DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 2
Spring Edition
April / 9 / 2018
Board News
Top Row: Barry Lanteigne (Lococo's) - Chair,  Dave Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors) - Vice Chair,  David La Mantia (La Mantia's Country Market) - Treasurer

Middle Row: Rina Virgilio (Concord Food Centre) - Past Chair, Cori Bonina (Stong's Markets) - Director, Debra Ramage (Drayton Food Market) - Director

Bottom Row: Mike Williamson (Central Meat Market) - Director, Nigel Oliver (Vince's Country Market) - Director, Tony Cataldi (Cataldi Fresh Market) - Director
A Message from the DCI President
We are well into the 2018 year and DCI has already seen some significant changes! After a brief transition period, I have found myself 11 weeks into the role and I am very excited to continue moving DCI forward towards progressive success working with our Board of Directors, Retailers and Supplier Partners to ensure we continue to maintain the integrity and drive in support of our Shareholders.

Stepping into the role, it was of upmost importance to gain different perspectives on how DCI was viewed in the industry, where we could potentially improve our current Partner agreements and identify opportunities to increase the level of Shareholder engagement with our Partners. A continued focus on value creation for both our Shareholders and Partners will be a priority throughout 2018. In the last 11 weeks I have had the opportunity to meet with over 45 Supplier Partners to review and renew Cooperative Trade Agreements and through this process, a number of agreement revisions were implemented to more closely align with our business requirements. We have also seen growth in Supplier Partner membership as we have now on-boarded 6 new Partners since the beginning of the year with a number of new partner agreements pending.

In support of increasing Shareholder/Partner engagement, we've enhanced DCI's communications to align with the new branding initiatives. This includes a more detailed Power Buys program and a much improved New Vendors / Revised Vendor communication format (see below “DCI Revamps Communication” section of this newsletter). Understanding the significant time pressures that our Shareholders face we have included a more transparent, user-friendly intranet back-end portal that will now include any New Vendor or Revised Partner information for 12 months under a separate “What’s New” page. We have also developed an event-specific website just for the DCI Events: www.dci.events .

And finally, I am very excited to continue planning the 2nd Annual DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic and the DCI Business Summit! Significant work goes into these events as we bring together Retailers, Wholesalers, Supplier Partners, and Media professionals to learn, network, exchange and celebrate our industry and the many people that work in it! From supporting a well deserved charity, Variety Village at our Charity Golf Classic, to the very successful DCI Business eXchange and Star Awards at the Business Summit, I know that these events will leave a lasting impression to both first-time attendees and returning companies who had enjoyed what DCI has done and continues to do for the independent communities.

Thank you all for all the warm wishes I have received. I know this will be a great year for the independents!

Todd Newstead, DCI President and CEO

The Board Gets Down To Business
The DCI board met last week to review a number of key business topics that will impact 2018. First on the agenda was finalizing the 2018 Budget followed by an update and review of vendors, wholesalers and shareholders including the approval of Food Fare as our newest member out of Winnipeg, Manitoba which operates five locations. A further assessment was completed on a number of key projects and initiatives with an emphasis on prioritizing our efforts to ensure the greatest benefit will be realized for our collective businesses. It was a perfect time to align our thoughts and see where we can better support our shareholders to succeed.
Up Close With Debra Ramage - DCI Board of Director
Born in Fergus, Ontario, Debra was no stranger to the grocery industry as she recalls watching her Dad growing his business her entire childhood.

L&M Market was the first in her family to open - the same year that Debra was born. As she grew up in the grocery store, she found her first job to naturally be at her Dad's prized business.

As Debra completed her education at Centre Wellington District High School, she took on more responsibility at her family's store including full time positions in produce and deli, as well as eventually taking on the bookkeeping position.

After gaining the experience needed, she was given her own store 7 years ago - Drayton Fresh Mart located in Drayton, Ontario. As Debra notes, she loves working in a small town community as she feels she gets to connect with her customers on a more personal level, often knowing their own stories, lives and achievements. She celebrates with her customers on a day to day basis and they all know her by her name.

