CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 10 Issue 1 | | MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT | | |
Greetings!
Happy New Year!
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.
Your support and involvement with DCI are valued and vital as we continue to support the long-term competitive positioning of our members in the Canadian market. Throughout 2025, we focused on the growth of the Supplier/Partner Network (23 New Partners), as well as adding 7 New Members. We also hosted another successful Annual Business Summit and Charity Golf Classic in 2025. The focus for 2026 will be to build stronger relationships with our member/supplier partners by creating more opportunities for each to engage through additional buying opportunities via our Partner of the Month program, continued business reviews, and identifying the opportunities that exist through our supplier partner agreements. We welcome your feedback and look forward to exploring new opportunities in the future.
The CIGBA/DCI Business Summit and the CIGBA/CFIG/DCI Charity Golf Classic dates have been confirmed for 2026. The Annual Business Summit will be held on Tuesday, June 2nd, at the Pearson Convention Center in Toronto. The CIGBA/CFIG/DCI Charity Golf Classic is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3rd, returning to Royal Woodbine Golf Club. Both events will be held back-to-back for the purpose of getting more members and partners together to build our principles of creating meaningful Partnerships and Relationships. Registration for both events will start at the end of the month. Our Events provide our network 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, as well as celebrating the accomplishments of members within the CIGBA/DCI community.
The benefits realized from CIGBA/DCI partnerships will continue to increase in terms of profitable growth with our members/partners, and we are confident that collectively we will all realize the value of supporting the members through your respected 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! I can be reached at 905-681-3933 or barry@distributioncanada.ca.
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
| | *Executive Board Member / DCI Board Director | | SAVE THE DATE - CIGBA/DCI 2026 NETWORKING EVENTS | | |
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.
📅 Event Details
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Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
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Location: Pearson Convention Centre, 2638 Steeles Ave E, Brampton, ON L6T 4L7
- Registration Deadlines:
- Full Day Summit: May 8, 2026
- Dinner Only: May 22, 2026
🔄 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.
📝 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!
- Registration opening Feb 2026
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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!
📅 Event Details
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Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
- 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 22, 2026
🎯 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.
📌 Registration & Inquiries
- Registration opening Feb 2026
If you have any further questions or need assistance with registration, feel free to contact the CIGBA/DCI Office!
| | NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR | | |
THE ANNUAL
CIGBA/DCI
★ STAR AWARDS ★
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Nominations are due:
March 6th, 2026
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RETAILER OF THE YEAR
PARTNER OF THE YEAR
INNOVATION AWARD
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD
LEADER OF THE YEAR
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
| | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MEMBERS! | | |
Harris Meats & Groceries
Winnipeg, MB
| | | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST SUPPLIER PARTNERS! | | Avenco Ltd. (MyParchment) | | | BLTs (Brayshaw Consulting LLC) | Grocery Training and Consulting | | | Comprehensive materials marketing service for recyclable commodities and consulting services. | | | AGCO Certification, Beverage Alcohol Merchandising, Consultation, and Education | | | 40 SKUs of local produce, imported tropical and specialty items. | |
| 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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Canadians Face Higher Grocery Prices in 2026
According to the latest Canada’s Food Price Report, grocery costs are projected to climb again in 2026, with the average family of four expected to spend nearly $1,000 more on food compared with 2025. The report points to continued inflationary pressures across major categories — particularly meat, bakery items, and vegetables — along with rising production and transportation costs that continue to push shelf prices higher. These increases are expected to keep grocery affordability top of mind for Canadians, prompting many shoppers to adjust their habits, seek out value, and rely more heavily on promotions and deals throughout the year.
[Source: Canadian families could pay $1,000 more for groceries in 2026]
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Stong’s Market Opens New Surrey Location
Stong’s Market has officially opened its fourth British Columbia location in Surrey, expanding its footprint beyond Vancouver and North Vancouver to serve more local shoppers. The new store features a smaller, convenience-focused format with fresh produce, a hot meals section, a salad bar, café offerings, and essential grocery items — all with Stong’s signature emphasis on fresh, local, and organic products. This move signals the brand’s strategy of adapting its neighbourhood grocer model to more urban and high-density communities.
[Source: Stong’s Market opens fourth B.C. location in Surrey]
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Minimum Wage Updates Coming in 2026
Across Canada, minimum wage policies continue to evolve as provinces and federally regulated sectors adjust wages to help workers keep pace with the rising cost of living. Several jurisdictions — including Ontario, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island — implemented increases in late 2025, with PEI set to raise its rate again in 2026 to $17.00 per hour as part of its scheduled April adjustment. Other provinces and territories, such as British Columbia and Quebec, are also expected to review wages over the course of the year as part of their annual update processes, while federally regulated employees continue to see adjustments tied to inflation. These changes carry implications for labour costs and workforce planning across the retail and grocery sector.
[Source: New Minimum Wage In 5 Canadian Provinces]
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Maple Leaf Olympic Campaign Kicks Off with In-Store Support
Maple Leaf is ramping up excitement for the 2026 Olympic Games with a coast-to-coast promotional campaign supporting its role as the Official Protein of the Canadian Olympic Team. As part of the program, Maple Leaf representatives have been visiting stores to help build displays and ensure retailers are set up for maximum in-store visibility. The campaign includes mass media support, digital and social amplification, athlete endorsements, feature pricing, and a full suite of POS materials to drive strong engagement during this key Olympic period. Members can expect increased brand visibility and strong consumer interest as the Olympic momentum builds.
[Source: Maple Leaf Foods Joins Team Canada as Official Protein Partner]
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Changes to Alcohol Recycling & Sales in Ontario
Ontario grocers and The Beer Store reached an agreement in November 2025 that preserves the province’s alcohol container recycling system and prevents retailers from having to collect beer and wine empties directly at grocery stores. Under the deal, The Beer Store will continue to accept empty containers and refund deposits while grocers cover the program costs and brewers commit to ensuring accessible return points for customers. Industry groups say the agreement averts major disruptions that were expected when grocers were set to begin accepting empties as part of expanded alcohol sales in early 2026, and it provides stability for consumers, protects environmental goals, and supports convenience as alcohol availability grows in grocery and convenience stores.
[Source: New Agreement Eases Alcohol Return Rules for Ontario Retailers]
| | 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 nicole@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.
| | 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 | | | | |
