December Express Checkout
The Voice of Independent Grocers
A Message from CFIG President & CEO
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of you who were able to attend this year’s Grocery Innovation Canada (GIC), which took place in Toronto on Oct 27th– 29th. GIC 2025 set records for both the number of exhibitors and attendees. I hope you found some new innovative products and services on the trade show floor and took away some insights from our conference presenters.
On Nov 24th, CFIG was proud to attend the Grocery Connex Conference, where Canadian Grocer announced the Generation Next Winners. The Generation Next Awards leaders under the age of 40 from all parts of the grocery industry. Included in this year’s winners were several honourees from CFIG affiliate and associate members and 6 winners from retail members of CFIG, congratulations to:
- Casey Spencer General Manager, Central Kitchen, Longo’s
- Jacob Steele Store Manager, Quality Foods
- James Lam Store Manager, Save-On-Foods
- Julia Semeraro HR Manager, Vince’s Market
- Mitch Yeatman Category Manager, Grocery/ Dairy/ Frozen, Longo’s
- Spencer Laprairie Senior Manager, Category Development, Food Department, Federated Co-operatives Ltd.
CFIG is proud of our work to help bring Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct to life. The Code’s Board of Director’s approved the Dispute Resolution Process on Nov 27th, and the Code is set to officially launch on January 1st, 2026. Thank you to all of the CFIG members who have already become members, if you haven’t already signed up, you can find out more here: https://canadacode.org/membership/
CFIG is also proud on a new alternative arrangement it helped negotiate with the industry, government and The Beer Store related to the acceptance of used bottles and cans in Ontario’s changing Beer and Wine retail modernization. The agreement levels the playing field in the beer and wine retailing and provides an alternative to recycling services outside of the grocery and fresh food retailing environment.
Thank you for all the work that you do to support your communities and particularly those in need. Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has a program called Drive Away Hunger that captures the donations that Grocers make each year, below is some information on how to share your donation amounts:
Show your impact – Join Drive Away Hunger
Drive Away Hunger, led by FCC, is more than a campaign—it’s a way to demonstrate how the food industry supports Canada’s food system and helps Canadians in need. Every donation tells a story of leadership and care, and together we build public trust in what we do.
How you can participate
- Celebrate your contribution: Your efforts will be part of an aggregate total announced in February across multiple channels.
- Show industry leadership: Drive Away Hunger is a vehicle for sharing the positive impact of the entire ag and food value chain.
- Simple, zero cost and confidential: Enter what you donated this past year—dollars or pounds—into our secure online form
We know you are giving. Your generosity strengthens communities and showcases the pride we share in feeding Canadians.
Let’s make this story visible—because what you do matters.
For more information on the program, please visit driveawayhunger.ca.
Thank you for all that you do to provide outstanding service to your community and all the best to you and your family this festive season!
Ron Welke
President & CEO
Grocery Code Dispute Resolution Process Finalized. What You Need to Know Before January 1st!
The Grocery Code Board of Directors has given final approval to the Dispute Resolution Management Process (DRMP) for dealing with issues that are governed by Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct.
With the final piece now in place, the Code is now poised for its ‘hard launch’ on January 1st. Large retailers and suppliers have signed on as members of the Code.
Despite the fact that independent grocers, through CFIG, were the first industry association to call for Canada to have a Grocery Code of Conduct, many independent grocers have still not signed up to become members of the Code.
Retailers need to be reminded that if you encounter an issue that may run contrary to a principle of the Code, such as fair supply from your supplier, you cannot seek a resolution of that issue unless you are a member of the Code at the time you encountered the issue.
If some independents are choosing not to become members at this time, that is their right. But they will not be able to retroactively avail themselves of all the benefits the Code provides. The Code also rests on two pillars: The Dispute Resolution process applies equally to all. No distinction is made between a large chain retailer and a single store independent grocer. The Code is also based on reciprocity, in that the principles apply to both retailers and suppliers.
CFIG fought for those pillars. It is now up to CFIG and our members, together, to bring the Code principles to life by becoming a member of the Grocery Code. Like your CFIG membership, it should not be viewed as an expense, but as an investment in your existence as an independent grocer.
How CFIG worked for you in 2025
CFIG amplifies the voice of the independent to media, governments and industry partners. Highly visible on a wide array of issues and a trusted voice in Canada.
Began the push for a Grocery Code of Conduct in Canada. A goal now realized. CFIG will be there for our members to provide support and guidance to ensure the principles of the Code are brought to life by making a difference in their relationships with suppliers.
Resolved the issue of the Ontario government imposing recycling requirements on grocers while also eliminating discriminatory pricing that put independents at a competitive disadvantage.
