DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 3 Issue 4
Fall Edition
October 2019
BOARD NEWS
From the East coast to the West coast, our DCI Board of Directors:
Top Photo: DCI Board of Directors 2019-2020 (Absent: Rocco Commisso)

Individual Portraits From Left To Right:
Top Row: Chairman David La Mantia (J&B La Mantia Ltd.), Vice-Chairman Robert Galati (Galati Market Fresh Inc.), Treasurer Nigel Oliver (Vince's Market)

Middle Row: Past-Chair Dave Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors Ltd.), Director Rocco Commisso (Commisso's Fresh Foods), Director Gordon Dean (Mike Dean's Super Food Stores)

Bottom Row: Director Tony Cataldi (Cataldi Fresh Market Inc.), Director Rick Rabba (The J. Rabba Company), Director Craig Cavin (Island Independent Buying Group Ltd.)
MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI VICE PRESIDENT
The Board of Directors and myself would like to thank our DCI Members, Supplier Partners, and Industry Partners for participating in this year's Annual Charity Golf Classic. It was another fantastic event! This event would not be possible without the generous contributions/sponsorship of our Supplier Partners! With everyone’s efforts we were able to donate $8000 to Variety Ontario. The money donated will be used to support their annual Christmas Party as well as introducing and implementing a new DCI Scholarship! Next year, there will be increased efforts and focus on supplier partner - member engagement, as we will be encouraging our supplier partners to invite members to golf with them!

It has been an exciting 2019 year at DCI with the addition of 2 new members, and 20 new vendor agreements. We would like to welcome Commisso’s Fresh Foods in Niagara Falls, Ontario and B and H Your Community Grocer in Kemptville, Ontario. Please join us in welcoming Rocco and Jim to our group!

The new supplier partner additions for 2019 are as follows: Diamond Packaging Supplies, Healthy Berries, Clik-Clik, CJR Wholesale, Greenpack, Balcorp Limited, Universal Consumer Brands, Heat Seal, The Meat Depot/Halenda’s Meat, Royal Star Promotions, Costco Business Centre, Monterey Sales, Jamieson, Armstrong, Spring Creek Quail Farms, Wholesome Goodness, Global Vintners Inc, DCMS Network, Triton Promo, and Bargreen Ellingson.

For our members, please log into your shareholder portal to find out more or contact me if you have any questions.

For the remainder of the year, we have our sights on reviewing/updating current supplier agreements, securing additional supplier partners and new member recruitment.

Also, planning has started for the 2020 Events, so stay tuned to find out more! We are currently in the process of securing venues and dates; info will be posted on our website once all has been confirmed!

We have been busy working with our Supplier Partners trying to secure more opportunity and Power Buys! Please keep an eye out on a weekly basis to ensure that you do not miss any as it is vital that we stay within the timelines of these booking for a smooth execution!

For our members, I hope to see you all out at our Fall Shareholder meeting on October 24, at the Toronto Congress Center (Café 2020), and please stop by our booth at the GIC show October 22 and 23 (Booth 1539).

DCI NEWS
NEW MEMBERSHIPS AND SUPPLIER PARTNERS
DCI has been continuing to on-board new Members and new Supplier Partners in support of our membership.

The new Members are:


The new Supplier Partners are:

Fresh Quail Eggs and Duck Eggs

Riceworks 155g - Flavours: Sweet Chili, Sea Salt, Salsa Fresca, Sundried Tomato, Wild Sea Salt, Black Sesame. Riceworks 50g - Flavours: Sea Salt, Salsa Fresca, Sweet Chili, Wild Sea Salt Black Sesame

Consumer Behaviour Analytics, Store Surveys, and Targeted Marketing Services

My Wine Company- Do it yourself 4L craft winemaking kits Pinot Grigio (#7728) and Cabernet Sauvignon (#7727)

Branded promotional products, service awards, business gifts, fulfillment programs and creative concepts

Everything for Food Service (Bar and Beverage, Cutlery, Kitchen Accessories, Glassware, Table Top Supplies, Equipment, Merchandise and Décor, Disposables, Janitorial items) and Design Services

Authentic Brioche Breads, Buns and Desserts La Fournée Dorée

Stay tuned for more Supplier Partner agreements currently in negotiations! All information will be posted onto the DCI Intranet Portal.
DCI & CFIG CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 2019
Thank you for making the DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic 2019 a complete success!
Independents and Supplier Partners were encouraged to come out and network, engage in new business leads, enjoy on-course and take-home product samples, and compete in several hole contests sponsored by various Supplier Partners and grocery industry media companies.

Congratulations to our industry for raising $8,000 for Variety - The Children's Charity of Ontario .
RETAILERS, STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI!
Retailers, have you logged into the DCI Shareholder Intranet Portal yet?

What does the portal provide?
  • new supplier partner agreements
  • new programs and promotions
  • revised supplier partner agreements and rebates
  • your shareholder rebate reports
  • the DCI by-laws
  • archived newsletters
  • summary of volume rebates
  • AGM information
If you haven't registered to gain access to the Shareholder Portal, you may do so by clicking here .
A NEW TOOL COMING JANUARY 2020 - DCI LIVE!
What is 'DCI Live!'?
  • new communication tool with notifications sent directly to your phone
  • live chat room
  • instant news with what's happening at DCI, product recalls, new vendor announcements, CTA updates, Power Buys, and other clearance opportunities!
  • Opens up avenue for members to discuss CTAs, provide feedback, share success stories, or seek help from other Members with similar problems
  • allows for round table discussions on group purchases & meeting our volume rebates, which in turn we can use to create growth in sales and stronger, more effective CTAs
  • completely free to sign up and use!
Click below to see a general explainer video on how Slack (DCI Live!) works!
Retailers, keep an eye out for communication on this new program, which will include additional details, and sign up opportunities for you, your purchasing managers or your marketing team!

Matthew will be following up with each retailer about this new communication tool. Full launch of Slack in January 2020.
DCI BUSINESS SUMMIT SURVEY RESULTS
The DCI Office put out a survey to better understand how our Annual Summit participants felt about the 2019 Program.
What we hope to improve on:
  • better membership engagement (increasing the ratio)
  • stronger focus on expanding the speed networking initiatives
  • providing special buying opportunities for Summit participants only
  • live-streaming aspects of the event

If you have any comments, please feel free to email: admin@distributioncanada.ca

Thank you to our Supplier Partner companies who provided their feedback toward making a stronger event for the DCI Independents:
LOST & FOUND
FOUND: Golf Club Head Cover

Recovered during the Charity Golf Classic 2019.

If it's yours, please contact the DCI Office by calling us at 905 681 3933 or emailing:
BIMBO CANADA AND DCI: FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER
From June 1st - July 27th, 2019, DCI & Bimbo Canada teamed up to bring the 'Fire Up Your Summer' program to DCI independents across the country! Retailers were encouraged to set up POS displays for their chance to win an assortment of prizes!

Stay tuned for the official announcement on the Grand Prize Winner coming to your mailboxes soon!
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!
DCI partnered with Weston Foods and Maple Leaf Foods for its 3rd year in running the successful 'Summer Home Run Blue Jays Promo'. We have announced the Grand Prize Blue Jays Experience Winner and the Best Displays Winners!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BEST DISPLAY WINNERS:
5th Place:
4th Place:
3rd Place:
2nd Place:
1st Place:
Nebo Road
SUPPLIER PARTNER? If you are interested in running a promo or contest with DCI and the independent retailers, please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca
CONNECTING WITH CFIG
GIC 2019 - A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES
From specialty grocers, to independents to majors chains and warehouse operators, food retailers from across Canada gather annually at the two-day event to grow their business. There are numerous opportunities to network, collaborate and grow. The mornings start with a full program of conference and workshops where both retailers and manufacturers can hear from thought leaders on trends and best practices. In the afternoon, the trade show and events provide another opportunity to collaborate with partners.
MEMBERS: RETAILER CONNECT 2019
Grocery Innovations Canada is pleased to announce a brand-new and improved Retailer Connect program. The new Retailer Connect will give you an opportunity to pre-book up to thirty (30) meetings with Retailers, Wholesalers and Distributors as well as other participating exhibitors at your booth.

Scheduling your meetings have never been so easy! Sign up for the program and start looking for people you would like to speak with. The new platform features messaging capabilities and schedule assistants to help you connect to the correct person in attendance at the scheduled time.
FROM OUR SUPPLIER PARTNERS
BURNBRAE FARMS: POP SOME EGGS INTO YOUR LUNCHBOX
As busy as my work life gets, I always try to take a break for lunch. Whether it’s a lunch meeting at a restaurant, a casual catch-up with colleagues, or a quick carried-from-home meal that I eat at my desk, I know that a nutritious lunch will keep me fueled for my afternoon ahead.

If you’re anything like me, perhaps you tote lunch from home so you don’t end up in restaurants daily. Whenever I pack my lunch, I like to keep the imagery from  Canada’s Food Guide in my head, and ensure that I pack vegetables & fruit, whole grains and a good source of protein – for me, that’s often eggs.

Why eggs? So many reasons! First, they are filled with protein, which provides long-lasting energy. That means you won’t feel hungry soon after eating your meal. Protein ideally needs to be consumed throughout the day to ensure muscles work their best. Canadians tend to get enough protein, but it’s not always spread out correctly since we get too little at breakfast and lunch, and too much at dinner. Muscles need protein constantly, so aim for 25 to 30g of protein at every meal – including lunch. In addition to protein, eggs contain a variety of vitamin and minerals, including vitamins A, D and E, selenium, iron, zinc and B-vitamins.

Secondly, eggs cook quickly, so prepping lunch in the morning (or the night before) won’t take long, and eggs are easy to pack and transport. I use a bag with an ice pack to keep everything fresh. Finally, eggs are also versatile, so I never get bored! I could enjoy a quiche, or a salad topped with sliced hard-boiled eggs, or  EGG Bakes! Egg Patties on an English muffin with spinach and tomato.

Need some inspiration to help you pop more eggs into your lunchbox? Here are some other ideas:

Breakfast for Lunch: Whether you toss some scrambled eggs into a thermos, or tuck into avocado toast with sliced hard-boiled eggs, you can recreate traditional breakfast foods at your midday meal. One of my favorites is to pre-toast an English muffin, add a slice of cheese, one of the varieties of  EggBakes ! and some spinach, and pack it in a sandwich container. This is a kid-friendly option too – it makes a wonderful addition to a school-day lunch box. You can also try this  Ham Breakfast Sandwich – don’t let the name fool you, it’s perfect for lunch too!

Salad Jars: I’m a huge fan of this prep method, because I can make four salad jars on Sunday and they will last right through until Wednesday. The key to making jar-based salads is to put the dressing on the bottom layer (i.e. add it first), then layer the rest of the ingredients on top. This ensures the lettuce won’t wilt by being coated in dressing, and it also makes it super-easy to serve -- just turn it onto a plate. The salad ingredients will fall first, and the dressing will follow as a perfect coating. Try this  Chicken ‘N Egg Cobb Salad Jars , or turn these  Niçoise Egg & Potato Salad ingredients into a jar meal.

Baked Egg Cups: Whether it’s  Mini Frittatas , creative  Ramen Egg Cups , or delicious  Mini Quiches with Feta , making batches of portable egg-based mini-meals makes packing lunches so much easier. All of these options can be made in batches of 12 to 24, and they stay frozen until you’re ready to use them. Whether they are in the kids’ lunch pail or atop your sophisticated lunch salad, you’ll be happy to have these around when you need them.

That’s A Wrap!  Sandwiches and wraps are another easy lunch option. Sometimes I use  EGGS2Go! hard-boiled eggs and mash them with mayonnaise for egg salad. I especially love the dill option paired with tomato and tucked into a whole grain pita. Another favourite is to make  Hoisin Lettuce and Egg Wraps where the ‘wrap’ is lettuce rather than a tortilla. While still wrapping, you can also use rice paper to make cold spring rolls. I love this recipe for  Egg and Avocado Rolls .

With all of these great options, you can see why eggs are so versatile! I think it’s so important to plan ahead so your midday meal is nourishing, delicious and will keep you focused all afternoon.

Article written by:
President, Burnbrae Farms
4 th  Generation Farmer
SUPPLIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
See below for some opportunities for you to consider for your businesses.

Retailers, you can review their CTAs & volume incentives by clicking on their logos and signing into the Shareholder Portal!
Cholesterol Lactose Free Foods Ltd.

Products: Tofutti non-dairy, cholesterol free, lactose free frozen desserts & frozen Novelties. Imitation Cream Cheese, Sour Cream and Cheese Slices.
Crosby Molasses Company Ltd.

Products: Crosby Fancy Molasses, Family Brand Molasses, Blackstrap Molasses (excluding Drums & Pails), and Crosby Lite Molasses
COMPETITACTICS ®

Products: Mystery Shopper Program
Zeroodle Inc. (LIVIVA by Zeroodle)

Products: LIVIVA Organic Pasta  
(formerly Zeroodle) a delicious, satisfying, and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. Certified Organic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher and Non-GMO.
Member News
Kudrinko's Wins Gold!
Congratulations to Neil and Martha Kudrinko of Kudrinko's Ltd. along with their produce manager, Vicki Garrett for winning the Foodland Ontario's Gold Cross- Merchandised award!

The Gold Category Award is given to 12 Ontario retailers for distinguished excellence in three specific categories: seasonal, creative and cross-merchandised. The cross-merchandised criteria is based on the number of non-produce items cross- merchandised with the Ontario commodity of choice, the compatibility of products, and appropriate signage.

Battaglia's Marketplace Raises Funds in Support of SickKids
On September 8th, 2019 Battaglia's Marketplace in Mississauga, ON held a family friendly BBQ fundraiser in support of SickKids Toronto. They were able to raise $28,500 for the hospital! This was the 9th Annual BBQ fundraiser for SickKids and we cannot wait to see what in store for next year!
Rabba Fine Foods Raises Funds for the The Mississauga Food Bank
On September 9th, 2019 Rabba Fine Foods held their long running annual golf tournament. Now in its 24th year of hosting the tournament, the event saw about 200 industry partners and was able to raise $15,000 to the Mississauga Food Bank.

Rabba Fine Foods has been supporting the Mississauga Food Bank as their charity of choice for many years. Over the years, Rabba Fine Foods have contributed close to $250,000 for The Mississauga Food Bank. DCI would like to congratulate the success of their long running tournament, and all of their charitable initiatives.
Vince's Market Makes Waves With 'Green Team' Initiatives
"Changing our culture is part of this initiative." Vince's Market has launched their 'Green Team' this year which includes team members from all of their locations. The duties of the team include waste management, recycling, reducing pollution and providing tools and encouragement to help their shoppers, their team and others in the industry make sustainable choices. As such, they have been responding to customer concerns on single use plastic, introducing their bio-based shopping and produce bags, launching their sustainable compostable packaging and recently switching their cash register rolls to rolls that are free from both BPA and BPS . Kudos to the Vince's Market Team!
Highlighting the 5 Most Memorable Technologies From Groceryshop


"Grocers today face a multitude of challenges, from staffing and merchandising to expanding e-commerce and boosting the in-store experience. At Groceryshop in Las Vegas, it was apparent that many companies see technology as a way to address their existing challenges and strengthen their competitive edge."

Article Snippet: Grocery Dive
Image Credit: Jessica Dumont
If you would like to submit news from your company (Retailers & Supplier Partners) or would like to feature an ad (Supplier Partners) please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca


Click below to stay connected with DCI!
On behalf of the DCI Management Team, Happy Autumn to you and your company! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us! 

Barry Lanteigne - Vice President:

Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting: 

Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies: