The Voice of Independent Grocers

A Message from CFIG President & CEO

On behalf of the team at CFIG I hope all of you are having strong business results and have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the things that a Canadian summer has to offer.

While there has been some uncertainty in the marketplace given the current turbulence around trade and tariffs, consumers have been responding to support Canadian products being sold in Canadian Retailers and Manufactures. Hopefully your business has been able to respond to that trend. On this front CFIG continues to advocate for reduced interprovincial trade barriers to help support the Canadian economy.

Another milestone has been reached in Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct! The code office started accepting new members on July 2nd and several CFIG Members have already joined. Full implementation of the Code begins on January 2nd, 2026, but parties to the code are encouraged to sign up now. The code office is not collecting membership fees until January. The code’s dispute resolution process in nearing completion and there is an expectation that it will be shared in September. CFIG has formed an active working group to help channel our efforts on awareness, training and how to help retail members operationalize the code. CFIG will be conducting information sessions for members on the code, so watch for more information this fall. The Code’s President and Adjudicator, Karen Proud, will also be speaking at Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) in October.

Speaking of GIC, it’s being held in Toronto on October 28-29th. This year’s conference speakers will be announced shortly, and the Trade Show Exhibits are trending to be even larger than last year’s record size. The Trade show will see both an increase in Canadian and Internation exhibitors and of course it is the place for the industry to gather and network, as well as celebrate Master Merchandiser winners, Independent Grocer of Year Awards and CFIG Life Member Honourees.

I look forward to seeing you in Toronto and want to thank you for all that you do to provide outstanding service to the communities you serve!

Ron Welke
President & CEO

Reasons to Attend GIC 2025

Tue Oct 28 – Wed Oct 29 Toronto Congress Centre

GIC Register Now

A World of Opportunities

Grocery Innovations Canada 2025 will highlight the very best that grocery has to offer including an incredible assortment of food, beverage, technology, and infrastructure necessities that those invested in this sector HAVE to explore!

You CANNOT miss the chance to visit feature areas on the show floor like the Ontario Pavilion, Quebec Pavilion, Show Stage, Refresh & Recharge Station, and the exciting new companies to be discovered in our First Time Exhibitors Pavilions and throughout the show floor!

🌟 Must-See Features on the Show Floor

Ontario Pavilion – Showcase of regional excellence and innovation.
Quebec Pavilion – Unique products and services from Quebec-based companies.
Interac Show Stage – Expert panels, and trend talks.
Refresh & Recharge Station – A great spot to sample some beverages, network or take a break.
First Time Exhibitors Pavilion – Discover new and emerging brands and technologies.

🧃 What You’ll Find

Food & Beverage Innovation
Grocery Tech & Infrastructure Solutions
Sustainability Tools & Services
New Market EntrantsNetworking
Opportunities with Industry Leaders

✈️ Travel and Hotel

Take advantage of our hotel and airline discount promo codes to attend GIC 2025. Please be advised that the cutoff date for booking accommodation as part of our block is September 26th.

Why you need to attend Category Connect at GIC?

Coupled with GIC’s broader showcase of trends, thought leadership, and 600+ exhibitors, this program is the fast track to staying ahead in Canada’s rapidly evolving grocery landscape. Simply put: if you want to maximize your GIC experience and walk away with tangible supplier connections that move your business forward.

Category Connect is where you need to be. For more information, or to join the program as a Grocer or Supplier, please email Matthew Brown at mbrown@cfig.ca.

Category Connect at Grocery Innovations Canada is one of the most valuable opportunities retailers can’t afford to miss.

In just one session, retailers can secure up to ten targeted 15-minute meetings, making it the most efficient and effective way to discover new products, explore innovations, and build relationships that directly impact the bottom line. Unlike casual networking, Category Connect ensures structured, meaningful conversations with the right partners.

Learn more

Scan Accuracy Code

In Canada, scanning accuracy is important to your customers and to the government, as price accuracy is required under the Fair Business Practices Act. The Competition Bureau is responsible for enforcing the Act and investigating any consumer complaints.

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