CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 2ο»Ώ | | MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT | | |
Hello Marina,
The Board of Directors and I would like to thank our CIGBA/DCI Members, Supplier Partners, and Industry Partners for your ongoing and continued support!
So far, this year has gotten off to a great start, and warmer weather is just around the corner! As we progress through the second quarter, CIGBA/DCI continues to strengthen its commitment to supporting independent retailers and enhancing supplier partnerships. We have seen steady growth in member engagement, strategic collaborations, and initiatives aimed at driving success in our industry. Looking ahead, we remain focused on innovation and providing valuable resources to our network.
This yearβs Annual Business Summit, Beyond the Basket: Navigating the Future of Retail and CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic are less than 2 months away. The Business Summit will take place Tuesday, June 3rd, at the Toronto Pearson Convention Center. The Summit provides our network with the ability to connect with our supplier partners and fellow members, exchange ideas and best practices, learn about market and category trends that are impacting the industry and your respective businesses, and celebrate the accomplishments of members and partners within the CIGBA/DCI community. Registration is well underway, and there are limited spots left for Partners to secure the DBX meeting booths (Please contact the DCI office to confirm availability). To register today, please visit https://cigba.ca/summit.
The CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic will take place Wednesday, June 4th, at the Royal Woodbine Golf Club. Please visit our website for more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities. https://cigba.ca/golf
The benefits realized from DCI membership and supplier partners continue to grow in terms of value and numbers, and we are confident that collectively, we will all realize the continued value of our partnerships. We greatly appreciate and welcome your feedback and suggestions as we plan for the future.
As always, I am here to support our members and supplier partners. Please reach out to me as required, and I will be more than happy to help you in any way possible!
Sincerely,
Barry Lanteigne
Director of Operations/President
CIGBA/Distribution Canada Inc.
(905) 681-3933 x 101
barry@distributioncanada.ca
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CIGBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
representing our Membership coast to coast
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*Executive Board Member/ DCI Board Director
*Executive Board member/ DCI Board Director
| | SAVE THE DATE - CIGBA/DCI 2025 NETWORKING EVENTS | | |
Our Annual CIGBA/DCI Business Summit is Only A Month Away!
BEYOND THE BASKET: Navigating The Future of Retail
The CIGBA/DCI Business Summit is an annual event organized by the Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance (CIGBA) and Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI). It serves as a premier gathering for independent grocers, wholesalers, and suppliers across Canada, fostering collaboration, networking, and business development within the grocery industry.
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Event Details
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Date: Monday, June 3, 2025
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Location: Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Ave E, Brampton, ON L6T 4L7
- Registration Deadlines:
- Full Day Summit: May 9, 2025
- Dinner Only: May 23, 2025
π Key Features
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DBX (Distribution Canada Inc. Business Exchange): A series of fast-paced, one-on-one meetings facilitating discussions on new products, promotions, and business strategies between retailers and suppliers.
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Partner Deals & Power Buys: Exclusive, aggressive pricing and promotional deals curated for members.
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Star Awards Gala Dinner: An evening event recognizing excellence in the industry across various categories, including Retailer of the Year, Partner of the Year, Innovation Award, Social Responsibility Award, Leader of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Networking Opportunities: Various sessions designed to connect members, partners, and industry colleagues, emphasizing the power of collaboration.
π Registration Information
The Summit is exclusive to current CIGBA members and DCI Supplier Partners. For information on membership or to register, please visit the official CIGBA Summit page. If you need assistance with registration or have further questions about the event, feel free to contact the CIGBA/DCI office!
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The CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic is an annual event organized by the Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance (CIGBA), Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI), and the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG). This charity golf event serves as a premier networking opportunity for the grocery industry, bringing together independent grocers, suppliers, and industry professionals to support a charitable cause!
π
Event Details
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Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
- Time:
- 08:00 AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
- 09:30 AM: Shotgun Start
- 02:30 PM: Cocktails & Mix + Mingle
- 03:30 PM: Dinner & Prizes
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Location: Royal Woodbine Golf Club, 195 Galaxy Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 6R7
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Charity of Choice: Food Banks Canada
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Registration Deadline: May 23, 2025
π― Event Highlights
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with key business partners, suppliers, and industry colleagues in a relaxed and engaging environment.
