February Express Checkout
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The Voice of Independent Grocers
A Message from CFIG President & CEO
I hope your results are strong to start 2026. As the new year is underway, so are the many programs that CFIG has to offer. Our Independent Grocer of the Year Awards (IGYA) Program has kicked off. If you have participated in the past, you know this program is the most economical and efficient way to have another set of eyes evaluate your business and provide feedback. Registration for this year’s IGYA program closes on Feb 27th and more details can be found at cfig.ca/independent-grocer-year
Our Master Merchandiser Program is in full swing, and we have already received thousands of entries. It’s a great way to drive sales and get credit for the outstanding displays that you are building, and added some new partners in the program, for more information, click cfig.ca/master-merchandiser Entries for our scholarship program have also gone live, please share the details with your team members at cfig.ca/national-scholarship
The Grocery Code of Conduct has also launched as of January 1st. Congratulations to all our members who have already become signatories and have started to receive the benefits of the code. To learn more about the code please visit canadacode.org
If your team could benefit from some training around how to ensure your organization is getting good value out of the code, CFIG recommends contacting Lynne Gallacher at Gallagher. Gallagher has developed training specific for CFIG members, her email is Lynne_Gallacher@ajg.com
It’s also time to plan to attend Grocery Specialty Foods (GSF) in Vancouver on April 20th -22nd. It a great opportunity to network with your peers, participate in retail store tours and take part in our speed dating program called Category Connect, which connects retailers and potential partners in an afternoon of short meetings. In addition to a trade show filled with innovation, we have a great line up of speakers including Carman Allison from NielsenIQ, and Stewart Samuel from IGD. At GSF, we will also be celebrating the careers and contributions of three new Life Members of CFIG, Doug Lovsin from Freson Brothers, Brooke & Linda Kynoch, from Safety Mart Foods & Scotch Creek Market, and Jamie Nelson from Pattison Food Group.
I look forward to seeing many of you in Vancouver.
Thank you for all that you do to provide outstanding service to your community!
Ron Welke
President & CEO
Advocacy
- An overview of the Dispute Resolution Management Process (DRMP).
- How to access the DRMP, mediation, etc.
- Open Access: This webinar is open to everyone, including those who have not yet formally signed up as Code members.
- Bilingual: The session will be available in both English and French.
- Flexible Attendance: If you cannot attend personally, you are encouraged to designate a representative from your company to join on your behalf.
Understanding the OGSCC DIspute Resolution Management Process (DRMP)
Thursday, February 26, 1:00 PM
Comprendre le Processus de gestion de la résolution des litiges (PGRL) du BCCSPÉ
Thursday, February 26, 2:00 PM
In case you missed it
2026 Membership Renewal
Have you seen the 2026 membership renewal automated email sent out in December and reminder in January if you missed it, please contact membership@cfig.ca
Scan Accuracy Code
Did you know that as of May 2025 the Scanner Accuracy Sticker were updated with a QR code instead of a phone number for your customers to file a complaint.
IGYA is now open!
Deadline to enter Feb. 27, 2026
Watch your mailbox for your 2026 Scholarship poster
Program Closes: July 13, 2026
Registration is now OPEN! Take advantage of the early bird pricing!
✈️ Travel and Hotel
Take advantage of our hotel and airline discount promo codes to attend GSF 2026.
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Members in the news
Longo’s, CO-OP Food and Avril take first place in customer experience
Honourable mention goes to Calgary Co-op, Save-On-Foods, Fresh Street Market and Choices Market for making it on the leader board in the West!
Longo’s celebrates 70 years in Ontario
The grocer is marking the milestone with new products and a chance to attend the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Italy
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Emergency Contact Lists Are Critical for Your Business
The beginning of the year is the perfect time to revisit and update your emergency contact list. Knowing who to contact during a crisis or emergency can significantly improve your ability to respond quickly and restore operations with minimal disruption.
Maintaining a current emergency contact list should be a key part of your business continuity and risk management strategy. To help you get started, Federated Insurance has created a guide that explains what to include and offers a downloadable template you can complete for your own records.
