CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 10 Issue 3 | | MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT | | |
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Greetings!
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!
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CIGBA/DCI hosted its Annual Business Summit and Charity Golf Classic on June 2 and 3 this year! The member and partner feedback from those who participated has been very positive, once again this year!
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 the face-to-face interactions that were provided via the DBX’s meetings in the morning/afternoon, which were very well received as well. Then the industry presentations focused on items that matter for our members. 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 2027 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 again, 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 2027, as both venues have been rebooked again for next year. The new dates will be Tuesday, June 1st, for the Annual Business Summit and Wednesday, June 2nd, 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 and 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
| | *Executive Board Member / DCI Board Director | | SAVE THE DATE - CIGBA/DCI 2027 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
Date: Tuesday, June 1, 2027
Location: Pearson Convention Centre
2638 Steeles Ave E, Brampton, ON L6T 4L7
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🔄 2026 Recap
The 2026 CIGBA/DCI Business Summit brought together independent grocers and supplier partners from across Canada for a day of networking, collaboration, and industry engagement. The Summit served as a valuable platform for members to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities within the evolving grocery landscape.
| | Throughout the event, attendees participated in DBX business meetings, explored new products and innovations during the Product Showcase, and gained valuable insights through industry presentations and a member panel discussion. The Summit also featured a Cocktail Mix & Mingle, providing additional opportunities for networking and collaboration among industry peers. | | |
The Star Awards Gala celebrated the outstanding achievements of DCI and CIGBA members and partners, recognizing excellence and leadership across Canada's independent grocery industry. The event brought together retailers, supplier partners, and industry professionals for an evening dedicated to honouring those who continue to drive innovation, growth, and success
within the independent channel.
| | Awards were presented across a variety of categories, celebrating exceptional contributions by retailers, partners, and industry leaders. The Gala continues to serve as a highlight of the annual conference, recognizing the individuals and organizations whose dedication strengthens the independent grocery community. | | |
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
Date: Wednesday, June 2, 2027
Location: Royal Woodbine Golf Club
195 Galaxy Blvd., Etobicoke, ON M9W 6R7
Timeline:
8:00 AM: Registration & Light Breakfast
9:30 AM: Shotgun Start
2:30 PM: Cocktails & Mix + Mingle
3:30 PM: Dinner & Prizes
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🔄 2026 Recap
The 2026 CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic brought together members and supplier partners for another memorable day of networking, friendly competition, and charitable giving. As one of the Association's signature annual events, the tournament provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to strengthen relationships, connect with industry colleagues, and enjoy a day on the course in support of a meaningful cause.
| | Throughout the tournament, golfers visited interactive product sampling stations hosted by supplier partners, participated in a variety of on-course contests, and had the chance to win an impressive selection of raffle prizes and silent auction items. The day concluded with a dinner reception where participants gathered to celebrate the event's success and recognize the generosity of everyone involved. | | Thanks to the outstanding support of sponsors, volunteers, and participants, the tournament raised $15,000 for Food Banks Canada, continuing CIGBA's commitment to helping strengthen food security and give back to communities across the country. | | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST MEMBERS! | | |
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Arctic Consultants
Anjou, QC
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Victory Meat & Produce Market
Fredericton, NB
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Watrous Main Street Market
Watrous, SK
| | | JOIN US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST SUPPLIER PARTNERS! | | Shelf Stable Food & Beverage Opportunity Buys | | | Greeting Cards and Accessories | |
| Guest Feedback and Reputation Management Solution | |
| Frozen IQF, Halal, fully cooked chicken Karaage, Tulips and Katsu | |
| TFI Food Equipment Solutions | Taylor Equipment (Soft Serve Ice Cream, Shake, Slushie, Grill) Henny Penny Equipment (Open Fryer, Pressure Fryer, Combi Ovens and Holding Equipment) Franke Coffee Equipment (Super Automatic Coffee Machines) | | | Wonderberry North America | | | Wonderland Food & Equipment | Concession Products (Popcorn / Nachos / Cotton Candy etc.) | |
| Pest Control Product for Retail-Brands Victor, Terro, Safer, Havahart, Dynatrap, Dr. Ts, Mosquito Magnet, Zereba. | |
| 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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DCI Celebrates 45 Years of Supporting Independent Grocers
This year, Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI) proudly celebrates 45 years of serving Canada's independent grocery industry. Since its founding in 1981, DCI has grown into one of the country's leading buying and marketing organizations, supporting more than 100 independent grocers and supplier partners from coast to coast.
For more than four decades, DCI has remained committed to helping independent retailers thrive through collective buying power, strategic partnerships, and value-added programs that strengthen their ability to compete while maintaining their independence. As the grocery landscape continues to evolve, DCI has experienced continued growth and remains focused on innovation, technology, and delivering meaningful value to its members.
As we celebrate this milestone, we extend our sincere thanks to our members, partners, Board of Directors, and dedicated staff whose support and collaboration have made the past 45 years possible. We look forward to building on this legacy and continuing to strengthen Canada's independent grocery community for many years to come.