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Contests & Prizes: Participate in various on-course contests such as "Closest to the Pin" and "Longest Drive," with prizes sponsored by industry partners.
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Product Sampling: Enjoy product displays and sampling from leading suppliers, offering a taste of the latest offerings in the grocery sector.
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Charitable Support: Proceeds from the event support a designated charity, fostering community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
π Registration & Inquiries
If you have any further questions or need assistance with registration, feel free to contact the CIGBA/DCI Office!
| | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MEMBER! | | |
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Molly's Market
King City, ON
| | | CONGRATULATIONS ON STORE EXPANSIONS! | | |
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Join us in congratulating Nikol Poulin Inc. on their expansion and the opening of a new store #4 Economarche
Acton Vale, QC
| | | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST SUPPLIER PARTNERS! | | |
Construction Services
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Building Trust, Growing Together: Over Two Decades of General Contracting Experience
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Best in Trial and Travel Size Products, Personal Care Products, Over the Counter Drugs, All
HABA Product
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β | Live plants, ready racks, smart stacks | | | Business Services, Photo printing and personalized gifting services using affiliate program through code sharing | | | Frozen Cakes, Cheesecakes, Loaves, Brownies, Cupcakes, Tarts and Pastries, including certified Gluten-Free and certified Vegan desserts. | |
β | Still and Sparkling Water (Glass Bottles 12x750ml) - Made in Canada | | | Fast Moving Goods, General Merchandise: Snacks, Supplements, Lighters, Rolling Papers | | | |
Pickled vegetables: 500ml jars
Mixed Vegetable Torshi: Cauliflower, carrots, celery, cabbage, peppers, jalapenos, and more in a bold, herb-infused brine.
Pickled Carrots Torshi: Crunchy carrot sticks in apple cider vinegar with garlic, mint, and a touch of chili.
Pickled Cauliflower Torshi: Whole cauliflower florets are pickled with herbs and spices for a satisfying bite.
| | | BACK TO SCHOOL WITH CANADIAN FAVOURITES | | Thank you to everyone who participated in this program! Please see the winners below! | | |
Congratulations to the Grand Prize Winner: Central Fresh Market
ο»ΏGRAND PRIZE:
Cheque ($1000 Value)
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With promoting cross merchandising, continuous use of curated admats and weekly promotions in their store flyers, this retailer accumulated ballot entries to win the grand prize!
Take a look at the Best Displays:
| | 1st Place - $300 Winner: Commisso's Fresh Foods | | 2nd Place - $250 Winner: Lococo's Nebo Rd. | | 3rd Place - $200 Winner: Lococo's Brantford | | 4th Place - $150 Winner: Central Fresh Market | | 5th Place - $100 Winner: Sharpe's Food Marke | | SHORT ON TIME? VISIT DCI SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES | | |
Only have a couple of minutes? Check out the DCI Social media pages on Facebook, X and LinkedIn. Major public announcements are always posted on our social media and you can often find other industry bits of information shared on our pages.
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Navigating Tariff Uncertainty
With the potential for U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, independent grocers are revising sourcing strategies to prioritize local products. Many are embracing the "Buy Canadian" movement to meet consumer demand for homegrown goods. Initiatives like clearer labeling of Canadian products and marketing campaigns such as "Local Spotlight" have helped independent grocers strengthen ties with their communities while mitigating supply chain challenges [Source: How independent grocers are navigating uncertainty around tariffs | Canadian Grocer]
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Automation and Dynamic Pricing Concerns
Large grocery chains are increasingly adopting technologies like self-checkouts and dynamic pricing, which could disadvantage independent grocers. Dynamic pricing enables instant price updates based on demand, but raises concerns about affordability for consumers. Independent grocers may need to emphasize personalized service and stable pricing to differentiate themselves from larger competitors [Source: Canadaβs Grocery Sector Faces Crisis Amid U.S. Tariffs}
| | DCI MEMBER PORTAL PROVIDES THE LATEST UPDATES | | |
By logging into the portal, you will get access to your company's rebate reports. As well, any important announcements regarding changes in agreements will also be posted internally on the portal.
