June Express Checkout

CFIG New Insights Hub

Check out the great product Innovations our Associate members have posted

Promote our Scholarship Award to your Staff

Have you posted the Scholarship Poster in your staff room? All employees and their family members qualify to enter our Scholarship Award. If you would like to promote the award digitally.

One National essay/video winner receives $15,000.

Four regional essay/video awards of $3,250 each are awarded as follows:

• (1) university/college (East)

• (1) university/college (West)

• (1) high school (East)

• (1) high school (West)

To be eligible for the awards:

1. Applicants must be Canadian residents studying in Canada.

2. Applicants must be enrolled or expected to enroll in a post-secondary program of at least 2 years.

3. All Graduating High School Students

4. College/University students must be enrolled in at least one more year of study as of the current year.

5. Applicants must be working for a current CFIG member (retail, associate, affiliate) or be a family member of an employee of a current CFIG member.

6. Only complete applications containing full and accurate information will be considered.

Mike Dean Local Grocer Celebrates 50 years in Business

Mike Dean Local Grocer marked its 50th anniversary on May 11 in Chesterville, celebrating five decades since Mike Dean purchased Laflamme Grocery in 1976. More than 80 community members gathered that afternoon to congratulate the Dean family, enjoy refreshments.

The business has grown from a single store with one phone and a manual cash register to a multilocation independent grocery chain serving Eastern Ontario and supplying the Canadian north. Despite major technological and industry changes, the company remains committed to highquality food, strong community involvement, and supporting local producers.

A public celebration on June 16 at the Chesterville Legion, hosted by the Chesterville and District Historical Society, featuring presentations honouring the Dean family and the legacy of the business. CFIG was there to celebrate with the Mike Dean team. CFIG congratulates Gordon and Pamela on the 50 year milestone with many more years of success.

Congratulations to Rabba Fine Foods on 60 Years of Service

We at CFIG extend our warmest congratulations to Rabba Fine Foods and President Rick Rabba on achieving an incredible milestone—60 years in business.

Rabba Fine Foods opened its first store in 1967 on Toronto’s Queen Street. By 1980, with the launch of the Queen’s Quay location, Rabba began offering wider food selections tailored to the unique tastes of the communities they served. A new warehouse soon followed, and by the end of this exciting period, the company had grown to more than 10 locations. Their commitment to fresh produce became a defining promise—one that continues to guide the brand today.

From that single Queen Street store to a trusted neighbourhood staple, Rabba Fine Foods now proudly serves 37 communities across the GTA.

Congratulations once again to the entire Rabba team on six decades of dedication, growth, and community service. Here’s to many more years of success

Jon Janower Retires from Choices Market

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jon Janower, Chief Operating Officer of Choices Market, on his retirement effective April 24, 2026, after an exceptional 49-year career in the grocery industry.

Jon has been a respected leader and a steadfast champion of independent, natural, and organic food retailing. From his early days working in his family’s store to guiding Choices Market’s growth from two stores to a thriving multi location retailer, Jon has embodied the values that define our industry: integrity, community, and a deep commitment to people.

His leadership helped Choices earn repeated recognition within the CFIG community, along with numerous national awards that reflect his dedication to excellence.

We thank Jon for his decades of service, his contributions to independent grocers across Canada, and the positive impact he has made on our industry. We wish him every happiness in his well deserved retirement.

2026 Supplier Hall of Fame Inductees

CFIG is proud to celebrate the 2026 Supplier Hall of Fame honourees, recognizing exceptional leadership, industry impact, and lasting contributions to Canada’s food and consumer goods sector.

Curtis Frank, President & CEO of Maple Leaf Foods, is recognized for his deep industry expertise shaped by more than two decades with the company and his Saskatchewan farming roots. Curtis leads Maple Leaf Foods with a strong commitment to sustainability and purposedriven growth, while serving on several industry and charitable boards, including GS1 Canada and the Maple Leaf Centre for Food Security.

Cara Keating, CEO of PepsiCo Canada, is honoured for her outstanding leadership of the country’s largest CPG organization and her 20year track record of driving growth, innovation, and inclusion. Cara has held senior roles across PepsiCo’s North American operations and is a respected advocate for women’s advancement and industry collaboration, serving on the Board of FHCP.

Stacey Kravitz, President of UNFI Canada, is recognized for her strategic leadership since 2020 and her extensive career in sales and customer development, including two decades with Kraft and Kraft Heinz. Stacey is an active industry contributor, serving as vice chair of the Canadian Health Food Association and on the Board of the Grocery Foundation, supporting its mission to ensure no child goes hungry at school.

CFIG congratulates Curtis, Cara, and Stacey for their remarkable achievements and their continued dedication to strengthening Canada’s food industry.

The 2026 Star Awards Winners

Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance/Distribution Canada (CIGBA/DCI) Business Star Award recognizing excellence in retailing, partnership, community impact, leadership and innovation.