Debra is also a huge advocate on shopping local. She feels it gives her the advantage she needs against the big chain grocery stores. Working in small communities, she has been able to see many changes in consumer habits. For example, shoppers were once majority female, house-wives, mothers and grandmothers. Now, the consumer ranges to all members of the family, shopping at different hours of the day and Debra knows that she has to stay ready to compete. She has expanded her Home Meal Replacement (HMR) section as well as expanded her hot deli counter for those families exercising their busy lifestyles. Being the first to admit that it does get hard to compete with the big chain grocery stores, Debra's customers enjoy the selection of local meats, fish and organic produce. As she communicates with her customers frequently - she knows the demand for healthy options are what her customers want.

An avid runner, gym-goer, and golfer, Debra finds inspiration through her healthy lifestyle to try new and unique vegetables and recipes, often implementing them into her store and ordering unique produce not easily available to find. For Debra, it's fun to experiment with new products to see how they fare with consumers.

When not in the store, you can often find Debra travelling, attending concerts like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga, and cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays! For her, positivity and energy is life, and she tries to implement efforts to create a dynamic and energetic team in her stores.

When she is out travelling, Debra notes that it is important to always visit as many independent grocery stores as she can so that she can get better ideas to bring back to her store. This is why she enjoys being a Shareholder and Director of the Board with DCI. For her, it's important to learn from one another, as the independents share a bond competing in the tough market. She feels there is solidarity when discussing her own struggles in her store, and often can find answers to help her store grow through the solutions provided by other independent store owners, and vice versa.

"I've grown as a grocer", states Debra, "I have nothing but good things to say about DCI and I recommend any independent grocer to join. It's a strong network and I've experienced a lot. It was one of the best opportunities I've had in my career."

You can reach Debra through email at debraramage27@gmail.com .
In Memory of Jacques Beaudry (Beaudry & Cadrin Inc.)
It is with great sadness to announce the passing of one of DCI's past Board of Directors, Jacques Beaudry of Beaudry & Cadrin Inc. on March 30th, 2018.

Jacques Beaudry came from a long line of grocers, being the third generation of his family to work in the food retail industry.

In the face of adversity, Beaudry was known to always hang on, always keeping in mind the well-being of his employees, partners and customers, whom he affectionately calls his community of “families”.

There were many moments during his career that Jacques Beaudry truly revealed himself as a man of heart, fighting back with tons of energy and optimism while involving the fourth generation of Beaudry, namely François (his nephew and son of his brother Robert) and Jean-Philippe, his son.

His compassion for people and generosity helped Beaudry grow his businesses tremendously with the support and loyalty of his partners, friends and family.

The family can receive condolences at:

Trembles Funeral Complex
15005 Sherbrooke East
Pointe-aux-Trembles, Qc, H1A 3X1

Services will be held on Friday, April 13th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM ​​to 9:00 PM as well as Saturday, April 14th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. A funeral service reserved for family and friends will follow Saturday at 11:30 AM in the chapel of the complex. In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Jacques to the Quebec Cancer Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
DCI News
Creating Relationships With New Supplier Partners
Over the past few months, DCI has been busy on-boarding six new Supplier Partners to its membership. The focus was to ensure that we continue bringing value to our Shareholders and to expand our buying power and services.

We are currently in negotiations with a number of new Supplier Partners. Look for new vendor communications in the coming weeks.

The new vendors are:

Mighty Oaks E-Commerce Platform : fully integrated subscription/transaction based e-Commerce Platform with supporting services and available value-added enhancements to ensure a highly effective e-Commerce program aligned to your business needs. Platform leverages white label developed foundation tailored to meet your brand requirements and significantly reduce cost of entry.

GBS Food Service Equipment : Leading Food Service Equipment distributor that sells, services and supports a wide range of premium commercial kitchen products. If you are looking to launch a Food Service program, HMR department or expanding your current programs GBS can provide you with the expertise to ensure your success.

Complete Retail Solutions (Pan-Oston Ltd.) :  Store solutions including but not limited to – Front End Checkouts & Fixture Design, Service Counters, Lane Lights, Kiosks, Fresh Food Cases, Fixtures, Millwork, POS Mounting Systems.