What else does the portal provide?
- new supplier partner agreements
- new programs and promotions
- revised supplier partner agreements and rebate scales
- your member reports
- the DCI by-laws
- the CIGBA by-laws
- summary of volume rebates
- AGM information
- education and resources
If you don't have login credentials to access the Member Portal, click here to email Michele at DCI.
Once you've checked the portal for information and still don't see what you are looking for, please email or call the DCI office with your inquiry.
| | NEW ADVERTISING AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPLIER PARTNERS | | |
Looking to better connect with Independents in the highly competitive digital space?
We've tailored a brand new advertisement and marketing package available for our Supplier Partners to utilize!
Now, with the help of DCI, Supplier Partners can send:
- Tailored non-competitive e-blasts direct to Member's mailboxes
- Newsletter advertisement with reduced rates for year long bookings
- Website advertisement on both DCI and CIGBA pages
- Digital real estate space within the Member Portal (available for 12 months)
- Social media posts across three platforms
If interested, email barry@distributioncanada.ca to get started or to inquire!
| | PARTNERS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM WITH DCI | | |
WHAT MEMBERS NEED TO KNOW:
Check your inbox every 1st of the month to see the new Partners highlighted for the month. They can be Partners with Power Buys and deals or Service Partners who want to highlight all that they have to offer. If you can't find the email, you can always login to the Member Portal and access the deals under "What's New". Click here to access the Member Portal.
WHAT PARTNERS NEED TO KNOW:
Looking to get in the mailbox of the Independents? Let DCI help you with any seasonal programs, new item or product launches, and quick sells. Our "Partners of the Month" program highlights up to 5-10 different Supplier Partners each month, and provides DCI members with monthly deals and incentives (if applicable), or a highlight of your services, if you're a service provider. This program is great for an increase in exposure (as a Partner) and to capitalize on great product deals or new service opportunities (as a Member). For more details and eligibility, please contact the DCI office.
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All DCI Supplier Partner Vendors now have access to their Vendor page! By logging into the portal, you will get access to the most current Membership List, and Purchase Input of Sales Form. Once logged in you will now be in control in seeing the current agreement, sell sheets, pricing lists and company brochures that is currently Member-facing on your company page!
Take the time to review your CTA (Cooperative Trade Agreement), whether your sales and product sell sheets are relevant, and review pricing lists. If you notice your Vendor page being pretty bare, connect with us so we can upload documents for you and make your page more enticing for Members to view and connect with reps!
Connect with us to get your page up-to-date.ο»Ώ
| | DCI COMMUNICATIONS AND EMAIL CAMPAIGNS | | |
Breaking news, industry announcements, new agreements, Partners of the Month, and other opportunity buys are always sent out through email. This allows us to target our communication by location, type of store, and relevancy as well as give us detailed reporting on who is opening the announcements, which links they have clicked on and where to allocate our efforts for outreach if members haven't opened up these communications.
By ignoring emails or allowing them to go to your spam/junk folders, you could be missing incredible buying opportunities, programs, or helpful industry tips to better the success of your company.
Please email the DCI Office to see which members of your company currently receive our communications (we segment by multiple lists, so be sure touch base with DCI if you aren't aware as to who is receiving which communications).
| | MEMBERS, STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI! | | |
Retailers, are you missing out on our messages? We send out aggressive pricing promotions, power buys, new partner announcements and informational resources dedicated to the success of your business.
Please take the time to review:
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that our emails are going to the correct person at your company
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that our emails aren't getting sorted into your Junk/Spam folder. If that is the case, be sure to whitelist our domain (@distributioncanada.ca) to ensure you are receiving all of our information
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that someone from your company is registered to order products on OrderEase (the DCI Power Buy ordering software)
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that someone from your company is registered and has access and login to the Member's Portal
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that you send in your reports when asked to allocate proper rebates with certain vendors
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that you check your mailboxes every month on the 1st for the Partner of the Month deals and promotions. Make this routine and know that you only have until the 15th to order products with aggressive deals.
| | SUPPLIER PARTNER? If you are interested in running a promo, submitting material for education and resources or to advertise with DCI and the independent retailers, please email: barry@distributioncanada.ca | | | | |
