CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 9 Issue 3 | | MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT | | |
Hello Barry,
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. With half of the year already in the books, things are shaping up to be another great year!
CIGBA/DCI hosted its Annual Business Summit and Charity Golf Classic on June 3 and 4 this year! The feedback that has been received from those who participated has been very positive!
This year's Annual Business Summit was another hit within our member and partner community! The Member-only breakfast and AGM were a great way for members to meet and connect, followed by industry presentations that focused on items that matter for our members. The face-to-face interactions that were provided via the DBX’s meetings in the afternoon were very well received as well. Let’s not forget about the fun and exciting cocktail mix and mingle, and ending the evening with the gala dinner and Star Awards ceremony, which recognized all the great work of our members and partners!
Congratulations to all nominees and winners! Each year, we strive to make each event better than the previous year and we are excited for what we will put forward in 2026 with all the feedback that we have received from our Members and Partners. Please visit our events website, where all our photos from this year’s events have been updated: https://cigba.ca/.
The Charity Golf Classic boasted perfect weather, which proved to be a positive day for our charitable initiative. CIGBA/DCI and CFIG raised and donated $15,000 to Food Banks Canada! Thanks to all who supported and participated in this tournament!
Please save the dates for 2026, as both venues have been rebooked again for next year. The new dates will be Tuesday, June 2nd, for the Annual Business Summit and Wednesday, June 3rd, for the annual Charity Golf Classic.
Looking ahead for the remainder of the year, we will be connecting with Members to continue yearly business reviews, reviewing new member opportunities with in-store visits. Also, we will be meeting with new and existing Partners to discuss further opportunities and cooperative trade agreement reviews. Any Partners interested in discussing contests and promotions, please connect with me to review and discuss potential opportunities.
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
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*Executive Board Member/ DCI Board Director
*Executive Board member/ DCI Board Diretor
| | 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!
| | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MEMBERS! | | |
R. Denninger Limited
Hamilton, ON
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Bruno's Fine Foods
Toronto, ON
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Jian Hing Supermarket Inc
North York, ON
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Country Grocer Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, BC
| | | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST SUPPLIER PARTNERS! | | Dry/Frozen- Abokitchi, A Spice Affair, Basse Nuts, Black River, Bubbie's Biscotti, Bucked Up, City Seltzer, Clever Mocktails, Dawsons Hot Sauce, Farm Girl, Filsingers, Great Canadian Meat, Green Seeds, Honey Bar, Incas Gold, Jack Astors, Lighthouse Lemonade, Lumberheads, Manning Canning, Muskoka Gourmet, Muskoka Springs, NANUK smoked salmon, Outdoor Flavours, Perfect Chef, Quinta Quinoa, Red River, Sakura Maple, Skippy, Sober Carpenter, Stock & Crown, Teriyaki Experience, Queens Onions, Twisted Ketchup, Uncle Bob's Popcorn, Voisin's Maple, Wellness Bites, Williwaw Dog Treats, Yawdis Jelly's | |
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Classic Cold Brew and Matcha Tea-Latte
Proudly produced in Windsor, Ontario, just add Polar Joe to ice-cold water for a delicious, fully functional protein coffee packed with protein and flavour that will power the day and help meet daily protein health goals. Premium New Zealand Whey Protein Isolate, 100% Coffee, organic coconut sugar, and non-dairy creamer mix quickly for an unbelievably tasty, protein-rich drink. Available in retailer-friendly 6-pack single-serve boxes and 12 single-serve Versa-Packs for low-price-point introductions to Polar Joe beverages.
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| 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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Trump Threatens 35% Tariffs on Canadian Imports Starting August 1st
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 35% tariffs on Canadian imports beginning August 1, warning Prime Minister Mark Carney in a public letter that higher duties will follow if no new trade deal is reached. The move raises doubts about meeting the original July 21 negotiation deadline for a new economic and security agreement between the two countries. Trump tied any tariff relief to Canada’s efforts to curb fentanyl trafficking—a claim experts say is not supported by data showing most U.S. fentanyl enters from Mexico. Canadian officials say they’ll continue to defend domestic workers and businesses while pushing for a fair agreement.
[Source: Trump threatens 35% tariffs on Canada on Aug. 1 in letter posted online]
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Rabba Fine Foods Joins DoorDash
Rabba Fine Foods has teamed up with DoorDash to offer around-the-clock on-demand grocery delivery from over 30 locations across the Greater Toronto Area. Customers can now order fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, bakery items, everyday essentials, and even alcohol at in-store prices for delivery any time, day or night, making it easier than ever to shop on their own schedule. The partnership expands Rabba’s commitment to quality and convenience, helping busy Ontarians access their favourite local grocer with just a few taps. DoorDash users can browse a wide selection of Rabba products and enjoy reliable delivery service throughout Southern Ontario communities.
[Source: Rabba Fine Foods Joins DoorDash, Connecting Southern Ontarians With Groceries Day and Night]
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Vince’s Market Launches ‘Street Side Eats’ Food Truck in Sharon, ON
Vince’s Market has unveiled their new Street Side Eats food truck at their Sharon location, serving up classic summer favourites like burgers, hot dogs, poutine, onion rings, and Kawartha Dairy ice cream. Designed as a family-friendly hangout, the truck features outdoor seating and games like Giant Jenga and Cornhole, encouraging customers to relax and connect over great food. Open now through October 31, Street Side Eats aims to bring the community together with casual dining and a warm, welcoming vibe exclusive to Vince’s Sharon store.
Street Side Eats Summer Hours:
Monday to Friday 11am – 9pm
Saturday 11am – 8pm
Sunday 11am – 7pm
[Source: ‘Street Side Eats’ Food Truck launched in Sharon]
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Lake of Bays Brewing and Sawdust City Announce Merger
Lake of Bays Brewing and Sawdust City Brewing have merged, creating one of Ontario’s top 10 breweries by production volume, with a combined capacity of over 20,000 hectolitres annually and more than 200 employees. The partnership strengthens both brands’ retail distribution and recognition in the Muskoka region, now spanning six restaurants, taprooms, and event venues. Sawdust City executives Natalie Archer and Sam Corbeil will take on senior roles in the new organization, while founder Rob Engman shifts to a consulting role focused on real estate.
[Source: Lake of Bays Brewing merges with Sawdust City]
| | 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 | | | | |