While supporting the elimination of Interprovincial trade barriers, we are pushing for Free Trade within Canada, but also Fair Trade. More investments in the Canadian supply chain to address systemic issues around transportation and distribution.
Undertaking the commission of an Economic Impact Study that can provide data and information to support messaging around the importance of independent grocers to governments, industry and the public.
Aligned in efforts with other industry partners to ensure the Temporary Foreign Workers Program is adjusted but also recognizes the labour needs of grocers, particularly in rural areas of Canada.
Continue to push for further reductions in Interchange (swipe) fees so that more fairness is brought to fees paid by small and medium-sized businesses.
✨ Thank You for Your Support! ✨
We sincerely thank all our members for their continued support of CFIG throughout 2025.
Your 2026 membership renewals have now been sent out. Please check your inbox, and if you haven’t received yours, kindly contact us at membership@cfig.ca.
We look forward to another successful year together!
👋 Goodbye Clutter, Hello Hub! We’re going Paperless!
Let’s be honest, you probably don’t wake up in the morning wishing for more paper on your desk or more emails clogging up your inbox.
We hear you! And we want to do our part!
We are officially going PAPERLESS!
In an effort to do our part for the planet (saving trees is cool!) and for your sanity (zero-inbox goals!), we are eliminating printed distribution and streamlining our emails.
But don’t worry, you aren’t losing anything.
In fact, you’re gaining a simplified, centralized, digital HQ. All the resources, updates, and news you need are moving exclusively to the CFIG Insights Hub.
⚠️ Vital Next Steps: To ensure you don’t miss a beat during this transition, we need you to do three (3) quick things right now:
Update Your Membership Profile on Membee: Confirm we have your current contact information. https://cfig.ca/members-only/
Add the Newsletter link from our website to your Bookmarks: This is your new digital home base. https://cfig.ca/email-subscription/
Activate Your CFIG Insight Hub Account: If you aren’t active here, you’ll be missing out! https://hub.cfig.ca/
Let’s clear the clutter and get digital in 2026! 🚀
Registration is now OPEN! Don’t wait, register early!
Grocery focused
This is the only grocery-focused show in Canada. More than 2,800+ key grocery stakeholders attended the show.
Business opportunities
This show is the only exhibition dedicated to serving the growing multi-billion dollar grocery industry. Categories include fresh, frozen and refrigerated foods, snacks, beverages, ethnic specialties, and gourmet lines. Along with food categories, retailers are looking for solutions for front and back end (operations, POS systems, displays, uniforms, equipment, etc).
Networking
The annual event, established in 1997, as a means of promoting collaboration between retailers and manufacturers in the western grocery sector. It’s also a must-attend event for food producers, manufacturers to network with key Canadian retailers to further enhance their position in the market place as well as to expand coast to coast across Canada.
Education
Morning conference sessions, engaging workshops and live trade floor listen and learn sessions for grocers and manufacturers provide effective ways to show and sell more effectively.
Innovations
Discover the latest trends, innovations and growing product categories on the more than 90,000-sq.-ft. trade floor where there are close to over 210 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services for grocery. Pavilions this year: First Timers (discover brand new entrants into the grocery scene); BuyBC (BC local SMEs); Canada Connect (regional and local brands and services); Sustainability Sentral (green and eco friendly products / services)
✈️ Travel and Hotel
Take advantage of our hotel and airline discount promo codes to attend GSF 2026.
New Retail Member
New Affiliate Member
We are pleased to welcome Gallagher to our CFIG family as a new Affiliate Member.
Gallagher is a family-led, publicly-held provider of insurance, risk management and HR consulting services. Guided by unwavering ethics, a passion for clients and working collaborating, Gallagher helps its clients face the future with confidence.
With 30 offices across Canada, Gallagher provides its valued clients with local market expertise and personalized touch, while leveraging its global expertise.
- Insurance / Risk management: As the third largest broker in Canada, Gallagher has the scale and relationship leverage with all major insurance carriers to secure you the best, most cost-effective insurance to protect your business.
- HR Consulting: Gallagher’s experts in compensation, benefits, retirement planning, training, leadership coaching and employee communication will help you attract, engage, develop and retain the best people, while managing your employee costs.
Grocery Code Training for CFIG Members
Are you and your team prepared to navigate and fully leverage the new Grocery Code to drive retail success?
Gallagher has custom-designed a full suite of insightful, practical training solutions, specifically for our retailer members. These solutions are developed by Canadians for Canadians.
Gallagher, in partnership with industry veteran, Erin Rooney, combines Grocery Code and corporate training expertise with decades of first-hand experience in the Canadian retail environment.
Choose the training option that is best for you and your team:
For questions or more information about Gallagher’s custom Grocery Code group training, contact: Lynne Gallacher at Lynne_Gallacher@ajg.com.
Inform Brokerage Inc. is a premier national food-brokerage firm, operating across all provinces of Canada and offering dedicated expertise in the food service, retail, and convenience-store sectors. Since 1984, we have built our reputation on our longstanding motto: “We know food: prepare, present, market, sell.”
Our team combines deep industry knowledge with strategic vision, long-term planning, and a hands-on approach that supports both emerging and established brands. We don’t just broker products, we partner with clients and principals to source innovative new items, develop menus that meet evolving consumer trends, manage inventory efficiently, and ensure seamless delivery to warehouses or store shelves.
With a full-service infrastructure that includes sales, systems, distribution, logistics, and brand management, we help take products from concept to Canada-wide distribution. Our commitment is to provide exceptional service, build meaningful relationships, and drive results-focused growth for every partner we proudly represent.
Head Office: 2286 Holdom Ave, Burnaby BC V5B 4Y5
Ontario Head Office: 175 Nuggett Ct. ,Brampton, ON, L6T 5H4
Contact:
Branch Locations: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.
Stampede Culinary Partners is a leading North American food manufacturer specializing in value-added protein solutions for leading restaurants, top retailers, club stores, food service distributors, military channels, the pet industry, and other emerging segments. Combining culinary innovation with large-scale production expertise, Stampede Culinary Partners delivers premium beef, pork, poultry, and plant-based products that are crafted to meet evolving consumer tastes and operational needs.
With integrated facilities across Canada and the United States, Stampede’s capabilities surpass typical suppliers allowing us to offer a diverse range of products including sous vide, smoked meats, batter & breaded, raw portioned, par fried and formed products. We source the finest proteins and ingredients, offering competitive prices while emphasizing flexibility and speed to market.
Driven by a commitment to food safety, quality, sustainability, and continuous improvement, Stampede Culinary Partners bridges the gap between artisanal food preparation and world-class manufacturing. With over 30 years of experience, Stampede will continue to add capabilities to support our valued customer partnerships across North America.
New Associate Member
For over ten years, North South Management has helped shape the Canadian retail landscape as a trusted broker, importer, and distributor. We are Vendor of Record with all major Canadian retailers, enabling us to deliver seamless national coverage across the Food & Beverage, Pet, Household, and Beauty categories. Our team represents an exceptional mix of branded partners as well as top-tier private label manufacturers equipped to support retailers in building and expanding their own exclusive offerings.
Our dynamic product expertise includes non-alcoholic beverages, better-for-you snacks, ready-to-go meals, pet food, biscuits, and a full range of functional and traditional pet treats. We carefully curate our portfolio to reflect what today’s consumer wants; quality, value, and innovation, while giving retailers the confidence of reliable supply, supported manufacturing, and strong in-store execution.
Built by founders with extensive CPG sales and marketing backgrounds, North South Management prides itself on bringing a hands-on, collaborative approach to every partnership. We work closely with retailers and manufacturers to deliver insightful category guidance, practical solutions, and strategic growth opportunities. Our commitment to service and long-standing relationships continues to fuel our rapid expansion as one of Canada’s most agile and forward-thinking partners in retail.
For over 10 years PMC & PGF have created Value-add Meal Solutions, Meal Starters, Appetizers, Vegetables, French Fries and Wet Pet Food for CPG Private Label retailers. Our team is made up of CPG retail industry experts that breathe life into product ideas that live on the shelves of major grocery retailers. Each of us has a specific competency in the Commercialization of a product idea. Collectively we have helped companies expand their value-add offerings with insight-driven strategy and practical innovations.
St Brigid’s Creamery is a family-owned butter producer based near Brussels, Huron County, Ontario. Operated on the van Nes family’s regenerative farm, the creamery sources milk exclusively from its own A2/A2 Jersey herd, raised on diverse, certified-organic pastures. This specialized herd produces rich, high-butterfat milk that forms the foundation of St Brigid’s premium butter.
The butter is barrel-churned to 84% butterfat, resulting in a deep natural yellow colour, exceptional creaminess, and full flavour. St Brigid’s offers both salted (made with Canadian sea salt) and unsalted formats, positioned as artisanal, high-quality butter suited for spreading, cooking, and baking. The higher butterfat content delivers superior mouthfeel and performance compared to other butters.
St Brigid’s places a strong emphasis on sustainable and humane farming practices and is certified under leading standards, including Certified Animal Welfare Approved, Land to Market Verified, and silver-level Regenerative Organic Certification.
While production remains niche, St Brigid’s butter has earned recognition among Canadian Home chefs and families, specialty retailers, and foodservice professionals seeking premium, locally made dairy.
As a member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, St Brigid’s Creamery offers independents a differentiated, Canadian-made butter with clear provenance, strong values, and proven customer appeal.