Coast to coast service partners:
  • Corum Digital - "Technology That Powers Visual Communications“
  • Hubert Canada - “Worldwide Excellence in Food Merchandising”
  • Maintech - “POS mounting systems, design and manufacturing”
  • Pan-Oston - “Metal fabricators, checkouts, service counters & kiosk specialists”
  • Southern CaseArts - “Creators of Fresh Food Merchandisers”
  • Sign Nation - "Specialists in interior and exterior signage"
  • Woodarts - “Award Winning Millwork and Fixturing”

HG Maintenance : Problem Solving Cleaning Products for Kitchen, Bathroom, Floors, Carpets and more. European Household Branded leader.

Document Imaging Partners : Kyocera Multifunction Printers and Network Laser Printers.

Trinity Plastic Products Inc. (An Instore Group of Companies) : Leader in plastic packaging including salad containers, bottles/caps and produce T-Shirt bags. Build your complete Instore salad and juice program with Trinity Products.

Gridrax Group : Cellular Charging Accessories: Micro USB & Lightning Sync & Charge Cables, Car & Wall Chargers, Small Electronics, Earbuds, Speakers, Headphones, and HDMI Cables and other similar general merchandise, self-standing merchandising units.
DCI & CFIG Charity Golf Classic - Early Bird Promo
On June 11th, 2018 at Crosswinds Golf & Country Club , DCI & CFIG will partner to host the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Classic.

Mark the date in your calendar here and get ready to network and develop business leads in the sun while playing a round of golf, sample featured products from our Supplier Partners and help benefit Variety Village , the charity of choice.

Early bird cutoff is May 11th, 2018 and for those that register before then, you will have a chance to win 1 of 2 rounds of golf and cart rental for two at Crosswinds Golf & Country Club!
We would like to thank our sponsors so far who have committed in helping to ensure the success of the Charity Golf Classic. To view the list of sponsors who are supporting the independent grocers please go to: https://www.dci.events/2018-sponsors/
SPONSORSHIP

Opportunities for Company Exposure:
Hole Sponsorship Activities
Product Samples To Take Home
On-Course Product Sampling

If you would like to sponsor, provide product samples to feature on the golf course, or in the take-home product sample bags, please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca or visit www.dci.events/sponsorship .


OFFICIAL WATER SPONSOR FOR THE DCI & CFIG CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 2018
Register Now To 'DCI Business Summit 2018:
Reshaping Tomorrow'
DCI Business eXchange (DBX), Informative Afternoon Business Sessions, Industry Panel Discussion, Cocktails, Product Showcase and the Star Awards Gala Dinner is what awaits you at this year's Business Summit!

The highly anticipated DBX is returning to excite our Partners and Retailers! Register to the DCI Business Summit before April 27th, 2018 to have your company included in the DBX. For more information, please go to www.dci.events/dbx

Mark the date in your calendar here and get ready to attend one of the industry's hottest independent grocery business events!
We would like to thank our sponsors so far who have committed in helping to ensure the success of the DCI Business Summit. To view the list of sponsors who are supporting the independent grocers please go to: https://www.dci.events/sponsor
SPONSORSHIP

Opportunities for Company Exposure:
Event Sponsorship
Product Coupons For Gala Dinner
Event Product Sampling

If you would like to sponsor, provide product coupons or feature a product at the event showcase please email matthew@distributioncanada.ca or visit www.dci.events/sponsorship .
DCI Events In The Media

See the 2017 Event Coverage in:
Page 14/33
Nominations for the Annual DCI Star Awards Now Open!

The annual DCI Star Awards commences during the evening Gala Dinner of the DCI Business Summit. An elegant affair, the DCI Star Awards recognizes the key partners, retailers, and innovative products and initiatives that are happening in our industry.

Nominations for the Awards are now open! You can cast your vote, see photos of the previous winners, and learn more about the event here.

DCI Star Awards Categories

RETAILER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a DCI Retailer/Shareholder who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Whether it be an increased image or branding presence, innovation in the marketplace, or general accountability, this award exemplifies the outstanding work that is currently being done to help further the success of our industry.

PARTNER OF THE YEAR
This award is given to a DCI Supplier Partner who has been monumental within the food retail industry. Known for their outstanding business relationships including easiness and availability, or their experience as a leader and advisor, this award exemplifies the outstanding work as a preferred business supplier partner within our industry.

