I came across this infographic by Chris Clement on LinkedIn @, and it perfectly encapsulates the reality of the Canadian retail landscape. Canada behaves less like one country and more like four distinct demand engines.

As grocery professionals, we often see teams rely on…

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We’ve always known that independent grocers are the heart of their communities—but new data from the National Grocers Association (NGA) proves just how vital our industry is to the American economy.

Key Highlights from the Report:

• Economic Engines: Independent grocers generate…

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Hi Adele,

I hope you’re doing well!

My name is Sommer, and I’m with The MARC Group. We’re proud affiliate members of CFIG. I wanted to reach out to see if you’ll be attending the Western Conference this month—I’d love the opportunity to connect in person.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

Hi Neil,

I hope you’re doing well!

My name is Sommer, and I’m with The MARC Group. We’re proud affiliate members of CFIG. I wanted to reach out to see if you’ll be attending the Western Conference this month—I’d love the opportunity to connect in person.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

Hi Dave,

I hope this message finds you well. We are so excited to be an affiliate member of the CFIG community. Will you be attending the Western Conference this month? I’d love to connect and meet with you in person.

Cheers,

Sommer

https://canadiangrocer.com/reality-bites-new-anatomy-value

canadiangrocer.com

Reality bites: The new anatomy of value

Professor Ramesh Venkat on how rising food prices, an increased focus on health and AI are redefining value and shopping habits

It’s more than just adding SKUs and managing the category P&L from the desk. It’s solving customer solutions and placing those solutions in key…

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linkedin.com

Grocery has a talent problem. And they don't know it yet. Category managers are trained to manage a P&L first, customer second. Fashion merchants are trained differently. They create shoppable… | Laura Kind | 63 comments

Grocery has a talent problem. And they don't know it yet. Category managers are trained to manage a P&L first, customer second. Fashion merchants are trained differently. They create shoppable spaces that make people stop, look, and buy. They think … Continue reading

https://hub.cfig.ca/express-checkout/2026/02/february-express-check-out/

For ten years, measured influence across five dimensions:

• Trustworthiness
• Leading Edge
• Engagement
• Corporate Citizenship, and
• Presence.

During the pandemic, two more emerged:

• Empathy
• Utility

And 2025 a new dimension:

• True North, a measure of Canadian patriotism, pride and…

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Also featuring UNFI 2026: Top 5 Spring & Summer Trends

1. Perimeter gains ground – Increased adoption of GLP-1 medications and updated USDA guidelines are driving shoppers to…

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abasto.com

NGA Show 2026 Dispatch: The Future of Hispanic Retail

At NGA Show 2026, Hispanic retailers found a roadmap for growth through tech, resilience, and cultural connection to gain a competitive edge.

Here’s the prompt: Create a caricature image of me with everything you know about me and my work.

And here is the result…Ai knows too much!!!

It illustrates why startups and entrepreneurs often rely on our Independent retailers to break into the market—Independents…

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linkedin.com

🔶 What It Really Takes to Earn a Pallet at Costco (Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Edition) Club channel wins don’t happen by accident. This Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Mega Jumbo pallet I spotted at Costco Canada… | Chris Clement

🔶 What It Really Takes to Earn a Pallet at Costco (Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Edition) Club channel wins don’t happen by accident. This Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Mega Jumbo pallet I spotted at Costco Canada represents months of PPA, RGM, sales, … Continue reading

She’s a perfect size for the area – lots of new condos right beside the parking lot, and their set-up caters really nicely to become the alternative to all of the UberEATS selections directly across the street.

I enjoyed some beautiful green seedless grapes, a couple of Longo’s…

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Check out Giancarlo Trimarchi’s post below, where he discusses why independent grocers, like Vince’s Market, are more critical than ever. While large chains succeed on size,…

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vincesmarket.ca

Why Independent Grocers Matter More Than Ever - Vince's Market - With 4 Locations to Serve You!

When most people think about the grocery industry, they picture huge warehouse stores, national chains, and fleets of trucks crisscrossing the country. And yes – a few major players control a big part of Canada’s food supply. But beyond those … Continue reading