[Source: DCI Celebrates 45 Years of Supporting Independent Grocers]
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Rabba Fine Foods Showcases Independent Retail During FIFA World Cup
As the FIFA World Cup continues in Canada and heads into its final stretch, Rabba Fine Foods has been demonstrating how independent grocers can respond to major global events with agility and customer focus. In a recent interview with Grocery Business, President Rick Rabba highlighted the company’s early planning efforts, including close collaboration with supplier partners, increased staffing, and expanded assortments to ensure stores remained well-prepared for heightened demand throughout the tournament. Beyond the immediate sales boost, Rabba believes the tournament presents a unique opportunity for neighbourhood grocers to showcase their communities, build lasting customer relationships, and leave a positive impression on visitors from around the world. From grab-and-go meals and fresh food options to international products that reflect the diversity of local communities, Rabba Fine Foods is embracing the opportunity to deliver exceptional service while showcasing the important role independent grocers play during major global events.
[Source: FIFA World Cup brings global excitement to grocery store doorsteps]
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George's Market Celebrates 65 Years of Community
George's Market in Thunder Bay, is celebrating an incredible milestone; 65 years of serving its community. What began as Midway Grocery in 1961 has grown into a thriving family-owned grocery store and greenhouse that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Now led by the second and third generations of the Thompson family, the business credits its longevity to resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast "never give up" attitude. To mark the occasion, the market hosted a community celebration and unveiled its new retro-inspired Snacks & Scoops food trailer, adding another exciting chapter to its longstanding legacy.
[Source: George's Market celebrates with 'never-give-up attitude']
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Canada Launches Strategic Response Fund Under National Food Security Strategy
CFIG recently joined the Prime Minister for the unveiling of Canada’s National Food Security Strategy, a multi-billion-dollar initiative aimed at strengthening domestic food resilience and supply chain capacity. Many elements of the strategy reflect recommendations made by CFIG, including the development of additional food terminals, expansion of the Ontario Food Terminal, and the creation of regional food hubs designed to improve distribution efficiency across the country.
As part of ongoing discussions, CFIG has also sought clarification from Ottawa on whether independent grocers could access funding for certain infrastructure projects, such as the construction of food commissaries. The federal government has indicated that eligibility would depend on the scope of the project, encouraging interested organizations to submit a brief expression of interest to determine if their proposal aligns with program criteria.
On June 22, the Government of Canada officially launched the $350 million Strategic Response Fund (SRF), inviting applications from organizations across food and beverage manufacturing, packaging, industrial systems, and related supply chain sectors. The program is intended to support businesses in expanding capacity, modernizing operations, and strengthening Canada’s domestic food infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders note that the SRF presents potential opportunities not only for manufacturers but also for broader food system partners, including some independent grocers and affiliate members, depending on project scope and eligibility.
[Source: Canada’s National Food Security Strategy]
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Mike Dean Local Grocer celebrates 50 Years of Community Service
Mike Dean Local Grocer is celebrating 50 years of serving communities across Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. More than 125 guests gathered at a special appreciation event hosted by the Chesterville and District Historical Society to recognize the Dean family's lasting contributions to independent grocery retailing. CIGBA/DCI President Barry Lanteigne was in attendance to congratulate the Dean family on this remarkable milestone and celebrate their enduring commitment to the independent grocery industry. As part of the celebration, the Dean family donated $500 each to five local organizations, reflecting the community-first values that have defined the business for five decades. Gordon Dean, DCI Past Chair, continues to play an important leadership role within the organization while carrying forward the family's legacy of independent retail excellence.
[Source: A golden celebration – Celebrating 50 years of serving the community]
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Maple Leaf Foods Revives Yves Veggie Cuisine
Maple Leaf Foods is reintroducing the well-known Yves Veggie Cuisine brand, bringing back a familiar name in the plant-based category for Canadian consumers. The relaunch will feature a selection of core products, including deli slices and Veggie Ground Round varieties, with a focus on maintaining the recipes and flavours that originally helped establish the brand’s presence in grocery stores across the country. The move reflects renewed momentum in the plant-based space, as manufacturers look to balance evolving consumer demand with trusted legacy brands. By reintroducing Yves Veggie Cuisine, Maple Leaf Foods aims to reconnect with long-time shoppers while also attracting new consumers seeking convenient, plant-based meal options in an increasingly competitive category.
[Source: Maple Leaf Foods reviving plant-based brand Yves Veggie Cuisine]
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Emerging Technology Helps Reduce Produce Waste
Innovative technologies are transforming the way retailers preserve fresh produce and reduce food waste. From antimicrobial packaging that helps extend shelf life by targeting bacteria and mould to ethylene-removal systems that slow the ripening process during storage and transportation, these advancements are helping retailers maintain product quality and minimize shrink. As the industry continues to embrace new technology, these solutions offer independent grocers valuable opportunities to improve sustainability, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver fresher products to customers.
[Source: The latest fresh produce tech retailers should know about]
| | 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 | | | | |
