October Express Checkout
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 as we head into some of the key selling seasons of the year.
Trade, Tariffs and Canada’s Foreign Temporary Workers Program continue to be active topics. CFIG continues to advocate for common sense approaches that support independent grocers on both topics. CFIG also continues to advocate for members interests on the changing regulatory environment of beer and wines sales in the province of Ontario.
Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct continues to gain momentum. The code office started accepting new members on July 2nd and several CFIG Members are leading the way by becoming members of the code. 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 of nearing completion and it will be shared with the industry in October. 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 conducted an information sessions for members on the code as well as a pilot training session. Watch your emails for additional training opportunities in the near future. 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, our Trade Show Exhibit floor is at record size and currently has a waiting list for additional exhibitors. The Trade show will see both an increase in Canadian and International exhibitors and of course it is the place for the industry to gather and network, as well as celebrateMaster Merchandiser winners, Independent Grocer of Year Awards and CFIG Life Member Honourees. Please come join us as we will be honouring Scott Lorimer as a Life Member as an Industry Builder and Dino Bianco with the Spirit of Independent recognition.
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
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.
Category Connect is a structured, one-day speed-networking program at Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) 2025 that delivers 10 consecutive, pre-scheduled 15-minute meetings with suppliers across multiple product and service categories. It is designed to maximize ROI on retailer time by offering guaranteed, targeted conversations with relevant vendors.
Key Benefits for Retailers
- Efficiency & Focus — Meet a curated set of suppliers in one place, saving weeks of back-and-forth outreach.
- Innovation Discovery — Access the newest products, packaging, technology, and services shaping grocery retail.
- Relationship Building — Build stronger partnerships through one-on-one meetings beyond the tradeshow floor.
- Competitive Edge — Gain early exposure to emerging brands and solutions that differentiate our stores.
- Cross-Category Insights — Explore adjacent opportunities (tech, packaging, logistics, HR) alongside core food & beverage.
- Cost Effectiveness — Centralized, structured meetings reduce the need for multiple off-site supplier visits.
Why Now
- Retail is changing fast: private label growth, consumer demand for health & wellness, sustainability, and digital transformation are reshaping the industry.
- Curated connections: Category Connect guarantees retailer time with high-value suppliers, instead of relying on chance meetings.
- Scalable impact: One day of focused meetings can influence category strategy, supplier mix, and innovation pipeline for the next 12–24 months.
How We Maximize Value
- Pre-event planning – Prioritize vendors and categories to align with growth strategy.
- Focused conversations – Use prepared checklists and questions for each meeting.
- Immediate follow-up – Post-event debrief to act quickly on promising leads and pilot opportunities.
ROI for Our Business
- Streamlined supplier sourcing = time and cost savings
- Early exposure to innovation = faster competitive advantage
- Stronger vendor relationships = better terms and collaboration
In one day, Category Connect condenses weeks of supplier discovery into an efficient, high-impact format
that directly supports our growth and innovation strategy.
Registration closes October 3, 2025. If you’re interested, please inquire as we may have last-minute availability:
mbrown@cfig.ca
In case you missed it
Independent Grocers and other business sectors call for changes to temporary foreign worker program
As independent grocers across Canada are well aware, the challenge of labour shortages is significant. It is also one of the top concerns of a wide spectrum of businesses that encompass the entire economy.
Code of Conduct Webinar
As promised, we’re sharing the PowerPoint presentation that was used during the webinar. You can download it using the link below
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.
Members in the News
MaxxCharge made its western debut at Grocery & Specialty Food West 2025, and will be appearing at Grocery Innovations Canada in Toronto, ON – October 28th and 29th, 2025. It’s Canada’s largest grocery trade show and conference, featuring 600+ exhibitors, educational workshops, industry tours, networking events, and awards like the Independent Grocer of the Year. The event highlights new products, retail technology, shopper insights, and key trends shaping the future of food and grocery retail in Canada.
To enhance the attendee experience, MaxxCharge provides sleek 55″ digital screens equipped with cell phone charging stations. These stations not only keep devices powered but also served as dynamic advertising platforms, allowing exhibitors to engage with attendees through vibrant digital content.
This event marked MaxxCharge’s first venture out west, expanding our reach beyond Ontario. From powering events like the RBC Canadian Open in the east to now supporting major trade shows in the west, MaxxCharge is proud to be energizing events coast to coast.
It was a true pleasure partnering with the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers for this incredible event. Shipping our charging stations out west was seamless, and we’re grateful for the warm welcome and smooth collaboration. Thank you for having us, and we are looking forward to working with CFIG for GIC 2025!
We look forward to continuing our mission of keeping attendees connected and engaged at events nationwide.
For more information please contact:
Maxx Scholz – maxx@maxxcharge.ca
New Associate Member
Yoplait Liberté Canada is proud of its roots, anchored in Canadian communities—a history that dates back to 1936 for Liberté and to 1971 for Yoplait. Each product reflects the company’s commitment to local excellence, carefully crafted with 100% Canadian milk sourced directly from local dairy farms.
Yoplait Liberté Canada focuses on producing and distributing high-quality dairy products, while fostering innovation and strengthening its commitment to consumers, dairy producers, and its 350 employees across the country. Its portfolio includes iconic brands such as Yop, Tubes, Source, Méditerranée, and Minigo, which have become everyday favorites for many Canadian families.
Yoplait Liberté Canada est fière de ses racines ancrées dans les communautés canadiennes, une histoire qui remonte à 1936 pour Liberté et à 1971 pour Yoplait. Chaque produit reflète l’engagement de l’entreprise envers l’excellence locale, fabriqué avec soin à partir de lait 100 % canadien, provenant de fermes laitières d’ici.
L’entreprise concentre ses efforts sur la production et la distribution de produits laitiers de grande qualité, tout en favorisant l’innovation et en renforçant son engagement envers les consommateurs, les producteurs laitiers et ses 350 employés partout au pays. Son portefeuille comprend des marques emblématiques comme Yop, Tubes, Source, Méditerranée et Minigo, devenues des incontournables du quotidien pour de nombreuses familles canadiennes.
Aujourd’hui, Yoplait Liberté Canada fait partie du Groupe Sodiaal, une coopérative laitière française qui regroupe 15 000 producteurs à l’échelle mondiale. Elle s’appuie sur un riche héritage laitier international tout en ayant un impact concret sur l’économie locale.
Ocean Packers Inc. has been Canada’s trusted seafood partner since 1983. Under Lenny Wong’s visionary leadership, a humble dream grew into one of Canada’s leading seafood importers. With heart, grit, and global reach, we bring top-quality seafood to Canadians.
Our Toronto facility handles over 150 forty-foot reefer containers, ensuring peak freshness and reliability. Backed by a skilled team in sales, marketing, and logistics, we deliver tailored solutions that help your business thrive.
We offer a wide range of high-demand quality products, including Basa Fillets (TG Brand), Sushi-grade imitation crab sticks, Ecuadorian Vannamei shrimp (Champmar Brand), crispy breaded shrimp, and many more—sourced directly from our international farms and partners. With offices in South America and Asia, we maintain full control over quality and supply chain efficiency.
Ocean Packers delivers consistency, quality, and care—reach out to us today to elevate your seafood offerings.
New Affiliate Member
Tired of compliance slips, missed notes, and costly overtime? Meet Nurau: your AI-powered decision layer built to make life easier for grocers and their teams. Nurau turns a manager’s notes into actionable guidance, helping independents stay competitive against Walmart, Amazon, and big-box rivals.
Independent grocers are fighting uphill. Sales growth has stalled across Canada, competition from big-box stores is relentless, and shoppers are comparing prices more than ever. On top of that, managers on the floor are drowning in compliance, staffing, and safety tasks — usually tracked on scraps of paper or forgotten altogether.
Nurau changes that. Our AI platform transforms everyday shift notes into structured insights and real-time guidance. A supervisor simply records a voice note, and Nurau automatically captures the details, flags risks, and recommends next steps — whether logging a safety concern, prompting a coaching conversation, or escalating an issue before it grows. The payoff:
- 30% less admin → more time for customers and teams
- Lower overtime and grievance costs
- Better compliance visibility, reducing risk of costly fines
Nurau is trusted by Canadian grocers like Metro and FoodBasics — and we’re excited to help independents run leaner, protect margins, and give managers the tools to lead with confidence.
Carnivore Consultants is a full-service consultancy dedicated exclusively to the meat sector across Canada. Our focus is on three core areas: driving sales, building brand visibility, and strengthening food safety programs.
We help meat processors and producers—from fresh cuts to value-added products—grow their market presence with tailored sales strategies and effective brokerage services, connecting products with the right buyers. Our marketing solutions include impactful food demonstrations that showcase products and elevate brand visibility. On the operational side, we provide gap assessments and develop food safety programs aligned with SQF standards, ensuring plants meet regulatory and certification requirements with confidence.
With deep industry expertise and a results-driven approach, we empower clients to increase sales, boost compliance, and strengthen customer relationships.
Meat isn’t just part of what we do—it’s all we do. If you’re ready to raise the steaks, we’re ready to deliver results.
MCA – Merchandising Consultants Associates, is a Canadian-owned, privately held, family-run Sales and Merchandising organization.
With over 36 years of experience, MCA has and continues to support leading consumer brands and retailers with retail services and in-field merchandising.
We focus on “people-first” values, agile service, and provide deep local expertise across Canada.
MCA offers in-store solutions, ensuring products are visible, compliant, and available to consumers with the right execution at the right time.
Our mission is to deliver Executional Excellence through agile in-store support, ensuring brands thrive where it counts most: in the store and in the hands of consumers.
We build long-term relationships, act with integrity, and operate as an extension of your team focusing on meaningful work for our people and measurable impact for our clients.
Our Products and Services
Coast to coast coverage, in all retailers in all provinces and territories:
- Retail Merchandising & Sales Execution
- In-Store Audits & Compliance Checks
- Promotional / Point-of-Sale Setup & Reporting
- Price Audits & Mystery Shopping
- Web Scraping and Competitive Intelligence
- Regional and National Field Force Coverage
- Custom Training and Onboarding
- Data & Retail Insight Reporting
By investing in people and building true partnerships, MCA keeps retail real, helping brands succeed on the shelf and creating lasting opportunities for families and communities.
“We specialize in the design and manufacturing of complete supermarket fixture solutions, including modular store fixtures, shelving, millwork, and retail merchandising. Our mission is to help clients create functional, stylish, and reliable retail environments that enhance the shopping experience. With years of expertise, we provide tailored solutions that integrate innovation, practicality, and durability.
By combining China’s strong technical support and cost advantages with localized service for the North American market, we deliver high-quality shelving and display systems that meet international standards. This unique approach allows us to offer competitive pricing while ensuring excellent performance and long-term reliability.
We also provide one-on-one design and planning support, offering full-store visualization and renovation advice so that every element achieves a unified look. From modular shelving to custom millwork, our solutions aim to elevate store image, maximize efficiency, and bring new vitality to the retail industry“
Ravyx is a trusted leader in retail technology, supporting grocers, convenience stores, and specialty retailers across North America. We understand the challenges Canadian retailers face today — volatile supply chains, shrinking single-digit margins, and increasing pressure from banner consolidation. That’s why we deliver solutions that help independents and regional chains stay competitive and relevant in a rapidly changing market.
From advanced POS systems and inventory optimization to electronic shelf labels and retail media networking integrations, Ravyx equips retailers with the tools to streamline operations, protect profitability, and respond quickly to shifting demands.
What sets us apart is our partnership approach. We work directly with retailers to understand their unique pressures and deliver technology backed by ongoing support. At Ravyx, we don’t just implement systems—we empower retailers to adapt, grow, and succeed in an industry where every percentage point counts.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in North York, Ontario, Godin Productions Ltd. is a full-service Canadian provider of display, print, and retail marketing solutions. With over three decades of experience, Godin specializes in retail point-of-sale materials, permanent and semi-permanent displays, packaging, fulfillment, co-packing, structural design, logistics, and end-to-end project management.
Proudly serving major brands across the food, beverage, CPG, cosmetics, and retail sectors, we deliver high-impact in-store experiences that drive consumer engagement and boost sales. Our recent investment in cutting-edge technology—including Canada’s first Agfa Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS printer, reflects our ongoing commitment to quality, efficiency, and speed to market.
Our production facilities offer exceptional print capabilities, but what truly sets us apart is our people-first approach. We pride ourselves on transparency, flexibility, and building long-term partnerships that grow with your business.
As we join the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, Godin Productions Ltd., looks forward to supporting retailers and brands with creative, scalable solutions that bring ideas to life in-store. Whether you’re launching a new product or refreshing your presence at retail, our team is ready to help you make an impact.