Read now: Emergency Contact List Guide & Template
As a 100% Canadian-owned insurer, Federated Insurance is here to support you and your business. To learn more, visit federated.ca, or, if you are a Federated customer, contact your Commercial Insurance Specialist with any questions.
Les listes de personnes à contacter en cas d’urgence sont essentielles pour votre entreprise
Le début de l’année est l’occasion idéale de revoir votre liste de personnes à contacter en cas d’urgence afin de vous assurer qu’elle est à jour. Savoir qui contacter lors d’une crise peut améliorer votre capacité à réagir efficacement et à reprendre vos activités rapidement.
Le maintien d’une liste de contacts d’urgence à jour devrait absolument faire partie de votre stratégie de continuité des activités et de gestion des risques. Pour vous aider, Les assurances Federated ont préparé un guide avec les éléments à inclure et un modèle téléchargeable.
Lire maintenant : Guide et modèle de liste de contacts d’urgence
Société canadienne à 100 %, Les assurances Federated sont là pour vous soutenir, vous et votre entreprise. Pour en savoir plus, visitez federated.ca/fr ou communiquez avec votre agent en assurance de dommages si vous êtes déjà client.
New Retail Member
New Affiliate Member
Our products include cake boards and drums, cake and pastry boxes, cupcake liners and stands, tulip and muffin cups, disposable piping bags and specialty laminated boards for fish, meat and cheese markets.
Our SQF & 3rd party audited manufacturing facilities are the best in class, allowing us to provide our customers with the assurance of quality made products, custom orders and rapid turnaround time.
For over 40 years, Enjay Converters Ltd. has been a leading provider of packaging for the food & bakery industry.
We specialize in manufacturing high quality, cost effective, food-safe packaging products. We proudly serve the retail, supermarket and processor industries across North America, South America and the Caribbean.
While we have over 800 stock units on the floor and ready to ship, we also have the flexibility to produce custom orders on a timely basis to meet your every need.
Exciting partner for our members!! Based in Ontario & connected with partners nationally.
WSPS is a not-for-profit organization offering health and safety expertise and resources to protect Ontario workers and businesses. A trusted safety advisor, we have been making Ontario workplaces safer since 1917.
WSPS provides free resources, such as:
- As a WSIB-registered business in services, you’re entitled to health and safety services from WSPS at no extra cost
- New worker training
- Employee Health & Safety Handbook
- Free templates for smaller size businesses
- Free advisory service for businesses under 20 employees
More information coming soon – stay tuned to our website www.cfig.ca
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries.
In Commercial Banking, our industry-specialized advisors offer strategic business and financial advice to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. We are committed to helping clients accelerate revenue growth, reduce costs, and minimize risks. RBC Commercial Banking offers an unmatched suite of products and services that includes financing, trade, deposits, cards, payment solutions, leasing, merchant solutions, cross-border banking, hedging solutions, and foreign exchange, among others. Our bankers are able to call on expertise across the franchise, covering M&A advisory, Capital Markets, Royal Trust Services, Private Banking, Wealth Management, Group Advantage, and others.
New Associate Member
Cinnaroll has thrived since 1997 by focusing on the creation of high-quality baked goods. Throughout this journey, CBL has experienced significant growth, with our products now available in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Australia.
What sets our bakery pastries apart is our unwavering commitment to both premium ingredients and meticulous production methods. Our top-grade non-GMO cinnamon is sourced exclusively from Indonesia and complies with organic standards. Moreover, our brown sugar is locally produced in Canada, and we incorporate vegan margarine into our recipes. We proudly use Philadelphia Cream Cheese to craft our distinctive bakery offerings.
At CBL, we continually strive for innovation and remain committed to delivering exceptional products to our valued customers.
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Canada’s Leading distributor of natural health products Since 1884
At Purity Life, we believe that passion and purpose are the driving forces behind success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every team member, regardless of their role, feels inspired and excited about the work they do. When people love what they do, it creates a positive ripple effect—energized employees, exceptional work, and satisfied customers.
Innovation and adaptability are at the core of what makes Purity Life thrive. We embrace these principles through our Vision, Mission, and Values to ensure sustainable growth and a lasting impact as a leader in the natural health industry.
Today, Purity Life proudly represents a diverse portfolio spanning Natural Health, Wellness, and Grocery. Expanding into the grocery channel strengthens our commitment to offering Canadians access to high-quality, better-for-you products that support healthier living.
While the culture at Purity Life and within the natural products industry is refreshingly approachable, we take our business and relationships seriously. Our team is always looking for creative and meaningful ways to deliver value to every partner. Whether you’re an employee, broker, vendor, or retailer, we strive to be a trusted and integral part of your journey to success.
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Unlock Exclusive Payment Processing Rates and Insights to Grow in 2026
As a CFIG member, you get preferred payment processing rates from Moneris. Discover a full suite of commerce solutions trusted by independent grocers coast to coast—built with your needs in mind by a proudly Canadian company.
To help businesses prepare for the year ahead, Moneris has compiled insights from its latest year-in-review report. The analysis explores how 2025 was shaped by changing consumer behaviours and economic pressures, while highlighting opportunities tied to value-driven and event-based spending.
Key spending trends and insights for Canadian businesses include:
- Quebec Bill 72 compliance: New rules require clear pricing, accurate checkout, and neutral tipping prompts—making it essential to review pricing and payment systems.
- Sports-driven spending spikes: Major events such as the NHL playoffs and the Blue Jays’ postseason boosted local spending by up to 200%.
- Domestic tourism growth: Interprovincial travel rose by approximately 5% in early 2025, creating opportunities for regionally focused marketing and tailored offerings.
- Black Friday resilience: Despite cautious holiday spending, transactions increased by 25% and average basket size grew by 14%.
How grocers can leverage these trends:
- Build trust by highlighting transparent pricing and fair checkout practices.
- Plan promotions around major sporting events with themed bundles or game-day specials to increase basket size.
- Capitalize on tourism by showcasing local products and creating travel-friendly meal kits.
- Maximize holiday momentum with early planning, value-driven promotions, and loyalty programs.
- Use data insights to forecast demand during peak events and optimize inventory and staffing.
Today’s consumers are increasingly selective, prioritizing value and experience. Leveraging these insights can help position your business for sustainable growth in 2026.
Want to dive deeper? 2025 in review: Key spending trends and insights for Canadian businesses
Secure your preferred rates: moneris.com/associations
Favorisez votre croissance en 2026 grâce à des taux préférentiels et à des renseignements précieux
Les membres du FCEI obtiennent des taux préférentiels pour le traitement des paiements avec Moneris. Découvrez une gamme complète de solutions de commerce auxquelles des épiciers indépendants font confiance d’un océan à l’autre, conçues par une entreprise fièrement canadienne.
Afin d’aider les entreprises à se préparer pour l’année à venir, Moneris a compilé les perspectives issues de son dernier bilan annuel. Le rapport analyse l’évolution des comportements des consommatrices et consommateurs en 2025, ainsi que les pressions économiques, tout en mettant en lumière les occasions liées aux dépenses axées sur la valeur et les événements.
Les faits saillants de 2025 comprennent :
- Conformité au projet de loi 72 du Québec : Exigences accrues en matière de tarification claire, de paiement précis et de messages neutres concernant les pourboires.
- Hausse des dépenses liées au sport : Les séries éliminatoires de la LNH et celles des Blue Jays ont presque doublé les dépenses locales.
- Essor du tourisme national : Les voyages interprovinciaux ont augmenté d’environ 5 % au début de 2025, ouvrant la voie à des stratégies régionales ciblées.
- Résilience du Vendredi fou : Les transactions ont bondi de 25 % et la taille moyenne des paniers a progressé de 14 %.
Comment les épiceries peuvent tirer parti de ces tendances :
- Renforcer la confiance grâce à une tarification transparente et des pratiques équitables.
- Miser sur l’engouement sportif avec des promotions thématiques et des offres spéciales les jours de match.
- Mettre en valeur les produits locaux et créer des options pratiques pour les touristes.
- Planifier tôt les promotions saisonnières et tirer parti des programmes de fidélisation.
