search of new opportunities. I started off by learning the language, and studying accounting. From there I began working at a bank for about 8 years which later led me to where I am today.

2. How did you start your Insurance career?

While working at the bank, I had many clients come to me with complaints regarding their insurance policies mainly due to a lack of understanding which led to both amendment and cancellation processes. In light of this, I took interest in the field, to better understand the fundamentals and need for insurance myself so I could then further disseminate that

I have been in the insurance industry since 2000. From then

knowledge to the others around me and lend them a helping

until now, I myself and my company, Royal Brokers, have

hand. I then quit my job at the bank and opted to enter the

achieved a number of important milestones. Every year, I

field of insurance, whose market was in need on an individual

have qualified as a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)

basis. The later steps involved completing the required

member, and qualified for top industry conferences. In 2008, I

certifications, building a clientele, hiring and teaching agents

was named the #1 insurance agent for Royal Brokers, for

thus expanding my outreach- to now 4,500 individual clients

which I represented my entire community. The following year

as well as an exceeding number of corporate clients.

and many years after, I have qualified as the top table member of MDRT. In 2013, I completed my Charted Life

3. What were some of the early struggles you faced in your career?

Underwriter course which covers taxation, family law, and

When I first started out in this industry, I had a minimal

various aspects of individual and corporate insurance; I also

outreach with potential clients I could do business with but

took a certified health specialist course in addition to a

most of those also wound up falling through since people

Canadian security course. I have made it a goal to keep

have difficulties relying on a newbie who is still in the process

myself updated so I can pass this information on to my client

of learning- they didn’t know me or my work ethic so I simply

base and make sure they receive the best service.

had to choose others to do business with. By doing so, I was able to thoroughly and carefully explain my area of expertise

5. What advice do you have for young people that are looking to get

to new client- and they decided it made perfect sense to

involved in this career and the same industry that you have been so

invest in an insurance policy- and have me as their advisor.

successful in?

Upon noticing my steady rise to success, the same people

My advice to those freshly starting out their career would be

that initially doubted me, would ask for assistance in articulat-

to genuinely like and have an appreciation for the work you

ing the objective behind insurance. Because the client is

do, beyond seeing the field solely as a source of money. The

paying for something that is immaterial, and invisible, it is

goal should be to assist people and build up an asset that

complex understanding the purpose behind it but that is why

creates value and would bring safety and security for their

advisors are here to create and explain the value behind the

future. Insurance is not a field one can come into for the sole

policy that is being purchased.

purpose of doing business- you help people while earning a living- and that needs to be your primary goal; money will follow with hardwork.

6. What would you say to the people who do not understand insurance in a simple way? How it is relevant and important in Canada?

Insurance is an important part of family life, it’s a basic and fundamental pillar just in the way it is fundamental to have shelter. A lot of people think they don’t need insurance because it is too costly and it isn’t necessary as part of family structure even when both husband and wife are working-still they feel they have insufficient means for an insurance policy.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

13

But the important thing to take into consideration is that if two

the means to take care of any future needs if required (i.e.

people are working, and they don’t have enough money to

tuition). Your insurance then doubles as tax-free savings.

pay for insurance, what would happen if one person passes away or incurs an injury? Their income would be cut in half,

On the second point, you need to understand whether you

which would only create more problems in future. What would

need it for 10 or 20 years, or for longer. I’ve noticed that a lot

happen to their family life or their kid’s future, how would they

of people opt for $100,000 coverage plans for $100 per

manage? It is important to understand that every time they

month but they have to realize that 100,000 is only good

would wind up being short of money regardless. This is why it

enough to replace 2 years of salary. What about the future

is necessary to have set priorities- what is important?

after that? What I tell my clients is that if you can afford to put aside $50- $100 per month, always go for $500,000.00

If you can afford to pay $100 for insurance- choose the plan

coverage so that the family can remain secure in all cases. If

that meets your needs. When it comes to insurance, you have

you plan this in the beginning and you buy your insurance

to do 3 crucial things before finalizing a plan: 1. Decide how

accordingly, you won’t need to change your plan later on.

much you are able to pay per month; 2. Decide how long you

Lastly it is crucial to differentiate between the different plans

need it- i.e. 10 year term, 20 year term or lifetime term; 3.

your insurance company provides, whether that’s critical

Then, decide what type of plan. If one of these steps is

insurance or disability insurance or life insurance. Bearing

overlooked, the rest falls through and clients have a tough

this in mind, if you can put all those together and get good

time continuing any further with their policy. Firstly, it is

value for the plan then I highly suggest purchasing it.

important to choose a plan that is feasible for your budget.

For example, for a family- if you can afford $100, it is better to

7. What is the common problem, that still most of the people are not

go for a 20 years term until your kids are grown up so by the

enthusiastic about Insurance? What makes insurance for individuals and

time they partake in undergraduate studies, you would have

families so important?

14

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Due to a lack of communication between advisors and clients,

e-signatures, skype calls) versus five years ago when it was

and a lack of understanding about the insurance field, a lot of

necessary to meet with the client numerous times before

people don’t understand the purpose of insurance- they only

finalizing the policy. Now we’re giving all the information on

see the price being paid not that their coverage is also a

typesetting and there are minimal errors. Before clients would

viable means of saving money for the future. Secondly, it is

have to wait at least 1 month to finalize the policy, now they

important to assess policies carefully and cautiously. When

can get their answers within 24 hours because everything is

some people go shopping for clothes, they can spend several

online, within minutes the information is passed to the correct

hours looking for the perfect pair of shoes but when they’re

department and they will assess it, and within 24 hours the

buying insurance they tend to make their decision within half

process can be completed.

an hour or find something on a whim online, looking at the cheapest price- without assessing the quality. You have to

Furthermore, the industry is moving towards what is called

realize what the needs of your family are, how much can you

robo-underwriting, which means that clients don’t need to do

afford, is it good for you, how long can you use it, so many

all the medical tests, questionnaires, and they can still get all

things need to be carefully considered- and that sort of

the answers through social media. For example, last month I

perfectly tailored advice can be provided by the right advisor.

had applied for a young client’s insurance- he was a young fellow who said he did not drink or smoke. I applied for the

8. For a beginner as an individual and family what product do you suggest?

regular rate but he was rated for 50% higher than that upon

Whether individual or family, it all comes down to the income

applying and the reason for that was that his lifestyle activities

structure as well as the present and foreseeable needs. It is

were causing him to pay more money than originally planned.

important to plan for the future much ahead of time when

The client was very surprised to see that the insurance

choosing the right insurance plan so that you don’t need to

company found all this out from social media- and this was all

change plans down the line. In the case of family insurance, if

found out from robo-underwriting. What’s being said currently

you select a plan keeping in mind you may have young

is that within the next few years, this whole process will be

children, by the time they are 20 years old, they will most

systematized so that there will no longer be a need for

likely be finishing university, the family would have roughly a

manual intervention or questioning because robo-underwrit-

$500,000 mortgage—for this, they should consider at least $1

ing will have all the answers necessary- whether this client is

million of insurance to cover the mortgage and kids’ educa-

high, medium, or low risk.

tion; if anything were to happen, then at least until the children finish their schooling, their future would not be

10. Can you please end by leaving a message for our readers and others in

affected financially. So when you’re choosing a plan, and you

the community?

can afford $100, go for a term insurance which would cover

My parting message to the readers is that insurance may

until the kids finish school and the mortgage would also then

seem like it can wait, but it really cannot. It is a present and

be paid off.

future need; the sooner it is secured, the better, for you and your loved ones.

If a client is self-employed, making about $100,000— I would strongly suggest critical insurance which provides immediate

Credentials:

coverage up in cases of illness. Of their annual income, if a

Bachelor of Arts

client puts aside 5% for their critical insurance, they can get

Charted life underwriter (ClU)

lump-sum 200,000 – 400,000 that would allow them to

Certified health insurance specialist (CHS)

continue their lives without interruptions. One may think 5% of

Canadian security course (CSC)

100,000 is too costly but it would not majorly affect one’s

Top of the table member 2012

livelihood; and if the amount is not used, it simply goes

Million dollar round table qualifier since 2004.

towards your savings, as a perfect safety blanket, bringing

Managing general agent for Industrial alliance,Assumption

peace of mind for you and your family.

life, Canada protection plan.

Associate general agent for most of Canada leaving

9. How is the insurance industry changing with the technological develop-

insurance company.

ments?

CEO-Royal Brokers Corporation

A lot insurance companies are spending a good amount of money on updating their systems and technology. Everything is computerized now and you can complete applications without needing the individual physically present (i.e. through

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

15

MBE ATM The Impact Of MBE ATMS, Its Benefits To Clients & Its Future Ahead A hole in the wall, a mobile bank, or a Cash Link, whatever

Holds a great future in the E-banking and E-commerce

you name it, ATMs were the first step towards modern

industry, as MBE just need to have intense focus with their

banking systems, and E-Banking. If you are in need of

clientele. The clientele must increase as MBE should target

emergency cash, want to check your balance, or check a

mega companies to provide excellent services, and earn

transaction that you expecting from someone, you won’t be

huge profit margins. Its profitability we are looking forward at,

disappointed to have the right treatment for your needs.

and MBE has proved in the past that their ATMs are the

Banking and finance these days is highly dependent on IT,

future in Cash Management. KPIs i.e. Key Performance

Software, and e-commerce. The hour of the need was instant

indicators, has helped us manage our future vision, as we

and safe cash management, and ATMs were precisely the

move forward technological advancements have changed

right answer.

the outlook for the future.

MBE has innumerable ATMs in Canada in various cities,

There are always room for improvements in various sectors

especially in Toronto, and it has improved over the years

as we target our goals and motives for quality assurance.

catering the variable needs of the clients. Client manage-

MBE business procedures keep into view the client perspec-

ment & Customer relationship management are the two that

tive as well as ATMs have helped us get the competitive

has been taken care of through MBE ATMs, covering many

advantage that has been envisioned and determined for the

things, and giving reasonable benefits to its clients. An

future. In last some years, there have been improvements

increase in foot traffic, helps in generating extra income for

and we have highly achieved our reliability & integrity

the clients, as well as self-serve cash loading program

benchmarks.

benefits in a huge way when you load cash in your ATMs for customer usage. On top of that, MBE ATMs gives surcharge profits that are being paid on the 20th of every month, as client don’t have to worry about profitability, they just need to deliver good customer service to their loyal customers. MBE ATMs have always been a step ahead in covering mega events with their mobile ATM machines. Also been successful in achieving dynamics in Cash management programs, as MBE gives automatic deposits to their clients every 24 hours.

If you are an ISO, i.e. Independent sales organization, you don’t need to worry about serviced machines that are being installed with a commission sharing agreement.

16

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE

inc.

YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PASSION

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INCREASE FOOT TRAFFIC TO YOUR BUSINESS WHILE GENERATING EXTRA INCOME FLOW

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www.mbeforyou.com

MBE POS A Complete Solution Provider for Your Business & Transaction Needs E-commerce, a vast and enigmatic field that has expanded

software, and usability options. MBE POS are particularly in

at a rapid pace since the start of the new millennium. It not

with the quality assurance aspects related with POS installa-

only holds importance in terms of the business environment,

tions and effective running of the system. The goal has been

but has changed the way business takes place in this

to outlay an example of trust, and relationship with the

modern & rapid changing era. The key contributor is Informa-

customer, when they use their cards on our POS hardware.

tion technology, and tech systems, a huge increase in sales, reducing the timeliness of transactions, and managing

There must be an effective feedback system that should

transactions in a highly sophisticated manner. The card

highlight the customer feedback in terms of usage of the

reader, receipt generators, self-serve kiosks, and dynamic

POS systems, a step towards the service quality and its

monitors, a huge step towards robotics and automated

improvements. MBE POS goals and strategy is directly

systems. Known as POS or Point of Sale systems, are a

linked with the MBE vision, i.e. “Passion towards your goals”,

revolution in modern retail environment, and has its benefits

and we have been successful in showing to our clients how

to the economies of scale. A huge contribution has been

we can cater their needs.

made lately by the use of self-serve Kiosks, as your transaction now doesn’t need a human interaction.

The modern POS systems are another step towards the improvement in the Banking and Finance, as in the era of

MBE POS systems are a complete collection of robust,

80s, banks were considered the most powerful point of

automated and highly efficient Point of Sale systems that

contact for all transaction systems. This change manage-

have eased the transaction system and its related synergies.

ment has not only made banking fast and mature, but also

We have catered the client needs in aspects of reliability,

changed the way global transaction systems takes place.

readiness, user sensitivity, and security. Business needs

‘Time Value of Money’, is the concept behind the POS

shouldn’t be time dependent and MBE have always acted

mechanism, and needs to be catered on a day to day basis.

smartly for the client’s business solution targets. We are highly target oriented in terms of POS developments, the testing phase, and deploying hardware at the client side. Our aim is to make sure that the client is satisfied with the software installed, the usability options, and training of the POS applications and its user manuals.

The POS systems are a complete revolution in modern transaction systems, covering details related to hardware,

18

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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AUGUST - SEPTEMBER

EVENT 2019 CALENDAR AUG 5

MONDAY

Heritage Day in Canada Heritage Day is celebrated in Alberta on the first Monday of August each year. Although it is not a statutory holiday, many Canadians in Alberta use this day as an optional holiday to celebrate the province’s heritage.

AUG 5

MONDAY

Civic/Provincial Day in Canada

AUG 5

MONDAY

British Columbia Day in Canada

The first Monday of August is a holiday for people in many parts of Canada. It is a statutory holiday in some provinces and territories but in others it has another legal status. It is often called the August Holiday, Civic Holiday, Provincial Day, or other local names, such as Terry Fox Day in Manitoba.

The first Monday of August is known as British Columbia Day, BC Day or B.C. Day, in the province of British Columbia. It is a statutory holiday and gives Canadians in the province the chance to celebrate their achievements or relax with friends and family members.

AUG 7

WEDNESDAY

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) in Canada The first Wednesday of August is Regatta Day, a local holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, also known as “The Largest Garden Party in the World”.

AUG 12

MONDAY

Eid ul Adha in Canada Eid al-Adha is a significant annual Islamic observance for many Muslims in Canada. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God.

AUG 19

MONDAY

Discovery Day in Canada

SEP 1

SUNDAY

Muharram/Islamic New Year in Canada

Yukon’s Discovery Day is celebrated in territory of Yukon, Canada, on the third Monday of August. Also Klondike Gold Discovery Day, it commemorates the anniversary of the discovery of gold in Yukon. It differs from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Discovery Day, also known as Cabot 500 Day.

Many Muslims in countries such as Canada observe the start of the Islamic New Year on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month in the Islamic calendar.

20

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

SEP 2

Labour Day in Canada

MONDAY

Labour Day in Canada is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It originally gave workers the chance to campaign for better working conditions or pay. The day is now part of a long weekend for many Canadians.

SEP 30

Rosh Hashana in Canada

MONDAY

Many Jewish Canadians celebrate Rosh Hashana (or Rosh Hashanah), which is also known as the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashana starts on the first day of Tishrei (or Tishri), which is the seventh month in the Jewish calendar, and may last for two days. It is sometimes called the Day of Remembrance or the Day of Blowing the Shofar.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SOLUTION

MONTH JUNE - JULY

1

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S E D E T S E S M P S U I N C O E R S E 30

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

21

Philip Soper Biography

President and CEO, Royal LePage and Brookfield Real Estate Services Inc. Phil Soper is President and CEO of Royal LePage and Brookfield Real Estate Services, Inc. With close to 20,000 agents in its Royal LePage, Royal LePage Commercial, and Johnston & Daniel, Via Capitale and Proprio Direct businesses it is the largest real estate brokerage firm in Canada, with property sales of $100 billion dollars in 2017.

In the 2018 comprehensive ranking of industry leadership in North America, the Swanepoel 200, Soper was again named the most influential leader in Canadian real estate and 14th worldwide. In 2016, he became the first Canadian to receive the Real Estate Leadership Award at the U.S. National Realtor Expo as “an industry visionary who embraces innovation and blazes new paths. Real Estate Marketing magazine declared him one the 25 most important leaders of the past 25 years, and he has been honored as “CEO of the Year” by the Canadian Public Relations Society, a first for a real estate industry executive in the long history of the award.

Soper’s community involvement includes United Way and Toronto Sickkids Hospital campaign leadership, and directorships on the boards of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, and Ryerson University’s Ted

Prior to his real estate career, Phil

Business, and the University of

Rogers School of Business. Ryerson

Soper was an executive with technolo-

Western Ontario’s Ivey Executive

awarded Phil the inaugural G.Ray-

gy giant IBM where he held national

Program.

mond Outstanding Volunteer Award

and global leadership roles in

in 2017. He is a former governor of

professional services and technology

Phil is married to Toronto lawyer

the University of Alberta.

sales. He is a graduate of the

Melanie Yach. They have four

University Of Alberta School Of

university aged daughters.

22

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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Overview: Royal LePage is one of Canada’s top real estate franchisers with more than 600 locations coast to coast and over 17,000 Realtors in Canada. Since 1913, Canadians have chosen Royal LePage over leading competitors, as a trusted source of information and advice when buying and selling their homes. The company, as a whole, provides promising results in finding clients the perfect home, in the perfect neighborhood with the best price.

v

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Market Research: The leading franchiser serves as Canada’s single most quoted real estate Company, publishing valuable data that is at the forefront of the national and regional markets. The Royal LePage House Price Survey, most notably, is a quarterly report designed to help clients learn more about home prices throughout the national real estate market. HPS builds on data collected over decades to produce the Canada’s most comprehensive, publicly available real estate market research, and provides insightful commentary on housing and forecast values calculated by Royal LePage’s residential real estate experts. Consumers, media outlets, and major organizations turn to Royal LePage for its data on market trends across the country, touting Royal LePage as the Voice of Canada’s real estate market.

Royal LePage Shelter Foundation: Demonstrating their commitment to good will and community building, Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its very own charitable foundation. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada's largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to supporting women's shelters and ending violence against women and children. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation also supports and reinforces long-term violence prevention and education programs. Every dollar raised goes directly to helping the more than 50,000 women and children who are served each year by the shelters and support programs funded across the nation. Since 1998, the Shelter Foundation has raised more than $27 million and currently supports 200 local women’s shelters and national partners. t

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

25

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FIVE FOR FIVE ACROSS 1 Doesn’t guzzle 5 Fictional Orphan of teh Alps 10 “Peter Pan” Pirate 14 Assist Illegally 15 Ancient Mexician l6 Bit of smoke 17 A way to meet with others (3 wds.)

19 Bone: Prefix 20 Cleared the chalkboard 21 A way to square off against another (3 wds.)

23 Common ID 24 El___(Spanish hero) 26 Atlas Abbr.

27 A way to be “... dancing close together ...” (3wds.)

33 Mooring Spots 36 Lions’ hide aways 37 Said twice, a nasty African fly 38 Peru‘s capital 39 Narrow-waisted stinger 40 Glide on high 41 PA system component 42 Basic Belief 43 Strand, in the cold season (2wds.)

44 A way to administer CPR 47 Meadow mom 48 Pro bono ad: abbr.

49 Sign of a B’way smash 52 A way that people may see things (3wds.)

57 On cloud nine 59 Turner or lang 60 A way to engage in combat (3wds.)

62 It goes into an env.

63 Michelob___(Anheuser-Busch’s light beer offering 64 Downwind 65 ____out (manages) 66 Neuter or spay 67 Fortuneteller

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DOWN 1 Vaults 18 2 Letter-shaped constrution piece 22 (2 wds.)

25 3 Syrupy pie choice 27 4 Rms. in off. bldg. addresses 28 5 Trayvon Martin‘s garb, famously 29 6 Little toymaker 30 7 “___my wit’s end” (2wds.)

31 8 Art follower?

32 9 Frozen drink brand 10 Well known athletic products 33 symbol 34 11 One that’s above holiday 35 kissing?

39 12 This, to Jorge 13 Fencing item that is somewhat 40

61

pointless PC support staff Nervous twitches The D is FDR Balancing pro?

Casey of “Amer can Top 40” First-rate (2wds.)

Surgery ctrs.

Morales of “Jericho” “Show Boat” composer Jerome Poertry contest Car with a bar Insolent rudeness Ready for a change and about to take a powder Harrow or Eton: Abbr.

42 43 45 46 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 61

Vincent’s art-dealer brother Author Calvino Some sums Excise on certain out-of-state purchases (2 wds.)

No longer fresh Actress Zellweger More eccentric Gen. Robt. ___ of Civil War Fame Big jerk?

Israels’s Olmert Eli’s school Tolkien tree-men Triumphant cries Rapper Dr.____

See previous issue answers on page # 21 W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

27

Horoscope for AUG- SEP 19 LEO - VIRGO LEO A horoscope for Leo encompasses several sides to the same coin. These fierce people are confident, strong, and willing to do what it takes to get what they want. On the other hand, they can be quite dramatic, and frequently want to be in charge of the show. Let's take a look at both sides of the horoscope for Leo. The Strengths of Leo Many people are drawn to the horoscope personality for Leo because they are incredibly confident. Even when they're not the top in their field, you'd never know it from the way they act. They are not afraid to toot their own horn, and they would never understand why any obstacle should stand in their way.

They are very self-confident and believe in their ability to do anything.

28

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

This horoscope characteristic for Leo

ty for Leo of self-confidence, it is no

helps them to achieve huge goals.

surprise that they're also quite

They are very ambitious and will do

pretentious. They do believe they're

whatever it takes to meet and exceed

the best at pretty much everything,

their goals. If they've decided to

and they won't believe someone who

accomplish something in particular,

tries to tell them otherwise. They

then you'd better get out of their way

don't mean to be pretentious - they

because nothing is going to stop

think they are just stating the facts -

them. They are often very successful

but their self-confidence can often

business people and are often

become quite aggravating.

wealthy.

They believe that they know the best Another positive horoscope personali-

way to finish any task, and so they

ty for Leo is the fact that they spread

can be quite dominant and domineer-

that wealth around. They're generous

ing. They get along best with signs

to a fault and are always happy to

who are adaptable and go with the

share their riches with their friends

flow, because Leo needs to get their

and family. When you're on the

own way at all times.

receiving end of this generosity it can be quite nice, but there's often a

When they don't, you may see the

feeling that Leo is sharing their

horoscope characteristic for Leo of

wealth just to show it off.

melodrama. A small slight is often seen as a much bigger deal than it

The Weaknesses of Leo

actually is. They have a talent for

With the positive horoscope personali-

taking a tiny issue and blowing it way W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

out of proportion. What can get really

Virgo indeed, their helpfulness is an

aggravating is their inability to see that

indicator of their personality. Their

they're being unreasonable.

observant nature helps them see

They can be quite fussy and hard to

when someone needs help, and their

please, which can make them difficult

helpful nature ensures that they step

to get along with. They are often not

A horoscope for Virgo will always take

right in. For people in need, there may

great with other people's children, as

into account Virgo's analytical side.

be no better ally than Virgo.

they don't have the patience to deal

VIRGO

This is a sign that's always in their

heavily on faith.

with trying to guess at what the

head, and who thinks everything

Reliability is another good horoscope

problems of others are. If a Virgo

through precisely. They are keenly

personality for Virgo. When they say

doesn't get their way, there may be a

aware of the people and places

they're going to take care of

big price to pay.

around them, which can make them

something, you can count on them

both very observant and very skepti-

doing so. When they say they'll be

In fact, they are incredibly inflexible.

cal.

somewhere at a specific time, they

Certainly making snap decisions is

can be counted on to do that. They

not a horoscope characteristic for

The Strengths of Virgo

make excellent employees because

Virgo, but once they do make a

The biggest positive horoscope

they always submit their work on time

decision they are absolutely unwilling

personality for Virgo is their analytical

and they are very punctual people.

to change their mind. They can

nature. By observing those around

This is a sign that is trustworthy and

become quite aggravated if someone

them, they can begin to understand

dependable.

doesn't understand that their word

things that others won't notice. They

should go. If they are partnered with a

take the information they gather and

Weaknesses of Virgo

partner who is inflexible as well, then

think it over carefully. They consider a

Often the most noticeable negative

they'll frequently have lots of trouble at

problem from all sides and are willing

horoscope personality for Virgo is their

home as teach one tries to continually

to consider the points of view of

skepticism. They do consider things

get their way. While they will initially

virtually anyone.

from all sides, but they are not easily

consider every side of a situation,

convinced. They are skeptical of

once their mind is made up they have

They're also extremely helpful. A

anything until they have proof in their

no interest in considering the opinion

positive horoscope characteristic for

hands. This is not a sign that relies

of someone else.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

29

The Key Factors That Determine Digital Marketing As A Dynamic Tool Of E-Commerce Digital marketing as the word is ironic

current age of laptops and mobiles,

to have its synergies with the digital

but were not even present 30 years

world i.e. Media, and the internet.

back.

E-commerce can be termed as the

30

website and links. • SEM or Search engine Marketing: It is a medium that is used for marketing in

main, while Digital marketing as the

Various tools of digital marketing that

E-commerce, and SEO or Search

sub-class of e-commerce, has

are used currently are as follows;

engine optimization is a process or

immensely demonstrated how

• Search Engine Optimization: SEO or

sub-category of Search Engine

businesses has changed. The

search engine optimization is the

marketing. It is the marketing of

commerce industry is all concerned

achieving of E-marketing targets

internet websites, and is achieved

with trade and finance, while e-com-

through Key words optimization, in

through variables measures, mainly

merce is the use of internet for

the search engine. If for e.g. in case

is SEO, as optimization increases the

trading and finance. We, have already

we need our search results for a

website rank, and makes it higher. In

influenced many transformations in

specified key word, we need to

SEM we prioritize the websites, so

the e-commerce industry since its

optimize the search engine ratings so

that they can be utilized & effectively

advent from the Main Frame comput-

that our key word is in top 10 or top

according to how the client needs

ers. Online selling, marketing, trading

20 list. This target can only be

them.

and branding, and e-shopping are all

achieved through Search engine

examples of e-commerce activities,

optimization, and is a very technical

• Social Media Marketing: Social media

which looks very common in the

process that is used to promote

marketing is marketing of products

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

and services on the Social networking

started the most overwhelming

E-commerce is an absolute celebra-

websites e.g. Facebook, mySpace,

journeys i.e. E-Commerce and digital

tion in the hotel and tourism industry,

and Twitter. It not only targets your

marketing. Digital marketing tools are

as it is all on your fingertips. Its digital

friends in your listings, but it targets a

used every day to promote, advertise

marketing everywhere, as it is a

huge audience, as we can use

and market products and services.

sub-class of e-commerce, and there is

pictures, videos and other content to

There are so many factors & one of

nothing that can be achieved without

promote our services.

them is the use of online shopping

e-commerce. You simply can’t miss

without any hassles. Amazon.com is a

the digital world, and its overwhelming

• E-mail Marketing: E-mail marketing, is a

website that is used mostly for online

benefits. All businesses are online,

form of digital marketing, where

shopping, and its vast use worldwide,

and marketed heavily so that people

focused groups are given random

with various channels of distributions,

know that they are there to compete

emails for marketing purposes. These

is just one example of digital market-

with their most profound competitors.

emails are in form of campaigns,

ing as a tool of e-commerce. Other

offers and seminars information.

examples include selling websites of

Discussing e-commerce on a more

used products, like e-bay, and

practical platform, competitions have

Canada, a highly interactive environ-

Gumtree, no hassle of selling your

increased so much, that if you don’t

ment for the internet is a marketing

used cars, mobiles or laptops to any

identify your competitor’s, you won’t

hub for digital marketing. The use of

specified shop, when you can trade on

have any competitor’s strategy that is

World Wide Web is very effective in

your own terms and pricing. You don’t

critical in competing with you, or going

Canada, as there are no boundaries

have to be a pundit or a specialist to

global. Ecommerce is a highly global

in the modern digital age.

sell products online, you can easily do

phenomenon, and globalization goals

it, by posting pictures of your products

are a must while we go ahead in any

and getting profits as well.

industry.

The World Wide Web or the internet spread across like a web, and hence

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

31

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1 5 6

9

10

7

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O V E R 1 M I L L I O N S Q . F T.

8

3 4 11

A new destination for dining, shopping, and entertainment is coming soon to Pickering. DLIVE (Durham Live) will include a massive casino, hotel, film studio, theatre, waterpark, big box retail, luxury stores, golf course, performance hall, and gourmet dining.

1.

Casino and Five Star Hotel

2.

Restaurant Plaza

3.

Cinema Entertainment Complex

4.

Fitness Centre and Spa

5.

Waterpark & Waterpark Hotel

6.

Landmark Office Building

7.

Performing Arts Centre

8.

Convention Centre

9.

Amphitheatre

DURHAM’S NEXT BIG DE STINATION

10. Film Studio 11. Office Buildings

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TIMMINS PREVENTIVE EVACUATION PROCEDURES AND THE ROLE OF SENATOR HOTEL The procedures for an evacuation are

ty, and the Federal Govt. is working to

the kids and playing and other

extremely important to the residence

resolve this in a more sustainable

re-creational activities.

of any community. This happens

way so the residence of this communi-

when there is a risk to the community

ty does have to leave their homes, as

A huge credit goes to the emergency

with regards to a flood, fire, contami-

warnings rise on a yearly basis due

management services and the Met

nation, and many other harsh

to weather conditions.

Office as they have forecasted rise in

conditions. These conditions usually

water levels that might cause

occur if water levels rise due to heavy

The process was a success, and

flooding. The two firms involved are

rain falls, accumulated snow that

evacuees were provided with all the

INAC and Gervais Emergency

melts to quickly or forest fires that

facilities and other re-creational

Consulting. They are one of the best

cannot be controlled.

services that were mandatory in

consultancy firms working together

these efforts. The schoolwork

with the government for future

The Ministry monitor’s any area

continuity services were given to kids

damage control procedures. Rise in

where they feel the people could be

who are missing their school due to

water levels can be dangerous in

at risk of such conditions surrounding

the contingency process, all these

extreme weather, hence, all that

their community. The evacuation of

efforts are part of the Timmins Native

needs to be done to combat issues,

Kashechewan in 2019 was due to the

Friendship Center. A facility setup

and prevent any mega disturbances.

rising waters of the river. The City of

that will restore the life of the

As part of the flood management

Timmins was selected for its strong

residents with recreational and

procedures, all these efforts are

relationship with Indigenous communi-

educational activities e.g. teaching

made to reduce the associated risks

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

that can damage property, risk to life, and incur huge financial losses.

The awareness of Health & Safety procedures is an integral part of the flood management & evacuation process, especially during the preventive stages of an evacuation. Water-borne diseases are related to floods that could happen due to rise in water levels, these diseases in any case should be made aware of. The diseases are typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis & Hepatitis A, and people should have a know-how to tackle them.

ROLE OF THE SENATOR HOTEL: The Senator Hotel in association with the Federal Govt., has been playing a collaborative part in housing people and giving provisions of food and facilities. The Hotel has played its role by accommodating the evacuees and giving them the services in the hotel as they have worked in collaboration with INAC i.e. Indigenous & Northern Affairs, & private sector firm Gervais Emergency Consulting. They have also worked with the Canadian Red Cross to give support services to the evacuees on international grounds. It is indeed a big achievement for the Senator hotel, as they have been an example in making the sustainability efforts. The damage control priorities & services to evacuees has set benchmarks for the hotel & hospitality industry. The Senator Hotel Management also played a devastating role in providing their services to the evacuees and making them feel at ease.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

35

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W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

37

GREEN GROCER

SPUD is at the forefront of eco-friendly e-commerce — and it’s bringing other retailers along for the ride REBECCA HARRIS

Ask Peter Van Stolk why sustainability is so important to him

Today, Spud.ca brings fresh, organic, local produce and

and his first thought is his 25-year-old daughter. “We didn’t

groceries to customers throughout Metro Vancouver, Victoria,

inherit the earth from our parents, we are fostering the earth

Calgary and Edmonton. In 2015, SPUD branched out into

for our children,” says the reflective CEO of Vancouver-based

brick-and-mortar stores, opening its first Be Fresh Market in

SPUD (Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery Inc.).

Vancouver. The company now operates five Be Fresh Market and Café locations in the city. In 2017, SPUD acquired Blush

“It was recently announced that Canada is warming at twice

Lane Organic Market, which has five locations in Calgary and

the rate of the rest of the world. But it’s not about me. I’m 55

Edmonton. SPUD also has its own line of private-label

years old—I’ll be dead by the time climate change really

products under the Be Fresh label, which are made at its

makes an impact. Who it’s going to impact are my future

commissary in Vancouver.

grandchildren. So, it’s not about today, it’s about tomorrow, and we can make incredible changes and we can do incredi-

GREEN THROUGH AND THROUGH

ble things.”

A Certified B Corporation since 2013, one of SPUD’s key sustainability pillars is “buy with purpose.” For its online and

Founded as Small Potatoes Urban Delivery in 1997, the

brick-and-mortar stores, SPUD works with local vendors on

company got its start delivering local, organic groceries to

farms that respect sustainable farming practices and the

customers in the Vancouver area through Spud.ca. Van Stolk,

humane treatment of animals. The company supports

who founded Jones Soda in 1997 and left the business 10

“transitional” farms that start out as conventional and are in

years later, purchased SPUD in 2010. “I realized that the

the process of becoming certified organic. Van Stolk says

world doesn’t need another soda and I didn’t want to sell

certication is a lengthy, challenging process, so SPUD wants

sugar water,” he says. “One of the things about being an

to support the farmers on their journey, even though they’re

entrepreneur is you have to look at the trends—not things that

not yet 100% organic.

are happening today, but the trends that are coming tomorrow.”

SPUD is also hugely supportive of small, independent businesses. “Independent retailers and producers cannot

Van Stolk believed online grocery shopping was going to be

compete in an e-commerce environment because of all the

big; somewhat counter to the perception at the time that

technology and the cost associated with it,” says van Stolk.

people don’t want to buy food online. With SPUD’s focus on

“So, you have these massive companies getting bigger but

local, organic food, van Stolk liked what the company stood

you’re not supporting what’s really driving economic growth

for and saw an opportunity to take a deeper dive into sustaina-

for the community, which is independent and small.”

bility. When he became CEO, he changed the company name to Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery and developed a plan

To do its part, SPUD recently launched Be Fresh Market-

to grow the company and create sustainable food systems at

place, a digital platform for local food shops, artisanal brands

every stage of the business.

and small, independent grocers. Housed at Spud.ca, the marketplace allows local sellers to set up an online store,

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

much like an Etsy shop. Customers can shop the various

Keeping plastic out of the landfill is another priority for SPUD.

local stores as well as the Spud.ca offering for single online

In February, the company announced its ReFresh initiative

orders. The service is currently available in Calgary and

that will launch various programs related to packaging waste

Vancouver, and van Stolk plans to eventually expand it into

reduction. The first one is the “Pink Bag Takeback” program,

other markets.

which recycles single-use flexible plastic bags that aren’t accepted by city recycling programs. Customers are being

On the food waste front, SPUD is committed to reducing food

asked to give back their Be Fresh plastic pouches, which are

waste and its e-commerce business has just 0.5% food

used for items like dried fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds and

waste, thanks, in large part, to data and analytics. SPUD’s

granola. They can return them in their SPUD bin (which is

inventory technology allows for predictive ordering and better

picked up on the next delivery day), or return it to a Be Fresh

inventory control of its produce, which keeps waste to a

or Blush Lane location. SPUD is working with a specialized

minimum. “We’re not purchasing with the hope that somebody

recycling company that is upcycling Be Fresh bags into new

buys that product. We’re purchasing with the knowledge that

products such as outdoor furniture and paving stones.

somebody already wants that product,” says van Stolk.

“Fighting food waste is one of the benefits of shopping online with a company that has the data to predict and understand the inventory virtually.”

Aside from using data to reduce food waste, Spud.ca also sells “imperfect” or “ugly” produce, which often gets rejected by other retailers, and it donates food to organizations that help fight hunger. The company’s retail stores are also working to reduce food waste, and the Blush Lane location in Calgary is currently tracking its food waste through a pilot project with food waste prevention specialist Leanpath.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

39

Carefully Curated The newest McEwan location showcases the Toronto store’s chef-driven philosophy and dedication to high quality CAROL NESHEVICH

It’s 11:15 a.m. on a Friday in April, and the staff at the new

the perception is that you’re affordable, it’s a win-win for

McEwan Yonge & Bloor location in midtown Toronto are

them.”

setting out prepared foods ahead of the lunch rush. They’ve literally just placed the final dish on the hot table when a

The store is all about being “chef driven” and offering high

group of customers in their 20s swoop in and fill up their

quality, whether in its grocery offerings or prepared foods.

plates.

“Quality is No. 1,” says the elder McEwan. The selection of products and brands is “comprehensive, but it’s edited, so you

By noon, the hot table and salad bar have steady lineups,

don’t have big daunting aisles of grocery, which I’ve never

and the 70-seat eating area is packed with lunchtime diners

related to well. Put it this way: I don’t need 100 different olive

munching on everything from butter chicken to Roman-style

oils, but I do need 20 different olive oils,” he says. “It’s

pizza. Upbeat jazz music is playing over the speakers, and

carefully curated, and carefully priced. So when people look

there’s a lively vibe in the 17,000-sq-ft grocery store—the

at our grocery pricing, they say to me, ‘Wow, you’re surprising-

third location under the banner—which opened for business

ly fair’ … [that said], quality is the baseline. We don’t offer any

in January.

cheap, generic products.”

“Our lunch crowd is amazing, we’re very lucky to have that,”

A stroll through the aisles reveals packaged goods from

says the store’s general manager, Eric McEwan—son of

Canadian companies like The Little Potato Company,

celebrity chef Mark McEwan, head of The McEwan Group (a

Canards du Lac Brome, Chickapea, and Hippie Snacks; U.S.

food empire that includes the McEwan grocery stores, as well

brands such as La Tourangelle, Wolfgang Puck, and

as renowned high-end restaurants in and around Toronto

Lundberg Family Farms; and international brands including

including Bymark, One and Fabbrica).

Sharwood’s and Conservas de Cambados, to name a few.

The store also offers a range of McEwan-branded,

While lunch is currently the store’s busiest time, traffic is

house-made items including sauces, salad dressing, rubs

steady throughout the day. The store benefits from a high

and pre-packaged prepared meals—although care is taken

concentration of condos nearby—in fact, it occupies the

not to let McEwan-branded products overshadow the rest.

basement level of a 75-story tower that’s predominantly

“We don’t want to hide anyone’s brand behind ours,” says Eric

residential—as well as a number of office buildings in the

McEwan. “We want people to be proud of their brand being in

vicinity.

our store.”

“[At Yonge and Bloor] you have the residential crowd, the

Among the store’s impressive features: the aged meat locker,

nine-to-five crowd, the tourist crowd, and you just have very

where nearly everything—steaks, whole ribs, whole

busy sidewalks,” explains Mark McEwan. So far, the biggest

striploins—is aged from 50 to 60 days; an extensive cheese

customer demographic is professional millennials, he says:

selection featuring high-end local and international cheeses;

“Many of them are not cooking, but they like good food. So if

and a bakery section that showcases house-baked items as

you’re really fresh and you’re interesting and you’re tasty and

well as breads, sweets and pastries from artisanal bakeries

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

around the city.

and paneer masala to stir-fried mixed peppers, steamed asparagus and chili flake garlic orecchiette. There are four

There’s also a smoothie bar that offers eight smoothie options

soups offered daily, and a 45-ingredient salad bar. To allow

each day, and the popular Roman-style pizza outpost

customers the convenience to mix hot items and salads in

branded with the Fabbrica name (one of McEwan’s restau-

one container, everything on the hot counter and the salad

rants). “Our pizzas are all authentic Roman, with a 72-hour

bar is the same price by weight.

cure on the dough,” says Mark McEwan. And there’s a “gift” section featuring items such as Sugarfina candy from

There’s a panini station, as well as a carvery, which is next to

California, locally-made Mary Macleod shortbread, and

the freshly prepared sandwich station. The P.E.I. prime rib

Chapon chocolate from Paris.

from the carvery is a big favourite among regular customers, says Eric McEwan: “To be able to come and get hand-cut

The produce section has a focus on local wherever possible,

prime rib any day of the week, whether it be in a sandwich or

and aims to help make home cooking more convenient. “Not

to bring home, that has become one of our most popular

only do we have whole yams or whole butternut squashes,

items for sure.”

but we also have portions that are cut and cleaned and even cubed for you, so they’re ready to go,” says Eric McEwan.

“This is how we really gear ourselves toward the condo [dwellers].”

But it’s the HMR offerings that are “the heart of the store,” says Mark McEwan. The hot table typically features 20 to 25 items prepared by in-store chefs, ranging from chicken biryani

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

41

The Plant-Based Shift Among the many changes grocers have had to adapt to over the last decade, the shift to more plant-based eating Grocers have always faced change,

has become a go-to shopping tool,

America have successfully launched

and they’re becoming pretty nimble at

whether it’s just browsing for info or

plant-based burgers, with the 2018

grappling with it. Over the last 10

for actual purchases.

launch of A&W’s Beyond Meat

years, they’ve faced a barrage of

Burger garnering much attention

challenges that have tested even the

And who, 10 years ago, would have

across Canada. The burger was in

most adaptable of grocers. They’re

predicted the massive change we

such high demand that the chain sold

not only facing competition from other

have seen in eating habits? From the

out of the vegan patties within weeks

mainstream grocers— they’re also

rise in specialized diets and demand

of the initial launch last summer. And

duking it out with ethnic specialty

for more “free-from” products to the

it’s been such a success that A&W

stores, health food stores, drugstores

current plant-based eating boom,

has recently launched the Beyond

that sell groceries, mass merchandis-

there are foods showing up on

Meat Sausage & Egger on its

ers, warehouse clubs, convenience

grocery shelves that few would have

breakfast menu.

stores, and, of course, online

predicted a decade ago.

shopping.

42

And now, grocers across Canada are The plant-based trend, specifically, is

able to get in on the Beyond Meat

Ten years ago, few people would

on the rise wherever you look,

action, as the California-based

have anticipated the impact smart-

including, perhaps surprisingly, at

company’s wildly popular plant-based

phones would have on consumer

fast-food burger chains. Several

burgers become available in major

buying habits, yet the mobile phone

popular burger chains in North

grocery chains across the country

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

this spring.

“Flexitarian is very much an industry

more people choosing a vegan diet is

term. We rarely, if ever, hear consum-

linked to the strong economy, he

Popular introductions like this are all

ers describe themselves that way,” she

argued.

due to changing consumer

explains, in the April AdAge article,

demands—but it’s not just about strict

“How the rise of ‘exitarians’ is power-

Regardless of what’s driving the trend,

vegetarian or vegan diets; today’s

ing plant-based foods.”

navigating the growing interest in

consumer is more likely than ever to

plant-based foods is something all

follow the “ exitarian” path, which

Interestingly, while conversations

grocers must be on top of to stay

means focusing primarily on veggies

about food used to be more about

competitive. Once grocers learn to

and plant-based proteins, but still

flavours and traditions, now there

compete on plant-based foods, their

occasionally eating animal proteins.

seems to be more of a moral element

next challenge may be to face the rise

This shift is leading marketers to aim

to the way we discuss eating, wrote

of smartphone-based cashier-free

plant-based products at people who

Sylvain Charlebois, professor of food

stores already popping up. Just

might have a fully vegan dinner one

distribution and policy and senior

another challenge, in a decade full of

night, but a steak dinner the next. It’s

director of the Agri- Food Analytics

them.

one thing to cater to vegans, but a

Lab, in a Canadian Grocer blog last

totally different thing to cater to

summer. “Today, we talk more about

exitarians in the grocery aisles.

morals and values linked to how we consume food, simply because we

That said, brands and retailers should

can afford to do so,” he wrote. Indeed,

avoid the “exitarian” jargon, says

the economy is relatively healthy right

Laurie Demeritt, CEO of food culture

now and the unemployment rate is

consultancy the Hartman Group.

almost at an all-time low. The rise in

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

43

The fast and the fresh CAROLYN COOPER Toronto’s Josh Domingues is taking on the

and China,’” he says.

mounting food waste problem, one purchase at a time

grocers offering discounts on “When food gets thrown out it ends

perishable food with consumers

up in a landfill, it gets covered with

looking for ways to stretch their food

When Josh Domingues learned $31

garbage, and when it rots it doesn’t

dollars.

billion worth of food—35.5 million

have any oxygen, and produces

tonnes— is wasted in Canada each

methane gas,” explains Domingues.

“We’ve basically taken the discount

year, while more than 850,000

“It started me thinking about how

rack and put it on your phone,” says

Canadians rely on food banks and

much the average grocery store

Domingues, adding that the aim is to

one in eight families live with food

throws out, and I found that it’s

offer a triple-win situation for grocers,

insecurity, he knew he had to do

anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 in

consumers and the environment. “We

something.

food a day. That [wasted] food is

want to reduce food waste, so we

anywhere from two days to weeks

want to partner with grocers to help

before its sell-by date.”

them reduce their shrink while

Encouraged by his sister, a chef, to dig deeper into the issue of food

44

The free mobile app connects

providing consumers with significant

waste, Domingues uncovered more

All this would prompt Domingues—a

discounts on their food,” he says,

startling facts. “The statistic that really

former CHL hockey player who was

“and we want to do that with as many

changed my life was, ‘If international

working as a financial management

partners in as many countries as we

food waste were a country, it would

consultant for professional hockey

can.”

be the third-leading cause of green-

players at the time—to switch career

house gas emissions behind the U.S.

paths in 2016 and launch Flashfood.

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

Once consumers download the

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Flashfood app to their smartphone,

with grocers such as Longo’s and

retailers such as Hy-Vee and

they can browse participating grocers’

Farm Boy; while those didn’t all result

Target—he does see that changing. In

fresh food items (uploaded daily and

in long-term partnerships, the

February, for instance, Flashfood

usually discounted 30% to 50%),

company has received numerous

announced a partnership with Loblaw,

make the purchase online, and pick

accolades including Canadian

which included a rollout at 140 of

up their groceries in-store at a

Grocer’s Generation Next award,

Loblaw’s Maxi and Provigo stores in

Flashfood Zone refrigerator. The

which Domingues won in 2017.

Quebec. Flashfood also announced it

average online sale is $10 to $15,

had received an investment from U.S.

while shoppers typically spend one to

The founder admits there were

venture capital company General

two times that on other in-store goods.

hurdles to overcome. “Our biggest

Catalyst, allowing it to grow from eight

challenge initially was that some

to 21 employees and expand its

As of this spring, the Flashfood app

operators were looking at [Flashfood]

reach.

had been downloaded approximately

as a threat, because they thought that

80,000 times, and Domingues says

it would make it look like they weren’t

“We have an opportunity as a grocery

more than 75% of the groceries

ordering optimally and moving product

industry to be the leading country in

available on the app have been sold,

through efficiently,” he says. “But the

the world for dealing with food waste,”

diverting more than 50,000 pounds of

reality is that this is such a difficult

says Domingues. “We all have a

food from landfill. “We’ve given

problem that no matter how good your

responsibility to do better at solving

operators a simple opportunity to

ordering, shrink is always going to be

this problem.”

drive new customers in and make

an issue at grocery stores.”

more money, and we’re taking away the excuse for dumping tons of food

While Domingues believes the

every week,” he adds.

Canadian grocery industry has been slower to embrace digital technology

Since officially launching in 2017,

than in the United States—where

Flashfood has worked on pilot projects

Flashfood is currently doing trials with

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

45

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The Evolution of “HEALTHY” How consumers define healthy eating has changed, as personalized approaches to wellness become the norm

KATHY PERROTTA

The needs and desires that drive

would say disruptive—change across

and conditions. The view of what’s

Canadians’ food and beverage

a broad spectrum of the food and

good for us has evolved and expand-

choices continue to evolve and

beverage industry.

ed, from focusing solely on nutrient

expand. This shouldn’t be surprising,

intake to evaluating our choices more

given the constant change surround-

Given consumers’ prioritization of

holistically, based on a food’s literal

ing us in all aspects of life.

healthy eating, food and beverage

and symbolic freshness and

businesses will need to continue to

goodness.

Macro factors such as shifting

modernize and update their under-

demography, re-defining conveni-

standing of healthy eating to stay

Today, health is defined by an

ence, snacking and mini-mealing,

relevant and connected with their

intersection of macro needs such as

individualism and customization, the

customers.

nutrient intake, metabolic benefits

quest for new tastes and experienc-

and social needs, all in various forms

es, and information and technology

But what is healthy eating in 2019?

and combinations. I call it “stacking

advances, are all influencing consum-

The trend towards “health and

benefits.” They want it all, and are

ers’ choices.

wellness,” at least at a 20,000-foot

often unwilling to make compromis-

level, remains a rather nebulous term.

es.

Canadians’ pre-emptive approach to

Eating well often means different

health and wellness, however, has

things to different individuals and is

The wellness trend—fuelled by

precipitated considerable—some

based on their own personal needs

consumers’ insatiable desire for

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

47

knowledge, an ever-expanding array

ence;” “include more premium and

emerging macro and micro needs to

of health-focused food and beverage

high-quality items;” and “expand

meet their healthy eating ambitions.

products, and evolving purchase

healthy options.”

While meats are still Canadians’ main

channels—is also impacting consum-

source of protein, augmented by

er engagement. Ipsos five research

The increasing level of consumer

premium cuts and ethically-farmed

reveals the following:

engagement has opened up a variety

options, plant-based protein consump-

of micro spaces that provide unique

tion rates have continued to rise over

• More than 80% of adult consumers

opportunities for manufacturers,

the past three years. Almost half of

report they always, regularly or

retailers and foodservice operators to

consumers (45%) indicate they would

sometimes seek product information,

target their offers to specific needs.

choose a plant-based substitute over

revealing a new level of engagement

New niche spaces include: nutrient

a meat option, motivated by their

not seen even five years ago.

intake expansion (more good, less

desire to cut back on their weekly

• Over half of those same consumers

bad, more protein, less sugar and

meat intake for health-related

say their primary sources for seeking

carbohydrates); fresh focus (local,

reasons.

information are family, friends,

organic, seasonal); premium options

colleagues or selected social commu-

(high quality, real and less processed);

Given that health and wellness is such

nities when determining what to eat,

ingredient prioritization (minimum of

a priority for consumers today, and for

where to buy food or how to prepare it.

real food ingredients, transparency

the foreseeable future, approaching

They are opting to gather information

and noted benefits); personal perfor-

your customers with contemporary

via trusted sources rather than relying

mance needs (satiety, energy, mental

solutions that demonstrate an

on more traditional or institutional

focus, sleep); condition management

elevated understanding of individual

sources they may have relied on in

(diet restrictions, sensitivities and

wellness needs is the new “greens

the past.

conditions); and conscious consumer-

fee” for brands that would like to

• The majority of consumers report

ism (food lifecycle awareness).

position themselves as leaders—and

taking a break weekly from their own

48

winners—in the current healthy eating

eating repertoire to do the following:

The shift in the type of proteins

“expand my repertoire of choices;”

consumers are eating, for instance,

“get more taste variety and experi-

exemplifies how they’re balancing

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

arena.

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Snacks from the Sea Seafood-based munchies—particularly those with a focus on sustainability—are starting to make waves DILIA NARDUZZI

Canadians are hungry for snacks. According to the Ipsos

U.S.-based Fishpeople has a new Wild Alaskan Salmon Jerky

FIVE Canadian Snacking Nation 2018 report, a whopping

available in flavours such as Rainbow Peppercorn and Sweet

67% of food consumption now happens outside of the

+ Smoky, in addition to its more traditional seafood product

traditional three meals a day. And with the rise in snacking, of

lineup, says Ken Plasse, Fishpeople’s CEO.

course, comes an increased desire for variety in those snack foods.

“We created this unique jerky to bring the benefits of truly wild protein to the snack aisle,” says Plasse, noting the company’s

Jo-Ann McArthur, president of Nourish Food Marketing, says

typical consumer is the millennial who is concerned with

“protein is hot button” at the moment so there’s a rise in meat

health and wellness. And all of Fishpeople’s products are

snacks, in part, due to the “popularity of paleo, keto,

sustainably sourced and traceable, something more and

grain-free, and pegan (paleo plus vegan) diets.” And although

more consumers are looking for in their seafood-related

consumers have expressed a desire to eat more fish, many

products. “We source our fish from Marine Stewardship

Canadians avoid traditional seafood fillets because cooking

Council (MSC)-certified fisheries; our supply chain is transpar-

them can be intimidating, says McArthur: “It [fish] can be

ent and 100% North American, which means no mystery fish,

perfect one minute and rubber the next.”

guaranteed traceability back to the source, and more jobs in rural coastal communities.”

Put all of this together—a fear of ruining a good seafood dinner combined with the desire to eat more fish, a focus on

River Select, a Canadian company owned and operated by a

lean protein for sustained energy, and the predilection to

network of First Nations salmon fishing enterprises around

snacking—and the emerging trend of seafood snacks makes

British Columbia, is unique because its products come from

complete sense.

B.C.’s First Nations river fisheries instead of the ocean, says business manager Dave Moore. Once salmon enters the

For several years, there have been products such as

rivers, their attributes change, he says—the colours of the

mini-canned tuna snack packs in a variety of flavours (spiced

fish change, becoming less oily and not as dense. “It

sriracha, sundried tomato, dill), popcorn shrimp, and

becomes really hard to market a fish like that as a frozen,

seaweed-based snacks. But now, there’s an expansion in

vacuum-packed fillet.” So, River Select redirects those salmon

seafood snack offerings. While beef jerky and other

that don’t fit the fillet category toward their snack line.

meat-based snacks have been booming in recent years, consumers can now choose fish jerkies, for instance. Popular

The company offers a locally and sustainably produced Wild

meat snack company Epic Provisions now offers dehydrated

Salmon Jerky, as well as candied pink and sockeye

fish snacks such as Smoked Salmon Maple Fillet Strips and

salmon—their biggest seller—which is sold in the frozen aisle

Maple Glazed & Smoked Salmon Bites. Meanwhile,

(presently only in local B.C. stores; River Select is currently

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

51

looking for Canada-wide retailers to distribute its snack

To make the most of the seafood snack upswing, retailers

products). QR codes on the products provide consumers with

should consider adding more products like these to their

a guarantee of origin and information about specific fishery

assortment and once they do, inform customers of these

locations.

items through promotions and sampling. While Whole Foods Market’s trends list for 2019 included “Marine Munchies,” the

What Fishpeople and River Select are doing with their

majority of Canadian retailers contacted for this story said

labelling and sustainability isn’t necessarily market standard

they don’t yet carry many seafood snack offerings. “We do

for seafood products in Canada yet, but today’s consumers

sell some salmon jerky, but it’s not a great seller at this point

definitely want to know where their food is coming from, says

in time and not something our customers are asking for,”

Moore. This is especially true when it comes to fish because

admitted Christy McMullen, co-owner of Toronto’s Summerhill

it is “the most globally traded commodity there is” and not as

Market, although she did say she planned to explore the

easily traceable as chicken or beef, says Liane Veitch,

trend further. It’s a trend at the beginning of its life that could

Seafood Supply Chain Analyst at SeaChoice, a Canadian

grow rapidly—as soon as your customers know it’s an option.

seafood sustainability watchdog organization.

Other new and interesting entrants gaining attention in the seafood snacks category include SeaChips, a U.K.-based company that’s been getting tons of press for its innovative salmon skin crisps—crunchy chips made from a part of the fish often thrown away during processing—and plant-based kelp jerky from U.S.-based Akua, popular with vegans.

52

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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5 Great Entrepreneurial Success Stories Steve Tobak It never ceases to amaze how much

probably never heard, about compa-

The John Ferolito and Don Vultaggio way

time people waste searching endless-

nies you have most definitely heard

Back in the 70s, a couple of Brooklyn

ly for magic shortcuts to entrepreneur-

of.

friends started a beer distributor out

ial success and fulfillment when the

of the back of an old VW bus. Two

only real path is staring them right in

The Pierre Omidyar way

decades later, after seeing how well

the face.

In 1995, a computer programmer

Snapple was doing they decided to

started auctioning off stuff on his

try their hand at soft drinks and

Yes, it is a lot of work. Besides, look

personal website. AuctionWeb, as it

launched Arizona Green Tea. Today,

on the bright side: You get to do what

was then known, was really just a

Arizona teas are number 1 in

you want and you get to do it your

personal project, but, when the

America and distributed worldwide.

way. There’s just one catch. You’ve

amount of web traffic made it

The friends still own the company.

got to start somewhere. Ideas and

necessary to upgrade to a business

opportunities don’t just materialize

Internet account, Omidyar had to

The Matt Maloney and Mike Evans way

out of thin air.

start charging people fees. He

When a couple of Chicago software

actually hired his first employee to

developers working on lookup

If you want to do entrepreneurship

handle all the payment checks. The

searches for apartments.com got sick

right, here are five stories you’ve

site is now known as eBay.

of calling restaurants in search of

54

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

takeout food for dinner, the light bulb went off: Why isn’t there a one-stop shop for food delivery? That’s when the pair decided to start GrubHub, which went public and is now valued at more than $3 billion.

The Howard Schultz way A trip to Milan gave a young marketer working for a Seattle coffee bean roaster an idea for upscale espresso cafes like they have all over Italy. His employer had no interest in owning coffee shops but agreed to finance Schultz’s endeavor. They even sold him their brand name, Starbucks.

The Konosuke Matsushita way In Japan in 1917, a 23-year-old apprentice at the Osaka Electric Light Company with no formal education came up with an improved light socket. His boss wasn’t interested so young Matsushita started making samples in his basement. He later expanded with battery-powered bicycle lamps and other electronic products. Matsushita Electric, as it was known until 2008 when the company officially changed its name to Panasonic, is now worth $66 billion.

The world is full of infinite opportunities, but your life and career are finite, meaning you have limited time to find what you’re searching for and make your mark on the world. This is your time. Find something you like to do and just do it. That’s how real entrepreneurs always start.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

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Pizza Nova

An Iconic Canadian Brand

opportunity to immigrants to start a business.

Even though the brand has seen considerable success for more than five decades, it continues to evolve to adapt to the market. “We are conscious of people’s dietary requirements,” says Primucci. “For example, we’ve had gluten-free options for a number of years. We also have non-dairy cheese, so that helps people that are lactose intolerant and vegan.”

Another example is pepperoni, Pizza Nova’s most popular topping. “We were the first and only pizza place to introduce pepperoni to be made without the use of antibiotics and hormones,” Primucci says. We are still the only company chain-wide to do this in the pizza industry. He goes on to explain that at Pizza Nova, they don’t look at trends, instead, they look at big shifts in the marketplace. “A trend comes and goes but shifts in the market are going to take you to the next stage,” he conveys.

For many Canadians, “Four-three-nine-oh-oh-oh-oh Pizza Nova!” is an iconic jingle they know by heart. Beyond the

Finding the right franchisee

catchy marketing, Pizza Nova is a successful and growing

To ensure that franchisees are successful, Pizza Nova offers

franchise system with 154 locations across Southern Ontario.

comprehensive support that “starts from the minute they are

It got its start 55 years ago, in 1963, with a single location in

awarded a franchise,” describes Primucci. The length of

Toronto. “My father and his brothers were the founders of the

training depends on the person’s skill level and experience.

company. It was founded on the principle of serving a great

For example, if a franchisee has a background working at a

quality pizza to Canadians and Torontonians,” says Domenic

Pizza Nova location, their training may not be as long as

Primucci president of Pizza Nova.

someone new to the brand. “If a person comes in very green and has never worked in a location and have never stretched

The original location was in Scarborough, which was more of

a pizza, now their training may take two months,” Primucci

a remote area at the time, but had the benefit of being close

outlines.

to up-and-coming neighbourhoods. It wasn’t long after the first store opened and had begun to thrive that the brand

At Pizza Nova, district managers are responsible for support-

started to franchise other locations.

ing a number of stores within a certain area. They visit stores and are available to answer all of the franchisee’s questions.

When Pizza Nova first started to franchise, existing employ-

”If a franchisee wants some help with marketing, then we will

ees began to express interest in opening a Pizza Nova of

help with marketing. If it’s training on how to make the

their own. They liked what they saw at the original location

product. We will do that,” Primucci says. Typically franchisees

and wanted to get into business with them as well, describes

reach out to their district managers for help, although,

Primucci. He adds that a lot of these inquiries were coming

explains Primucci, they can get help from anyone on the

from new Canadians. The franchising model gave the

Pizza Nova team. “If they want to call the marketing depart-

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

57

ment they can pick up the phone and call the marketing

decide where to place job ads. In the end, the franchisee is

department. If they want to pick up the phone and call me,

not on their own, “We will help them to overcome those

they can call me as well.” Another avenue of support is the

challenges together,” asserts Primucci.

other franchisees: “A lot of them know each other so they help each other out and support each other as well,” says

Other challenges may involve finding new locations or just the

Primucci.

day-to-day issues that may arise with restaurant ownership.

However, according to Primucci, “As long as we have our

Additionally, the franchisor holds three or four business

vision of our company and all franchise units are consistent,

meetings, along with two to three hands-on training

you overcome those daily challenges.”

workshops for franchisees. “We are constantly in contact with them and constantly supporting them,” says Primucci. “It’s

As for the benefits of joining the Pizza Nova team, Primucci

important as the franchisor that they are successful; we will

says that you become part of a premium brand. “We’re going

exhaust all avenues to make sure that they are successful.”

to deliver the best quality product, the best quality customer experience and you have a hands-on approach at the

The life of a Pizza Nova franchisee, just like in any business,

support office level,” he says. “We aren’t interested in building

is not without its challenges. One of those challenges is

30 stores to build 30 stores. If I only build five stores then I’m

staffing, an industry-wide issue for franchises operating within

happy building five stores because I want them to be success-

the food services sector. “As the franchisor, we have to help

ful. I’m not here to make money on a store opening. I’m here

them and we have to guide them,” says Primucci. For

to offer an opportunity for longevity within a brand.

example, Pizza Nova will provide guidance throughout the recruitment process, from sharing interview questions to help franchisees hire the best staff to helping the franchisee

58

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Walmart introduces new Supercentre concept store in Toronto Chris Powell Stockyards location employs the retailer’s new “fast lane” checkout technology

business.

Once shoppers indicate they have finished shopping, the app provides a

The My Walmart app also enables

Walmart Canada this week unveiled

barcode they scan in order to

shoppers to load in coupons that

the latest evolution in its 13-year-old

checkout, with payment processed

automatically apply a discount when

Supercentre format, a state-of-the-art

through a card on file. The Fast Lane

shoppers scan the product.

“Urban Supercentre” that blends its

system is currently being used in four

e-commerce and bricks-and-mortar

GTA-area stores (Toronto, Thornhill,

The 139,000 square-foot store also

business to create what president

Markham and Aurora).

offers portable charging units that

and CEO Lee Tappenden described

customers can use to keep their

as a “seamless” shopping experi-

Tappenden said customer adoption

phone charged as they shop, as well

ence.

of the Fast Lane has been twice as

as a patent-pending addition to its

expected, which he attributed to a

shopping cart—an exterior hook to

The newly-renovated Toronto

combination of ease-of-use (“you can

ensure shopping bags remain open.

Stockyards location, one of 135

literally use the most basic elements

Walmart Supercentres in Ontario,

of a smartphone,” he says), as well

There is also a newly-expanded

features the retail giant’s “Fast Lane”

as the novelty factor and the time-sav-

produce department (rechristened

checkout technology—which enables

ings. It is not negatively impacting

“Fresh Market”) boasting improved

customers to use their My Walmart

staff size, he said, since many

lighting and what the company

app to scan products as they shop,

employers are being reallocated to

described as more “natural” finishes.

bypassing the traditional checkout

other areas of its business, such as

process.

grocery pickers for its growing online

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

In addition to higher ceilings and

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

59

improved lighting, the most notable change is a reduction in the height of the shelving, from 78 inches to 60 inches—significantly improving sightlines between the various departments while also making the store feel airier and brighter.

Paula Bonner, Walmart’s senior vice-president of format development, said the new concept had been built with urban millennial families in mind. The revamped store also further enhances the company’s new licensee strategy with several “store-within-a-store” offerings, including UPS and The Party Shop. It also houses a dedicated Walmart.ca section that will serve as a seasonal “pop-up shop” for its online vendors.

While the continued rise of e-commerce has been blamed for the so-called “retail apocalypse” among traditional retailers, Tappenden said Walmart’s bricks-and-mortar locations would continue to play a “very important” role in the company’s future, declaring its 408-store network a “massive competitive advantage.”

Walmart expects to spend approximately $200 million on store remodels this year, pushing its total investment in Canada over the past five years to $1 billion. “Looking back over the last few years, we are really on a journey around remodelling,” says Tappenden.

The store also boasts a dedicated pickup area for its click-and-collect shoppers, which Tappenden described as a “large play” for the company.

“Increasingly we’re seeing that the pickup experience is resonating with customers,” he told Canadian Grcoer. “We have a very aggressive rollout plan for more stores and grocery pickup this year and going into next year. Wherever we can, we’re accelerating that rollout.”

60

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

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61

Sugar tax is out, front-of-pack labels on the table THE CANADIAN PRESS Health Canada is suggesting "high in" labels

Meanwhile, participants who looked

The study comes as the federal

be prominently placed on products

at products with nutrition labels on

health minister said on Tuesday that

the front bought items that had 20%

Ottawa would not place a tax on

Prominent nutrition labels and taxes

less sugar than those who didn’t look

sugary drinks. Health Minister Ginette

on sugary products can help consum-

at nutrition labels at all.

Petitpas Taylor said such a tax wasn’t

ers opt for healthier options, research-

a priority and pointed to other

ers said Wednesday–a day after the

“Most of us are trying to eat healthier,

measures the government has

federal government ruled out

most of us like to save money, these

worked on, including an updated food

imposing a tax on sugary drinks.

are ways to give people extra

guide.

incentive to do that,” said David The years-long study from research-

Hammond, a public health professor

She did say, however, that the

ers at the University of Waterloo

and lead author of the study

government would focus on the issue

looked at the buying behaviour of

published this month in the Interna-

of “front-of-pack labelling.”

more than 3,500 people when it

tional Journal of Behavioural Nutrition

came to drinks and snacks.

and Physical Activity.

It found that a 20% tax on high-sugar

“People shift towards products like

drinks, looking in particular at what’s

products led to participants buying

water, shift towards unflavoured milk,

known as “high in” labelling–as in

food and drinks with 20% less sugar

shift away from high sugary foods to

“high in sugar,” or “high in sodium,”

and 20% fewer calories.

less sugary foods.”

which would feature prominently on

Health Canada is proposing mandatory labelling on the front of food and

the product.

62

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

shoppers’ behaviour, Hammond said.

The ideas are part of the govern-

“Most consumers want to do that, but

On the control boards, for example, a

ment’s work to tackle a growing weight

there’s a lot of confusion about fruit

regular Coca-Cola would be the same

problem in the country. In 2017, 64%

drinks, and things like granola bars

price as a Diet Coke, as it is in the

of Canadian adults were overweight or

and yogurt, it makes it easier for

real world. In other instances, the

obese, up from 49% in 1979, accord-

Canadians to go, ‘Ok, that one’s a bit

Coca Cola would be priced 20%

ing to data from the Public Health

better for me, I’ll go for that one.'”

higher than Diet Coke.

Hammond said his research saw a

In the labelling tests, the researchers

Being overweight or obese is one of

team, lead by PhD student Rachel

used various approaches found

the top preventable risk factors for

Acton, roam many malls in Toronto,

throughout the world, including the

many chronic diseases including, Type

Waterloo and Kitchener, asking

“high in” model used in Chile that

2 Diabetes, heart disease and some

shoppers to participate.

Health Canada is examining.

Agency of Canada.

cancers, the agency said.

The researchers had a big poster with

Taxes and labelling have changed

Hammond, who lamented the

various products on it, displayed as

consumer and industry behaviour in

government’s refusal to tax sugary

they might look in a vending machine.

both Chile and the United Kingdom,

drinks, said prominent labelling and

Each participant, aged 13 or older,

which taxes drinks based on its sugar

taxes on such products are key

would be given $5 and told to pick a

content and has a voluntary labelling

measures that are needed.

drink, for example. Participants would

program, Hammond said.

pick one, use the money and receive “They don’t solve obesity, but boy they

change. They’d keep the product and

“Research on labelling shows

have a pretty decent impact in terms

the change.

consumers do shift and it incentivises

of helping people to shift away from

the industry,” he said. “In both the U.K.

products that are less healthy,” he

The posters would be set up in a

and Chile the industry went and

said.

variety of ways to figure out the

reduced sugar levels.”

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

63

Under-40 diners driving restaurant sales to record levels, reaching nearly $90 billion in 2018 Foodservice is now the fastest growing sector in the country, according to new Foodservice Facts report from Restaurants Canada

We have millennials to thank for the increasing focus on sustainability in the foodservice industry. Their preference to do business with companies that prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility extends to their dining

Canadians under 40 are taking the biggest bite out of the

habits — and restaurants are responding to this demand.

country’s restaurant business while showing an appetite for environmentally sustainable operations and menu options.

Eight out of 10 foodservice business operators across

Plant-based protein, sustainable seafood and locally sourced

Canada now say environmental sustainability is important to

food are in demand, while plastic straws continue to

their success and 72 per cent say they have made changes to

disappear, according to the 2019 Foodservice Facts report

their business operations to become more sustainable.

just released by Restaurants Canada.

Nine out of 10 say they plan to continue or improve on their The report credits millennials (27-42 years old) and genera-

current level of environmentally sustainable operations over

tion Z (19-26 years old) with helping to grow foodservice

the next three years. Currently:

sales by 5.1 per cent in 2018, driving sales to nearly $90

• 98 per cent recycle.

billion. This marks five consecutive years of growth exceeding

• 93 per cent use energy or water-saving equipment.

5 per cent, which makes Canada’s foodservice industry the

• 77 per cent track, compost, or donate leftover food.

country’s fastest-growing sector over the past decade.

“Finding ways to operate more sustainably is simply part of

The newly released report reveals:

doing business in restaurants today,” said Shanna Munro,

• 79 per cent of gen-Z consumers and 71 per cent of millenni-

President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. “Though chang-

als order food or beverages from a restaurant at least once a

es often take some upfront investment, many are seeing the

week or more.

benefits not only for the planet, but for their bottom line.”

• Consumers under 30 years old spend 44 per cent of their food dollar on food and alcohol from restaurants, compared to

According to the 2019 Foodservice Facts report from Restau-

35 per cent for those between the ages of 30 and 39, and just

rants Canada, 70 per cent of restaurant operators say they

27 per cent for those 65 and older.

have made changes to their menu/selection of items. Growing appetites for plant-based dining have been a significant

“The days when targeting a baby boomer was a can’t miss

reason for this.

strategy is over. Those under 40 are now driving the industry,” said Chris Elliott, Senior Economist at Restaurants Canada.

“Whether they are looking for environmentally sustainable alternatives, tech friendly options or more diverse menu offerings, it’s vital for restaurant operators to adapt to their changing customer base in order to appeal to new guests and maintain brand loyalty.”

Millennials have a taste for sustainability

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MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

With Canadian consumers indicating shifts in protein consumption (vegan and vegetarian meat alternatives showing the highest growth), plant-based options appear here to stay as more diners make the switch to “do their part” for the environment.

Demand for delivery With the rise in food delivery skyrocketing in 2018, consumers W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

have no shortage of options when ordering in; everything

Industry challenges

from their favourite local restaurant to major franchise chains

Despite industry growth, foodservice operators are struggling

and even fine dining is on the table when it comes to delivery

in some areas:

today.

• Labour costs, as well as recruiting and retaining employees, are the top two challenges currently facing foodservice

The impact of the demand for delivery is mostly being felt in

operators.

densely populated cities where foodservice is more economi-

• Higher minimum wages, food costs and increasing labour

cally viable. Foodservice orders made online, through

shortages have resulted in higher operating costs, contribut-

websites and mobile apps, totaled more than $4.3 billion in

ing to a 4.2 per cent increase in menu prices at restaurants

2018 (a 44 per cent increase from 2017) and can be broken

across the country.

down into the following categories:

• A slowdown in average annual foodservice sales growth is

• Quick-service restaurant delivery sales increased by 49 per

expected, given rising household debt and slower job

cent.

creation.

• Full-service restaurant delivery sales increased by 54 per

• Commercial foodservice sales in Canada are predicted to

cent.

decelerate to an average of 4 per cent growth per year between 2020 and 2023.

“As generation Z and millennials look for convenience, eating out or ordering in is appealing as a time-friendly alternative to

Additional highlights

cooking,” said Elliott. “We expect to see these generations

• In recent years, the share of alcohol purchased at drinking

looking to order food at lower price points, and while health is

places by those between the legal drinking age and 24 years

important, many want to indulge a little too.”

old has dropped from 27 per cent in 2013 to 13 per cent in 2018.

Beyond delivery tech, millennials and gen-Z customers prefer

• Retail foodservice (prepared meals in department stores,

restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi access and online reserva-

convenience stores and grocery stores) remains the

tions. They also like to use social media platforms, such as

fastest-growing foodservice segment in Canada, with

Instagram and Snapchat, to interact with establishments,

projected annual sales increasing by 6.2 per cent to $2.9

leave reviews, follow activity and tag photos. In order to

billion in 2019.

attract this key customer base, restaurants should adapt their

• Canada’s foodservice industry is forecast to surpass $100

digital marketing and advertising strategies to keep custom-

billion in annual sales in 2021.

ers hungry for more.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

65

Ending the plastic age

Grocers are big contributors of plastic waste, but efforts are underway to curb it CHRIS POWELL

It doesn’t matter if it’s a small independent or a major banner,

program’s first six months, leading it to extend the program for

a neighbourhood market or a sprawling supercentre—sin-

another half-year.

gle-use plastic products are ubiquitous in the modern grocery shopping experience.

Similar initiatives are underway in Canada. Last month, Metro announced it would allow customers at its Quebec stores to

From the flimsy clear bags that hold our apples to the plastic

use refillable containers at its deli, ready-to-eat meals,

containers for everything from shampoo to ketchup, to the

fish/seafood and pastry counters, part of a company-wide

plastic bags we use to carry purchases home, grocery stores

effort to reduce plastic waste.

are a big contributor to the plastic waste that fills our oceans and landfills.

Walmart Canada, too, has pledged to reduce plastic waste through a new charter introduced earlier this year that

Sylvain Charlebois, professor of food distribution and policy

includes reducing plastic bags by 50% by 2025 (a move that

and senior director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhou-

would take approximately one billion bags out of circulation);

sie University, says plastics have become “enemy No. 1” in

eliminating single-use plastic straws; and achieving 100%

recent years, and grocers are struggling to find quick fixes to

recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging for all of its

the problem.

private-label products by 2025.

The good news is the grocery industry has begun rolling out

Ted Ferguson, president of the consultancy Delphi Group,

programs specifically intended to curb plastic waste:

says Canadian grocers have been “very progressive” in their attempts to curb plastic waste, which has led to changes in

• Last year, U.S. grocery chain Kroger announced plans to

customer behaviour. He points to the growing use of reusable

phase out single-use plastic bags by 2020. The country’s

shopping bags as one example. “It’s really changed

largest grocery chain is said to hand out as many as 100

something that was a huge convenience,” says Ferguson. “We

billion plastic bags each year.

have proven that retailers can take a leadership role and

• The U.K. chain Morrisons has banned single-use plastic

change behaviour without alienating their customers.”

bags and allows customers to bring reusable containers for meat and fish.

But despite their efforts, Ferguson says grocers are still at the

• Trader Joe’s is attempting to eliminate one million pounds

mercy of suppliers when it comes to the abundance of

of plastic waste from its network of stores by eliminating

single-use plastics. “It’s going to get more complicated for

single-use plastic bags, reducing the amount of produce sold

retailers to go to the next level, because it’s going to require

in plastic packaging, and replacing single-use Styrofoam

collaboration with the companies they’re selling the products

packaging with recyclable packaging.

for,” he says. “It’s out of their control in some sense, but

• Iceland, a U.K. chain, is giving customers a voucher (worth

they’re selling the product, so they have to assume some

about 18 cents) for each plastic bottle deposited in one of its

responsibility.”

reverse vending machines. According to reports, about 310,000 bottles were deposited at four stores in the

66

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

Some big manufacturers are tackling the problem head-on.

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Earlier this year, companies including P&G and Unilever

Toronto, says her stores are currently tackling the “low-hang-

announced they had joined a new e-commerce program

ing fruit” when it comes to single-use plastics, such as

developed by recycling leader TerraCycle called Loop, where

phasing out clear plastic bags in the produce department.

customers receive products such as ice cream, mayonnaise, laundry detergent and shampoo in reusable containers.

One of the bigger challenges, she says, is addressing

Introducing the program, Unilever described it as a 21st-cen-

single-use plastic in its growing grab-and-go business. The

tury reboot of the 1950s milk man.

Big Carrot has incorporated both recycled plastic and a compostable material called PLA in its grab-and-go contain-

Smaller chains such as Organic Garage are also working to

ers.

reduce single-use plastics. President Matt Lurie says the company has eliminated all bagged apples with the exception

Consumer awareness of plastic waste has also led to a

of royal gala, as well as a long list of bagged produce items

recent rise in zero-waste stores, but Dobec says it’s difficult

including lemons, oranges, clementines, garlic and ginger.

for established entities like The Big Carrot to completely change the way they operate. The Big Carrot tried to

The chain has also stopped putting celery in plastic bags,

implement a strict no-bag policy, for example, but discovered

and is considering discontinuing grape tomatoes in clam-shell

the move was “too much of a leap” for many customers.

containers, instead selling them loose. “The changes we have made are definitely more proactive,” says Lurie, “because we

Charlebois says real change will require customers to

believe in our role as environmental leaders and will continue

sacrifice some of the convenience afforded by single-use

to demonstrate to our customers the highest regard for

plastic products. “We have been spoiled by convenience for

sustainability.”

many years, and only time will tell if many of us are willing to let go of our quest for the easy fixes plastics provide,” he

Sarah Dobec, marketing manager for The Big Carrot in

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

says.

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

67

CFIG, RCC react to Doug Ford’s beer plan Two industry groups favour opening up beer sales in the province to include corner stores and more grocery stores The Ontario government is pushing

before the Legislature breaks for the

The Beer Store, however, suggested

forward with legislation to end the

summer, however it would require

it was not willing to accept voiding

near monopoly on beer and alcohol

tearing up a 10-year agreement with

any financial claims, saying it will fight

sales in the province and allow more

The Beer Store—controlled by

the legislation through the courts.

sales in grocery stores.

Molson Coors, Labatt and

The proposed legislation was introduced

Sleeman—to sell most of the beer in

“The government cannot extinguish

the province.

our right to damages as outlined in

along with the release of a report on

68

DAVID BROWN

the Master Framework Agreement,”

alcohol sales in Ontario by Ken

“The province’s current beer distribu-

president Ted Moroz said in a

Hughes, Ontario’s special advisor for

tion system is owned by three global

statement.

the beverage alcohol review.

giants who were handed a sweetheart deal by the previous govern-

“It is critical to understand that The

If the legislation is passed it will

ment, and who are more interested in

Beer Store has, in good faith, based

expand alcohol sales to “corner,

protecting profits than providing

on a legally negotiated 10-year

big-box, and more grocery stores,”

convenience or choice for average

operating agreement with the

across the province.

people,” said Fedeli. Scrapping the

province of Ontario, invested more

deal could trigger steep financial

than $100 million to modernize its

Minister of Finance Vic Fedeli said he

penalties, but the legislation contains

stores and to continue to upgrade the

expected the legislation to be passed

provisions to nullify any such costs.

consumer experience.”

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

The Beer Store’s lawyers sent a letter

tion on alcohol is a win for consumers

bidding for selling rights but at

to the attorney general, saying they

and a win for Ontario’s economy,” said

“unsustainable margins,” he said.

reserve the right to start litigation

Karl Littler, RCC’s senior vice-presi-

challenging the bill and seeking

dent of government relations.

However while the CFIG supports the

compensation.

direction of the government, it has The previous provincial government

one important caveat: “We strongly

Meanwhile, two leading retail and

made some steps to expand grocery

argued there has to be minimum

grocery groups have expressed clear

and beer sales in grocery stores. But

pricing in effect,” said Sands. The

support for the government.

that system favoured big chains who

CFIG is worried that if there is no

could outbid smaller and independent

pricing floor, the big chains will once

The Retail Council of Canada said it

grocers, according to the Canadian

again have a significant advantage.

“couldn’t agree more” with the

Federation of Independent Grocers.

“The chains will blow the independ-

recommendations from the report the

“We didn’t support the previous

ents out of the water in terms of

government is using to back its

government system because it

pricing,” said Sands.

legislation. “RCC applauds the

resulted in winners and losers,” said

recommendations, it highlights that

Gary Sands, CFIG’s senior vice-presi-

While the specifics of the new rules

Ontario should end the anti-competi-

dent, public policy and advocacy. “If

are still to be determined, the report

tive practice of having a fixed, uniform

you are an independent in a market

called for pricing minimums though

retail price,” reads a RCC statement.

close to one or two chains and they

the recommendation was made to

“We support today’s report by Ken

get a licence and you don’t that puts

“ensure that beverage alcohol is sold

Hughes, which, if implemented, would

you at a disadvantage.”

in a socially responsible manner.”

see the market deregulated. Any decision that offers further deregula-

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

Some independent grocers were

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

69

CANADIAN EDIBLES, TOPICAL MARKETS WORTH $2.7B: DELOITTE Food and beverage companies are gearing up for next-generation cannabis products to become legal

THE CANADIAN PRESS

The Canadian market for next-generation cannabis products

Neal Brothers moves into edibles market

is worth an estimated $2.7 billion annually, with edibles

The federal government wrapped up its consultation on the

contributing more than half, according to a new report from

draft edible rules in February, and has said the regulations

Deloitte.

must be brought into force no later than Oct. 17, 2019.

This spending once the final edible pot regulations roll out in

Deloitte estimates that roughly $1.6 billion will be spent on

the coming months is expected to be on top of the roughly

edibles in Canada, followed by cannabis-infused beverages at

$6-billion estimated domestic market for recreational and

$529 million and topicals at $174 million. Spending on

medical cannabis, the consultancy said Monday.

concentrates is expected to hit $140 million, followed by tinctures at $116 million and capsules at $114 million.

Consumers are looking to snap up these new pot products in been buying from legal retailers since legalization last fall, a

Canadians have become less enthusiastic about edibles: Survey

recent survey of 2,000 Canadians conducted by Deloitte

Roughly half of likely edible users surveyed by Deloitte say

suggests.

they plan to consume gummy bears, cookies, brownies or

addition to the dried flower, oils, plants and seeds they have

chocolate at least every three months.

The first wave of legalization last October was quite limited in terms of product range and the type of consumer, said

The global market for alternative cannabis products is

Jennifer Lee, Deloitte Canada’s cannabis national leader.

expected to nearly double over the next five years, the consultancy added.

“When we legalize in October again for edibles, we are in a world where the formats and the assortment is much broad-

Lee doesn’t expect these new products to eat into revenues

er,” she said. “The use cases are much broader.”

from existing categories in Canada, at least in the early days.

Canada is gearing up to legalize cannabis-infused foods,

“Over time, in the long term, you may,” she said. “But right

beverages, topicals and other next-generation products in the

now, there’s too much demand in the market and there’s not

coming months, once Ottawa rolls out the final regulations.

enough product.”

Cannabis: the next frontier in food innovation?

Legal pot retailers, both government and privately owned,

Pot companies, as well as food and beverage makers, have

have been contending with a shortage of cannabis since

been preparing to roll out their own pot-infused products

legalization last October, but have said the situation has

which they anticipate will appeal to a broader audience–par-

improved in recent months.

ticularly those who aren’t interested in smoking weed.

70

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

For example, the Alberta government lifted its moratorium on

… On a limited wallet, there are going to be tradeoffs,” Lee

new cannabis retail licences, citing an increase in the pot

said.

supply.

Edibles legalization fraught with hurdles, companies say

Canadian companies hungry to cash in on pot edibles As well, consumers view topical cannabis products such as

Deloitte’s market estimates for cannabis 2.0 products reflect

lotions used for ailments such as pain as a potential replace-

overall Canadian consumer demand, but realizing the

ment for other medicinal products, Deloitte’s survey showed.

market’s full potential too may take some time. Many of the new pot products may not be available, or available in

“This could be cause for concern for the traditional pharma-

sufficient quality, come October, Deloitte said.

ceutical sector, as 45% of current consumers and 48% of likely consumers say they see cannabis topicals as an

Companies should take a three- to five-year view on the

alternative to prescription medications, not a complement,”

market, said Lee.

Deloitte said in the report.

“The regulations will need time to settle, even after legaliza-

Deloitte surveyed 2,000 adult Canadians online between Feb.

tion in October,” she said.

26 and March 11.

While this presents a growth opportunity for companies

According to the polling industry’s generally accepted

readying themselves for the next wave of the green rush, it

standards, online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of

may come at the expense of sales in more established

error because they do not randomly sample the population.

industries.

“Our research is showing that the occasions that consumers use the product, i.e. mostly edibles, overlap a lot with alcohol

W W W. M B E F O RYOU. C O M

MBE BUSINESS MAGAZINE AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019

71

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