INNOVATION AWARD
This award is given to a DCI Retailer/Shareholder or Supplier Partner who has established an innovative product or initiative in 2017 where their results have had proven success with their sales, traffic, branding/exposure, or new business deals and ventures.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD
This award is given to a DCI Retailer/Shareholder or Supplier Partner who has shown commitment or leadership within a community based initiative, a green/environmental initiative or a charitable initiative.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The highest honour - this award recognizes an individual who has been exemplary within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture, or have done the 'impossible' to most - this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishment(s) for all to celebrate.

LEADER OF THE YEAR*
This award is given to an individual who has shown exemplary leadership and has acted as a beacon of light and knowledge within the industry. Whether it be guiding others toward successful partnerships, or acting as an altruistic leader and inspiration, this award recognizes the hard work and dedication it takes to be a person within our industry that many respect. 

*This award may not be given out every year. Subject to the decision of the DCI Events Committee.
Last Year's Winners

Clockwise From Top Left: Brent Stevens, Mike Turcotte and Sean Mateer from Parmalat Canada (Partner Of The Year) , Peter Cavin from Country Grocer - IIBG (Retailer Of The Year) , Jim and Vicki Bexis from Sun Valley Market (Social Responsibility Award) , Mike Turcotte from Parmalat (Leader Of The Year) , Ben Pino from Pino's Get Fresh (Lifetime Achievement Award) , Rick Knapp from Summerhill Market (Innovation Award) .
Nominations are due by May 4th, 2018
DCI Visits Maple Leaf's ThinkFood Centre
On Febraury 7th, 2018, the DCI team, and many of the independent grocery retails attended the unveiling of Maple Leaf Foods' new product launch and re-branding on their multiple product lines.

With an in depth presentation on the new direction of Maple Leaf Foods' marketing for this year, the DCI team listened to how Maple Leaf Foods' is vouching to be 'The Most Sustainable Protein Company on Earth'. As the presentation progressed, the independent grocers got to see how the re-branded products, graphics and colours would benefit the shelves within the stores and got a better scope on the quality and ingredients put into the products.

Thank you Maple Leaf Foods for your commitment to supporting the independent grocers.
DCI Revamps Communications

As 2018 commenced, DCI reviewed past communication formats and tools, and collectively identified opportunities to improve effectiveness including content, engagement, ease of use and future access to content shared.

Here is how we are improving our communications:
Power Buys
• NEW communication format includes a “call to action” cover page
• Individual pages scroll by vendor for each Power Buy
• Vendor pages visually communicate with  company name / brand logo, product pictures, overview of featured products, order & delivery timing, regional availability, and l ink to order sheet with additional details
• Allows for future complimentary communication through links embedded in vendor pages (i.e Merchandising suggestions, etc.)
Supplier Partner Announcements
New & Revised Supplier Communication now features:
• Supplier Profile - Products & services offered
• Photos - visual cue of products & services
• Key Information - Highlights program advantages, order details, shareholder and group rebate incentives.
• Links to Key Documents - Co-operative Trade Agreement, product price lists, catalogues, supplier website, etc.
• Multi-Media - Including video linking capabilities
• Call to Action - Introductory offers, Link to Main Website & Shareholders login page.
Shareholder Intranet Portal
“What’s New” link now includes:
•Direct link to NEW suppliers added in current calendar year
•Direct link to enhanced supplier agreements in-year
• Link back to original Supplier Announcement with additional details on New
Agreements or Revisions to Current Agreements
• Expedite sourcing of latest supplier information for members
dci.events ( www.dci.events )
New events website provides an opportunity to manage digital communication in-house without 3rd party requirements.
Benefits include:
• Real time updates
• Control of content and distribution
• Ability to add links at any time
• Full transaction capabilities
• Significant cost and time savings
Connecting With CFIG
Grocery & Specialty Food West Happening on April 23 - 24th, 2018
The exhibition floor features over 80,000-sq.-ft. of dedicated pavilions focused on key grocery & specialty categories from front end to back end including food equipment, technology, food services, garden, financial and insurance. 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.
Find DCI at Booth #839 and ask us about our Show Special!
Help Us Help You
Do you ever wonder how your store or stores stack up against similar grocery retailers?

