The CIGBA/DCI Office would like to congratulate the official nominees for Retailer Of the Year 2024! Our entire industry can vote on the recipient simply by going to https://cigba.ca/star-awards! Deadline to cast your votes is March 29, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.
Congratulations to all the well deserved companies who have been nominated for Retailer of the Year 2024!
SUMMERHILL MARKET
LOCOCO’S
FIESTA FARMS
SHARPE’S FOOD MARKET
GOLDSMITH’S FARM MARKET AND BAKERY
RABBA FINE FOODS
Grocery Business Magazine has officially joined the CIGBA/DCI 2024 events as a Media Sponsor. We would like to thank them for their continuous support to our events and our Members!
If you would like to get into contact with Grocery Business magazine, the CIGBA/DCI office would be more than happy to facilitate a connection. Please contact us.
About Grocery Business Magazine: Canada's most authoritative and exciting grocery b2b publication. The dedicated team of Grocery Business publishers and editors is the most experienced in the industry. We are very connected to and deeply knowledgeable about the people and the issues that resonate most with Canada's grocery retailers and marketers. Supported by strong industry relationships Grocery Business magazine has it all - great content, compelling design, experienced staff and national readership - from Coleman's in Nfld. to Quality Foods on Vancouver Island we've got the market covered!
Visit website for Grocery Business magazine here.
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Not yet registered for CIGBA/DCI Events 2024?
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Charity Golf Classic here.
Maple Leaf Foods has officially joined the CIGBA/DCI 2024 events and will be present for both days of programming! We would like to thank them for their continuous support to our events and our Members!
Not only presenting the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards during the night of June 4th, 2024, but they will also be doing a product display at the Summit and product sampling at the Golf event alongside the sea of Maple Leaf Foods golf flags on the golf course!
If you would like to get into contact with Maple Leaf Foods., the CIGBA/DCI office would be more than happy to facilitate a connection. Please contact us.
About Maple Leaf Foods: We believe protein is the foundation for growing bodies, so we prepare simple, delicious protein to nourish Canadian families. We only use our premium meats and just the right amount of salt. We declare all ingredients and nutritional information prominently on the package, so you can read it. We use natural ingredients. When consumers want an ingredient not regulated as natural, we promise only to use a real and simple alternative, and we will highlight it. We use NO artificial flavours, NO artificial colours, NO artificial sweeteners, and NO animal by-products. And, we go beyond what’s in our food. We minimize our impact on air, water and land, and we advance food security, so all families can eat well. Making good food accessible to all Canadians. That’s what the real food movement means to us.
View website for Maple Leaf Foods here.
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Not yet registered for CIGBA/DCI Events 2024?
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Charity Golf Classic here.
Howell Data Systems Inc. has officially joined the CIGBA/DCI 2024 events and will be present for both days of programming! We would like to thank them for their continuous support to our events and our Members!
As well, Howell Data Systems secured event sponsorships for the Business Summit and will present the Lunch, Cocktails/Mix & Mingle and have visibility as the Lanyard sponsor. For the CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic, they will be presenting the Cocktail hour, and will have visibility on the Golfer Prize and the Golf Balls!
If you would like to get into contact with Howell Data Systems Inc., the CIGBA/DCI office would be more than happy to facilitate a connection. Please contact us.
About Howell Data Systems Inc: Established in 1991, Howell Data Systems develops and deploys point of sale software solutions and enterprise management software solutions. Remote and on-site client services are provided throughout North America. Howell Data Systems mission is to provide the highest quality customer service that our clients have ever experienced. We strive to provide the most feature rich and robust solutions available in the marketplace today and are very proud that our company has grown largely due to referrals from our satisfied clientele.
View website for Howell Data Systems Inc here.
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Not yet registered for CIGBA/DCI Events 2024?
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Charity Golf Classic here.
Canadian Grocer Magazine has officially joined the CIGBA/DCI 2024 events as a Media Sponsor. We would like to thank them for their continuous support to our events and our Members!
As well, the media company has also secured their hole contest at the CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic 2024, and will be presenting the Closest To The Pin contest.
If you would like to get into contact with Canadian Grocer magazine, the CIGBA/DCI office would be more than happy to facilitate a connection. Please contact us.
About Canadian Grocer: The voice of the grocery industry for over 130 years, Canadian Grocer is Canada's #1 national grocery publication reaching more than 147,000 subscribers in print and online. Canadian Grocer provides retailers with critical new product information and industry trends as well as category reports and in-depth analysis of grocery retailing in Canada.
Visit website for Canadian Grocer here.
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Not yet registered for CIGBA/DCI Events 2024?
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Charity Golf Classic here.
The Star Awards commences during the gala dinner of the evening of the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit on June 4th, 2024. Click here to register for the Business Summit.
Members, Partners, colleagues, and industry persons, the Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance and Distribution Canada Inc. announces the opening of the nomination period for the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards 2024.
Know a person, company, product or innovation that deserves a spotlight? How about a person who deserves to be recognized for their lifetime of work? Nominate them now! You can even nominate yourself! We love hearing the stories of all people working hard to better our industry!
The CIGBA/DCI Star Awards Nominees for the 2023 year has been announced, and the CIGBA/DCI industry has until March 17th, 2023 to vote on the winners for each of the 5 Award categories (Lifetime will be announced live at the show).
Vote now here: https://cigba.ca/star-awards
See the official nominees listed:
★ CIGBA/DCI RETAILER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a Retailer who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Whether it be an increased image or branding presence, innovation in the marketplace, or general accountability, this award exemplifies the outstanding work that is currently being done to help further the success of our industry.
2023 NOMINEES:
- Powell’s Supermarkets (Atlantic Grocery Distributors)
- Cataldi Fresh Market
- Lococo’s
- Country Grocer/ Island Independent Buying Group
- Summerhill Market
- Rabba Fine Foods
★ CIGBA/DCI PARTNER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a DCI Supplier Partner who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Known for their outstanding business relationships including ease in which they conduct business and availability, or their experience as a leader and advisor, this award exemplifies the outstanding work as a preferred DCI business Supplier Partner within the industry.
2023 NOMINEES:
- Sobeys Wholesale
- Diamond Packaging Supplies Ltd.
- CJR Wholesale Grocers
- Lactalis Canada
★ CIGBA/DCI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD ★
This award is given to a Retailer or Supplier Partner who has shown commitment or leadership within a community-based initiative, a green/environmental initiative or a charitable initiative.
2023 NOMINEES:
- Powell’s Supermarkets
- Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery
- Country Grocer/Island Independent Buying Group
- Mike Dean’s Local Grocer
- Sun Valley Market
- Lactalis Canada
- Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
- Stong’s Markets
- Kudrinko’s
- Oxford Energy Solutions
- Rabba Fine Foods
★ CIGBA/DCI INNOVATION AWARD ★
This award is given to a CIGBA/DCI Member or Supplier Partner who has established an innovative product or initiative in the past year where their results have proven success with their sales, traffic, branding/exposure, or new business deals and ventures.
2023 NOMINEES:
- Sunripe Fresh Market: Social Media Marketing
- Natura Foods: Alternative To Dairy Products For Consumers with Intolerances, Allergies, and Vegan preferences
- Market Group Ventures: Promolux Lighting
- Sharpe’s Food Market: In-store Promotions
- Summerhill Market: HMR
- Lactalis Canada: Black Diamond 4 Cheese Sauce, Cracker Barrel Cheese Sauce Kit, Balderson Smoked Gouda, Siggi's & Astro Indulgent Yogurt
- Chens Enterprises Co. (Trensité Dairy Inc.): Trensité High Quality Whole Milk and Skim Milk Powder
★ CIGBA/DCI LEADER OF THE YEAR ★
This award recognizes an individual from our industry that has shown exemplary leadership and has acted as a beacon of light and knowledge within the industry. Whether it be guiding others towards successful partnerships, or acting as an altruistic leader and inspiration, this award recognizes the hard work and dedication it takes to be a person within our industry that many respect.
2023 NOMINEES:
- Renato Guerini, Sobeys Wholesale
- Ben Pino, Pino’s Get Fresh
- Arnel Bernabe, Market Group Ventures
- Brad Lawrence, Fine Food Advertising Ltd.
- Todd Newstead, Bimbo Canada
- David La Mantia, La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh
- Christy McMullen, Summerhill Market
★ CIGBA/DCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ★
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour as an award that recognizes an individual who has been a leader or model within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture or have done the 'impossible' for most of us - this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishments for all to celebrate.
This award winner will be announced at the show.
The CIGBA/DCI office is proud to announce that the 2023 networking events - The Business Summit & The Charity Golf Tournament is being held back-to-back on June 6th, 2023 & June 7th, 2023.
The Business Summit will be held at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre & the Charity Golf Tournament will be held right next door at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club.
These events were designed back to back to maximize the time and value spent to procure and build upon new and existing business. Make sure your company is represented by attending these networking events!
Click here to access the Business Summit page and click here to access the Charity Golf Classic page.
Grocers from across the country are making things better for their stores, employees and communities!
The DCI office would like to recognize some of our Members and Supplier Partners who won an award at the 2022 Impact Awards by Canadian Grocer Magazine!.
DCI Members:
Stong’s Market - Sustainability
Kudrinko’s - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Atlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd. - Community Service
Rabba Fine Foods - Community Service
DCI Supplier Partners:
McCormick and Company - Sustainability
Bimbo Canada - Supporting Employees
Jamieson Wellness - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Burnbrae Farms - Community Service
Lactalis Canada - Community Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JUNE 17, 2022
[Burlington, ON] On June 14th, 2022 the annual CIGBA/DCI Star Awards were held at the Toronto Airport Marriott Hotel. With attendance from members, retailers, partners, distributors, media, and VIP, this year brought together our industry, and celebrated our colleagues who are creating change in our industry. This year the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards Gala were presented by Howell Data Systems Inc.
“I am proud to work with a wonderful group of professionals who are passionate, dedicated and committed to supporting their communities,” says Barry Lanteigne, DCI/CIGBA President and Director of Operations, “I would like to congratulate the well-deserved winners of the 2022 CIGBA/DCI Star Awards and all of the nominees! Thank you to everyone for making our first in person Summit and Gala Awards after two years be a complete success, and our strongest yet!”
Winning the Partner of the Year category was Maple Leaf Foods, with members noting that they were a reliable partner, with effective yearly promotions and contests to help drive traffic and business into their stores. Over in Quebec, Pasquier took home the category of Retailer of the Year, with a highlight of their incredible new 100,000 square foot store, and being a prime example of “Independent Strong”. Continuing with member success, Sharpe’s Food Market took the award in Innovation with their digitalization of their stores, including team management and digital shelf pricing, while Vince’s Market took the award for Social Responsibility with their “Vince’s Cares” program investing $45,000 annually into various charities and organizations, hospitals, and house league sports teams. This year, the Leader of the Year award was given to David La Mantia of La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh who took the category win for their effective advocacy and representation of independent grocers on various committees and his dedication and hands on approach to bringing quality products into his community. Finally, the most prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award went to Merlen Kropf (posthumously) for his decades of service in the independent grocery industry and for being a staple in his community with his L&M Food Stores. Accepting the award on his behalf was his daughter, Debra Kropf, and his grandchildren Noah Ramage and Alexis Kropf of The Geddes Street Market (formerly L&M Food Store). Congratulations to all those who are impacting our industry.
The CIGBA/DCI Star Awards Gala is part of the annual CIGBA/DCI Business Summit where independents learn, engage, network and celebrate the industry nationwide. For more information, please go to: www.cigba.ca.
Burnbrae Farms has joined the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit 2022 as the Morning Breakfast presenter. We would like to thank them for their support to our events and to our CIGBA/DCI Members.
Register Now For Events!
Register for the Business Summit here.
About Burnbrae Farms: In 1891, shortly after arriving to Canada from Scotland, Joseph Hudson purchased a farm in the village of Lyn near Brockville, Ontario. He named it Burnbrae, “burn” being the Scottish name for a stream and “brae” the name for a hillside. Back then the farm consisted of just 100 acres, and 130 years later Burnbrae Farms remains in the Hudson family with businesses far and wide across Canada.
From its early beginnings as a dairy farm, Burnbrae Farms evolved into egg production in the ’40s under the guidance of Grant and Joe Hudson. Over the following decades, Burnbrae Farms became an established and integral part of Canadian agribusiness, offering innovative products such as cracked eggs, ensuring quality through extensive grading operations, and expanding its operations across Canada.
Today, Burnbrae Farms eggs and egg products can be found in your local grocery store, restaurants, food-service operations and homes across Canada. They’ve come a long way from the little village of Lyn, but the employees of Burnbrae Farms and the Hudson family remain dedicated to offering tasty and nutritious food to communities nationwide.
Western Grocer Magazine has joined the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit 2022 and CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic as an official Media Sponsor. We would like to thank them for their support to our events and to our CIGBA/DCI Members.
If you would like to get into contact with Western Grocer Magazine, please contact the DCI office.
Register Now For Events!
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Golf Classic here.
About Western Grocer Magazine: One of Canada’s oldest trade publications, Western Grocer has served as a voice for the Western Canadian grocery, allied non-food and institutional industries since 1916. Each issue features a selection of relevant trade news and event coverage from the West and around the world.
Feature reports offer market analysis, trend views and insightful interviews from a wide variety of industry leaders. The Western Grocer target audience is independent retail food stores, supermarkets, manufacturers and food brokers, distributors and wholesalers of food and allied non-food products, as well as bakers, specialty and health food stores and convenience outlets.
Howell Data Systems Inc. is set to present the 2023 CIGBA/DCI Complimentary Membership to one of the CIGBA/DCI Retailers who accumulate the most points during the Virtual Summit from June 15th-29th, 2022. An official press release will be posted following the event, so keep your eyes open for the winner! We would like to thank them for their support to our events and to our CIGBA/DCI Members.
Register Now For The Events!
Register for the Business Summit here.
About Howell Data Systems Inc: Established in 1991, Howell Data Systems develops and deploys point of sale software solutions and enterprise management software solutions. Remote and on-site client services are provided throughout North America.
Howell Data Systems mission is to provide the highest quality customer service that our clients have ever experienced. We strive to provide the most feature rich and robust solutions available in the marketplace today and are very proud that our company has grown largely due to referrals from our satisfied clientele.
The “Golden Rule” is the guiding principle at Howell Data Systems. You will find our team members to be honest, friendly, hardworking, knowledgeable, and reliable. We understand that your point of sale solution is crucial to the successful day to day operations of your company and that downtime is simply unacceptable. You’ll find that our team demonstrates a high degree of urgency in finding a solution to your business challenges.
Grocery Business Magazine has joined the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit 2022 and CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic as an official Media Sponsor. We would like to thank them for their support to our events and to our CIGBA/DCI Members.
If you would like to get into contact with Grocery Business magazine, please contact the DCI office.
Register Now For Events!
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Golf Classic here.
About Grocery Business Magazine: Grocery Business magazine is Canada's most authoritative and exciting grocery b2b publication. The dedicated team of Grocery Business publishers and editors is the most experienced in the industry. We are very connected to and deeply knowledgeable about the people and the issues that resonate most with Canada's grocery retailers and marketers. Supported by strong industry relationships Grocery Business magazine has it all - great content, compelling design, experienced staff and national readership - from Coleman's in Nfld. to Quality Foods on Vancouver Island we've got the market covered!
Globe POS Systems Inc. has joined the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit 2022 as the Wi-Fi Presenter. We would like to thank them for their support to our events and to our CIGBA/DCI Members.
Register Now For Events!
Register for the Business Summit here.
About Globe POS Systems Inc: Globe POS Systems has been providing system solutions since 1970. Our goal is to exceed expectations by offering outstanding products and services. We offer many easy-to-use, easy-to-manage Point of Sale systems, Scales, Printers and more with an extensive array of administrative tools enabling you to effectively manage your product, your customer and your cash flow.
Globe POS is an RSPA Certified Reseller which makes us your obvious choice for guiding you in every aspect of your business that impacts the function of your POS system. We are also very pleased to announce that we are a PCI Qualified Organization who is licensed to assess and validate merchant’s compliance to successfully implement PCI standards and solutions
At Globe POS, our team members are distinguished by functional and technical expertise combined with hands-on experience, thereby ensuring that our customers receive the most effective and professional service
Our commitment to you is to deliver quality solutions that will provide your business with a competitive edge and help it grow.
Canadian Grocer Magazine has joined the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit 2022 and CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic as an official Media Sponsor. We would like to thank them for their support to our events and to our CIGBA/DCI Members.
If you would like to get into contact with Canadian Grocer magazine, please contact the DCI office.
Register Now For Events!
Register for the Business Summit here.
Register for the Golf Classic here.
About Canadian Grocer Magazine: The voice of the grocery industry for over 130 years, Canadian Grocer is Canada's #1 national grocery publication reaching more than 147,000 subscribers in print and online. Canadian Grocer provides retailers with critical new product information and industry trends as well as category reports and in-depth analysis of grocery retailing in Canada.
★ CIGBA/DCI RETAILER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a Retailer who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Whether it be an increased image or branding presence, innovation in the marketplace, or general accountability, this award exemplifies the outstanding work that is currently being done to help further the success of our industry.
2022 NOMINEES:
49th Parallel Grocers (British Columbia)
Pasquier (Quebec)
Rabba Fine Foods (Ontario)
Stong’s Market (British Columbia)
Summerhill Market (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI PARTNER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a DCI Supplier Partner who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Known for their outstanding business relationships including ease in which they conduct business and availability, or their experience as a leader and advisor, this award exemplifies the outstanding work as a preferred DCI business Supplier Partner within the industry.
2022 NOMINEES:
CJR Wholesale Grocers (Ontario)
Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company (New Brunswick)
Lactalis Canada (Ontario)
Maple Leaf Foods (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD ★
This award is given to a Retailer or Supplier Partner who has shown commitment or leadership within a community-based initiative, a green/environmental initiative or a charitable initiative.
2022 NOMINEES:
CJR Wholesale Grocers (Ontario)
Commisso’s Fresh Foods (Ontario)
Rabba Fine Foods (Ontario)
Vince’s Market (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI INNOVATION AWARD ★
This award is given to a CIGBA/DCI Member or Supplier Partner who has established an innovative product or initiative in the past year where their results have proven success with their sales, traffic, branding/exposure, or new business deals and ventures.
2022 NOMINEES:
49th Parallel Grocers (Ontario)
Sharpe’s Food Market (Ontario)
Sunripe Freshmarket (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI LEADER OF THE YEAR ★
This award recognizes an individual from our industry that has shown exemplary leadership and has acted as a beacon of light and knowledge within the industry. Whether it be guiding others towards successful partnerships, or acting as an altruistic leader and inspiration, this award recognizes the hard work and dedication it takes to be a person within our industry that many respect.
2022 NOMINEES:
Brian Bradley - Stong’s Market (British Columbia)
David La Mantia - La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh (Ontario)
Gordon Dean - Mike Dean Local Grocer (Ontario)
Rick Rabba - Rabba Fine Foods/CJR Wholesale Grocers (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ★
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour as an award that recognizes an individual who has been a leader or model within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture or have done the 'impossible' for most of us - this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishments for all to celebrate.
This award winner will be announced at the show.
TO REGISTER AND ATTEND THE GALA IN PERSON, PLEASE VISIT: www.cigba.ca/summit
The CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic returns after a two year hiatus! We are excited to announce that the tournament will be held at a new location, Georgetown Golf Club on September 27th, 2022. Back with a fresh look, this event allows Members, Partners, Service Providers, Wholesalers and Media colleagues coming together to network, exchange business leads and raise funds for the Charity of Choice!
Registrations are now open at https://www.cigba.ca/golf and early birds get a chance to win a prize! As well, register a foursome and save money!
Looking to sponsor the tournament? There are lots of spots available for ultimate exposure. Be that company that is seen as a leader in the independent space! https://cigba.ca/s/2022-Golf-Sponsorship-Document.pdf
We look forward to seeing you at this event!
Since 2017, DCI has established an Events Committee to allow our dedicated Members, Partners and Media colleagues to provide feedback and discussion on the annual events as they are planned. Providing national coverage from coast to coast, the Events Committee is also in charge of voting the winners for the annual CIGBA/DCI Star Awards presented during the June 14th, 2022 Gala Dinner at the Business Summit.
We would like to announce our 2022 CIGBA/DCI Events Committee who are dedicated and passionate enough to join the Events Committee and help ensure the success of our events for the Independent industry:
Industry:
Barry Lanteigne - CIGBA/DCI
Joe Sawaged - CFIG
Members:
Mike Sharpe - Sharpe’s Food Market (Ontario)
Neil Kudrinko - Kudrinko’s Ltd. (Ontario)
Adam Powell - Atlantic Grocery Distributors/Powell’s Supermarkets (Newfoundland)
Brian Bradley - Stong’s Markets (British Columbia)
Partners:
Jessica Embro - Sleeman Breweries (Ontario)
Thomas Perry - Covered Bridge Potato Chips (New Brunswick)
Renato Guerini - Sobeys Wholesale (Ontario)
Stephen Carroll - Maple Leaf Foods (Ontario)
Mauro Di Tullio - Federated Insurance Company of Canada (Quebec)
Jeff O’Neill - Wonder Brands Inc. (Ontario)
Shawn Dobrowolski - Lactalis Canada (Ontario)
Media:
Vanessa Peters - Canadian Grocer
Larry Bonikowsky - Grocery Business
For any questions, please contact matthew@distributioncanada.ca.