Do you wish you had tangible grocery benchmarks for holding your managers accountable?

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) and FMS Solutions have partnered up to create the Independent Grocers Financial Survey. A yardstick for measuring operations of independent grocers from all over North America and a valuable tool that not only looks at the operation but also at economic factors and key political issues impacting your business.

It only takes 20 minutes
Participants will receive a free copy of the most powerful benchmarking tool in North America created specifically for independent supermarkets. The information you provide will be kept completely confidential and no identifying information will be kept.

You can turn these insights into action.
Results are broken down by department and average weekly sales volume to help you better benchmark your operations vs the average grocery store and the best in class stores.

If you are interested in the survey but do not want to participate, copies can be purchased for $199 Canadian on completion of the study.
Golden Pencil Awards Now Accepting
Nominations For 2018
Award recognizes a person’s lifetime contributions
to the grocery industry

The Golden Pencil Award recognizes individuals who have made significant and worthwhile contributions to improving the Canadian food industry as well as their communities.
Ideal candidates for the award will have been involved with the Canadian grocery industry a minimum of 10 years and achieved senior executive status.
Traditionally, there are two recipients of this award each year: one in the category of retailer (wholesalers/retailers) and one in the category of supplier (manufacturers/brokers grocery products).
Last year’s winners were Diane Brisebois, President & CEO of Retail Council of Canada; Darrell Jones, President of Save On Foods and Shelley Martin, President & CEO of Nestlé Canada.

Other recent winners include Michael McCain of Maple Leaf Foods and Vince Scorniaenchi of Fortinos, Jean Gattuso of Lassonde Industries, Gus Longo of Longo Brothers, Marc Guay of PepsiCo Foods, Louise Wendling of Costco and Eric La Flèche of Metro.
The deadline to submit nominations is May 18th, 2018.

Recipients will be recognized at the annual Golden Pencil awards presentation, Monday, Nov. 19 th , 2018 in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York.
Member News
Ottawa-Based Farm Boy Lands in Toronto & Hamilton
Farm Boy has just opened up their 25th location in Etobicoke, ON on March 1st, 2018. DCI was able to attend the grand opening of their 20,000 square foot store and needless to say, the store was packed with a line up out the door! They also open their doors to their 26th location in the Hamilton community March 24th, 2018 with plans to open 15 more locations across the GTA and Niagara region.

Farm Boy has always been committed to fresh and local with more than 500 Ontario products, including 25 to 30 “hyper-local” items sourced from regional vendors.

“We’re not a grocery store, we’re a food experience,” says York. “We have a farmer’s market, great meats, some cool private label items and [customers] can have breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Vince's Markets Keep 'Canada's Best Managed' Title While Exploring Sustainable Initiatives
Vince's Market is leading a sustainable initiative to counteract a disturbing trend: plastic threatening our soils and oceans. Shoppers at all Vince's locations will now be equipped with bio-based shopping bags, made from a bio hybrid resin. The bags are based on up to 70% sustainable and renewable plant start that can break down in about 15 months and are 100% biodegradable. Vince’s Market says reducing plastics by way of the Vince’s bio bags removes about 1.2 million plastic shopping bags and 400,000 convenience bags from landfills! Click here to read more.

Vince's Markets had also recently received an acknowledgement on being one of Canada's Best Managed Companies for two years in a row. “Canada’s Best Managed” has been around now for 25 years, and continues to recognize excellence in private Canadian-owned companies. Hundreds of businesses vie for this honour, through a rigorous process that measures the calibre of management, along with performance, sustained growth, and the efforts of the entire organization.

On a local level, Vince's Markets also received Metroland Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Fruit & Vegetable, #1 Grocery Store, and Top Deli!

Congratulations to Vince's Market from the DCI team!
Learn more about the program by clicking on the video!
DCI Independents Participate in
"Toonies For Tummies"
During February 8th - 22nd, 2018, thirteen independent grocers participated in The Grocery Foundation's "Toonies For Tummies" program. By providing a Toonie, customers and stores contribute to local school nutritional programs right near their store's proximity! The Foundation works with partners including the Ontario Student Nutrition Program Network (Ontario), and in western Canada, Breakfast Club of Canada, to identify eligible schools. These programs have been documented as benefiting the overall health and performance of the students.

This year, the Toonies for Tummies program has already exceeded their goal of 1 Million dollars and have raised over 18 million dollars since 2000! Congrats to everyone who participated!
Lococo's on Nebo Rd. Celebrates 5 Years
Congratulations to Lococo's on Nebo Road which celebrated 5 successful years serving the Hamilton Region!

Take a look as to what customers are saying about Lococo's! With nearly 23,000 likes on Facebook alone - it is clear they know how to serve their community right!
Stong's Markets Gives Back To Community Through Their Online School Rebate Program
An interesting take on driving e-commerce sales while being socially conscious about their community, Stong's Markets gives back to local schools through their Online School Rebate Program. For all parents/faculty that spend money online at online retail store, Stong’s will donate 4% of the orders back to the program. The more parents that participate, the higher the revenue will be generated for their school of choice! It's an exciting opportunity for parents to raise money for their children’s school through their weekly grocery purchases. It's mutually beneficial as it also raises much needed funds for the school and our children of the community.
Supplier Partner News
Opportunities for Your Business To 'Bloom'
Human civilization has always been about bringing the farm to the city. From public markets to massive retailers, we have always needed to get things from earth to table. While supermarkets remain the most effective medium of getting farm fresh produce to consumers, there’s no guarantee that the traditional model of retail will not be challenged. The way people shop and where they shop continues to evolve. E-commerce is changing the retail environment much like the grocery store revolutionized the farmers market and social media now connects the world in ways that would have been unimaginable 50 years ago. So, the key to long-term success in retail in our ever-changing world is innovation and adaption. But how?

I believe there’s a major opportunity for retailers to innovate in returning to their roots, by growing sales in its garden and floral department. Why grow your garden and floral department? For one, it fits perfectly in a farm to table grocery brand. Live plants, like most products in your store, began their life at a farm. Note that the garden and floral category has had a long history being sold alongside other grocery products. The first “modern” grocery store began in 1915 on the corner of 95th and Broadway in New York, and its main categories of product sales were meat, fruit, produce, and flowers. Plants have continued to have a presence in supermarkets, particularly giftable and cut flowers. While trends in plant products continue to change, the demand remains ever-present – from all generations. In-store plants increase retail activity – studies have proven that greenery and flowers attract shoppers, spurring overall sales growth.

The opportunity for supermarkets also lies in the fact that the marketplace for plants has begun to change. Local florists and garden centres have either been closing or expanding their product offering beyond plants to get more people coming to their store. This development has opened the door for other retailers to capture a bigger slice of this plant market, and it is the supermarkets that have the most to gain. When it comes to plant material, as with fresh produce, consumers will always prefer to go to a location they trust for quality perishable products to shop for their perfect plant. Further, given their fragile nature, live plants are typically not an e-commerce item. Therefore, brick and mortar supermarkets, with available floor space and staff, have an opportunity to make it a bigger part of their business.

There will be some challenges. Space allocation is an issue for every store with square footage at a premium. Lack of qualified store-level talent is another problem. Knowledgeable staff are in high demand by employers as they are a necessity for customers to value your service. Plants are perishable and need respect and care much like produce. The issue is finding qualified people while at the same time controlling costs. Attracting and retaining qualified people requires a focus on relationships and professional development, as well as identifying what incentives and practices attract and keep the top talent.

Overcoming these challenges is the key to growing garden and floral as a department. My recommendation is to seriously consider becoming a full-service garden and floral retailer, making space and resources available to take advantage of this opportunity. Full-service stores had a double digit increase in floral/garden sales between 2003-2015 because they transitioned to dedicated staff overseeing the department. By listening to customers’ needs and market trends and understanding what customers are looking for in the different seasons, customers will begin to realize that not all supermarkets are alike in regard to floral. If they understand that you are taking it seriously, they will respect you for it. Therefore, invest in garden and floral, and your customers will respond by investing in you.

Studies cited: 2016 PMA/FMI report called Trends in Mass-Market Floral

Written by: Everett DeJong - Redbud ( everett@redbud.com )
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 Spring to you and your company! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us! 

Todd Newstead - President & CEO:

Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting: 

Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies: