CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 6 Issue 2 |
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GROCERS KEEP OUR COUNTRY GOING! THANK YOU ALL! |
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From the East coast to the West coast, our CIGBA Board of Directors
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Top Row: Chairman Robert Galati (Galati Market Fresh Inc.), Vice-Chairman Nigel Oliver (Vince's Market), Treasurer Gordon Dean (Mike Dean's Local Grocer)
Middle Row: Past-Chair David La Mantia (J&B La Mantia Ltd.), Director Rocco Commisso (Commisso's Fresh Foods), Director Craig Cavin (Island Independent Buying Group Ltd.)
Bottom Row: Director Mike Sharpe (Sharpe's Food Market), Director Rick Rabba (The J. Rabba Company), Director Adam Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors)
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Interesting in joining the CIGBA Board of Directors?
Our new Board of Directors will be voted in on June 14, 2022 at the Annual General Meeting during the 2022 Business Summit. If interested in the position, or if you have any questions, please contact the CIGBA/DCI Office. Please note: Board positions are only available to Retailers/Members.
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MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT |
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NEW MEMBERSHIPS AND SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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We would like to welcome Food World (Etobicoke, ON), Market Street Vulcan (Vulcan, AB), My Little Butcher Shop (Toronto, ON), Supermarché Idia (Chateauguay, QC), Tavora Foods Mississauga Inc. (Mississauga & Toronto, ON) to our growing Membership. If you are a Supplier Partner and require an updated membership list, please contact the CIGBA/DCI office.
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There are always new opportunities for our Members to explore business! Here are some of our newest Supplier Partners to join our organization. We thank you for taking the time to check them out and support them!
The new Supplier Partners are:
Philips Household Batteries
VQA Niagara Wines - 2020 Rosso, 2017 Pinot Gris, 2019 Winemaker's Red, 2020 Winemaker's White and 2020 Winemaker's Rose
Not-for-profit organization that supports retailer in sourcing and promoting Fairtrade certified products, as well as providing free marketing resources to highlight Fairtrade in store/digital marketing material.
Cash Management Solutions – Counting Devices, POS Cash Acceptance, Cash Recyclers
Select Frozen Food Products, Appetizers, Seafood, Prepared Meals, Sides, Vegetables, Deserts, Single Serve, Pantry Essentials and Kitchen Essentials.
Marketing 360™ All-In-One Marketing Platform for small business. Get everything you need to manage and grow your business. The tools you need to scale and the marketing programs and talent you need to grow — all from a singular platform.
Increase new and return customer traffic by offering Prepaid Wireless & Mobile Top Ups, Gift Cards, Visa and MasterCard Prepaid Gift, Online Payment Vouchers, In-Person Payments, and SIM Cards
Refrigeration Equipment and Design
Pasta Sauce, Pizza Sauce, BBQ Sauces, Hot Sauce
Cannabis Accessories
Stay tuned for more Supplier Partner agreements currently in negotiations! All information will be posted onto the DCI Member Portal. Please contact us if you require access to the portal, or need to re-send your password.
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RETAILERS, STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI! |
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Retailers, are you missing out on our messages? We are often sending out aggressive pricing promotions, power buys, new product announcements and informational resources dedicated to the success of your business.
If you are too busy to review our emails, we recommend having a dedicated person to receive all CIGBA/DCI related content that can report to you (such as category buyers or store managers).
The #1 message we receive from our Members and store owners are that you are very busy in stores, however, we ask that you take this 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.
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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 Matthew Brown to see which members of your company currently receive our communications (we segment by multiple lists, so be sure touch base with Matthew if you aren't aware as to who is receiving which communications).
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Only have a couple of minutes? Check out the DCI Social media pages on Facebook, Twitter 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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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
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.
Please note: the DCI Member Portal is for Retailers only.
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CIGBA/DCI BUSINESS SUMMIT 2022 |
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IN PERSON EVENT:
June 14, 2022
VIRTUAL SHOWCASE:
June 15-29,2022
NEW LOCATION:
TORONTO AIRPORT MARRIOTT HOTEL
All NEW Hybrid model, featuring the return of the 'In Person Experience', including the DCI Business Exchange, an all new format with keynote speaker and a new and improved Virtual Booth Showcase where members can place their orders right in Partner booths! We've been listening to what YOU want out of these events and we are here to bring that value to you!
PARTNERS, LOOKING TO SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND?
VIRTUAL BOOTHS ARE STILL AVAILABLE - run promotions, Power Buys, connect with Retailers, and place orders on behalf of Retailers through your booth!
There are still some Additional Exposure Opportunities available! Contact the DCI Office for more information.
Want to submit a sample product or coupon in the take home bags for FREE? Contact us for more details!
MEMBERS & PARTNERS, REGISTER NOW TO ATTEND THE FULL DAY EXPERIENCE AND VIRTUAL SHOWCASE AT: www.cigba.ca/summit
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CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC 2022 |
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Registration NOW OPEN for the CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic!
Date: September 27, 2022 @ Georgetown Golf Club!
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The CIGBA & CFIG Charity Golf Classic will return in full swing September 27th, 2022! Registration & Sponsorship opportunities are now available!
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CHARITY OF CHOICE NAMED FOR 2022:
This year, the Events Committee has voted to support a national Charity of Choice for 2022, and the Charity has been named:
GORD DOWNIE & CHANIE WENJACK FUND
Inspired by Chanie’s story and Gord’s call to build a better Canada, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund aims to build cultural understanding and create a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Its goal is to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.
VISIT WEBSITE:
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PARTNERS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM WITH DCI |
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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 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.
Email matthew@distributioncanada.ca to get started and become our next DCI "Partner of the Month" and start promoting your company and/or deals to our Members!
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THE CIGBA/DCI STAR AWARDS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED FOR 2022! |
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The annual CIGBA/DCI Star Awards will commence during the dinner gala of the Summit held on June 14th, 2022. The awards night recognizes the key partners, retailers, innovative products and initiatives that are happening in our industry.
2022 Star Awards Categories & Nominees
★ CIGBA/DCI RETAILER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a Retailer 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.
2022 NOMINEES:
49th Parallel Grocers (British Columbia)
Pasquier (Quebec)
Rabba Fine Foods (Ontario)
Stong’s Market (British Columbia)
Summerhill Market (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI 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 ease in which they conduct business and availability, or their experience as a leader and advisor, this award exemplifies the outstanding work as a preferred DCI business Supplier Partner within the industry.
2022 NOMINEES:
CJR Wholesale Grocers (Ontario)
Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company (New Brunswick)
Lactalis Canada (Ontario)
Maple Leaf Foods (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD ★
This award is given to a Retailer or Supplier Partner who has shown commitment or leadership within a community-based initiative, a green/environmental initiative or a charitable initiative.
2022 NOMINEES:
CJR Wholesale Grocers (Ontario)
Commisso’s Fresh Foods (Ontario)
Rabba Fine Foods (Ontario)
Vince’s Market (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI INNOVATION AWARD ★
This award is given to a CIGBA/DCI Member or Supplier Partner who has established an innovative product or initiative in the past year where their results have proven success with their sales, traffic, branding/exposure, or new business deals and ventures.
2022 NOMINEES:
49th Parallel Grocers (Ontario)
Sharpe’s Food Market (Ontario)
Sunripe Freshmarket (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI LEADER OF THE YEAR ★
This award recognizes an individual from our industry that has shown exemplary leadership and has acted as a beacon of light and knowledge within the industry. Whether it be guiding others towards 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.
2022 NOMINEES:
Brian Bradley - Stong’s Market (British Columbia)
David La Mantia - La Mantia’s Country Market Fresh (Ontario)
Gordon Dean - Mike Dean Local Grocer (Ontario)
Rick Rabba - Rabba Fine Foods/CJR Wholesale Grocers (Ontario)
★ CIGBA/DCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ★
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour as an award that recognizes an individual who has been a leader or model within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture or have done the 'impossible' for most of us - this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishments for all to celebrate.
This award winner will be announced at the show.
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NEW INITIATIVE FOR MEMBERS - BULK FOODS TURNKEY SOLUTIONS! |
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Members, we've partnered with Brencar, DIGI Canada, Scholten's and Econolease to provide you with a turnkey solution for your bulk foods category.
Eliminate single use plastics and adapt a sustainable solution! With inflation and rising costs of food, why not offer your customers a choice to purchase what they need, and help eliminate food waste!
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Members, please contact the DCI office if you require more information about the program, including the presentation deck and pricing. |
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WINNERS TO BE ANNOUNCED FOR FAST START 2022 |
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From January 27 - March 24, 2022, CIGBA/DCI in partnership with Maple Leaf Foods and Wonder Brands Inc. (formerly Weston Foods), Members were encouraged to create product displays promoting cross merchandising, use AdMats created specifically for this program, and set up weekly promotions in their store flyers to accumulate ballot entries towards winning the grand prize!
Grand Prize Winner & 'Best Displays' for this program to be announced next week!
Look out for the next promo "Celebrate Summer 2022" happening from June 13th - August 1st, 2022!
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CIGBA/DCI will be in attendance and we look forward to connecting with you there! Come visit Barry and Michele at Booth #6!
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FROM OUR SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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OXFORD ENERGY SOLUTIONS - HONEYWELL CASE STUDY |
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Sikorski Sausages Company Ltd Replaces R-404a with Solstice® N15 (R-515B)
BACKGROUND
Sikorski Sausages Company Ltd is a second-generation family-run business in Southwestern Ontario, which produces and packages over one hundred high-quality specialty European meat products. The company relies heavily on large refrigeration systems to maintain product safety and freshness during processing, packaging, and storage operations. Utilizing top-quality cooling systems is imperative for safeguarding the environment from harmful emissions, ensuring the quality of their products, and protecting profits.
Oxford Energy Solutions Inc. (OES- www.oxfordenergy.ca) has been developing and promoting Canadian designed and built refrigeration equipment from their facility in the Woodstock area since 2006. They challenge stagnant, inefficient refrigeration designs by creating a world-leading platform that offers global solutions to lower the impact on the environment. In partnership with OES, grocery stores and cold storage warehouses install completely integrated, lower GWP refrigerant, zero ODP, oil-reduced and oil-free systems with solar panel energy offset. Using cutting-edge technology, superior designs, and sustainable methods, OES delivers some of the most efficient systems available on the market today.
Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Their technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.
CHALLENGES
With an upcoming facility expansion, Sikorski Sausages Ltd required new equipment that would offer long-term solutions and allow a transition to a system with advanced design and control platforms that would deliver significant energy savings. OES customers are interested in systems that increase energy efficiency that they will not need to replace in the next 7 – 10 years due to changing regulations, decommissioned refrigerants, or system failures. They want refrigerants and cooling systems that have the longevity to support growing, lucrative businesses and make the best environmental choice to meet global and individual sustainable development goals.
Oxford Energy Solutions (OES) is driven by the Net-Zero NOW mentality, choosing "action" over "waiting" since the global environmental issue is not a slow-moving target.
An estimated 10 – 30% of the refrigerant charge in large refrigeration systems are leaked into the atmosphere annually, contributing to environmentally-taxing GHG emissions. Regulations that accelerate the phase-out of manufacturing, importation, and distribution of legacy refrigerants require alternatives. The Sikorski facility previously used the refrigerant R-404a-, which is no longer allowed in new installations. Hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO)-based refrigerants meet regulatory requirements for reducing harmful atmospheric emissions with a GWP approximately 60% lower than hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-based refrigerants.
The relationship between refrigerants and maintenance requires the consideration of system pressure; Other HFC alternatives operate at considerably higher pressures than HFO refrigerants. Components must work harder to achieve results with higher pressures, increasing required energy and causing stress on system components prone to leaking, greater maintenance requirements, and environmental risks. With energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs being a priority for food processors, choosing a high-pressure system at the Sikorski facility would have increased the risk of compromising product safety due to the increased possibility of downtime.
SOLUTION
The design architecture is the backbone of all Oxford equipment.
The Oxford LPP™ lowers the required system head pressure and compressor ratio, reducing the required internal heat of compression. Maximizing the energy reduction of low compression ratios offers better energy consumption results, lowers the environmental impact, and removes end-of-life equipment issues. It maintains the lowest possible pressure differentials throughout the system to achieve a long-term platform that targets zero refrigerant leakage.
To eliminate waste and improve efficiency while protecting their investments, Sikorski Sausages Ltd partnered with OES to focus on equipment reliability to ensure food quality, safety, and productivity, leading to improved operational efficiencies and greater profits.
It utilizes Honeywell's Solstice® N15 (R-515B), proving the most promising alternative. Solstice® N15 is a non-flammable, HFO blend with a much-reduced GWP of 293. It demonstrates environmental and performance benefits in commercial refrigeration systems, offering a low-risk alternative to HFC fluids that do not meet regulatory criteria.
Conventional systems require more refrigerant, while the Oxford LPP™ solution uses a much lower charge to accomplish greater efficiency with improved safety. The Oxford LPP™ design maximizes how the refrigerant is used – only the required amount to do the work, with no extra chemicals and no waste.
The Sensori Control System™, with integrated digital controls and automated equipment, gathers and provides real-time information on each component in the Oxford LPP™, with complete diagnostics on functioning. Machine learning and adaptive predictability allow the system to assess component operation and efficiencies and respond appropriately. The system digitally controls pressures needed to push refrigerant through the equipment- based on a constant influx of information gathered from sensors that consider factors like changes in ambient temperatures or load profiles.
RESULTS
The conventional system previously used by Sikorski Sausages Ltd was generating approximately 34.66 tons of CO2e. With the Oxford LPP™ system, emissions were calculated to be reduced to 6.18 tons: a reduction of 28.48 tons CO2e or 82%.
"Continually looking for ways to improve for customers, the environment, and the global community should be what drives an industry – Honeywell and Oxford share this vision." – BEN KUNGL, PRESIDENT AND OWNER OXFORD ENERGY SOLUTIONS
If we compare the Oxford LPP™ solution to new conventional equipment, we see a reduction of approximately 15%.
Solstice® N15 has an efficiency equivalent to R-134a, while the discharge temperature/pressure of the Honeywell refrigerant is much lower than R-134a.
In combination with Solstice® N15, the platform's attributes are stable even with a high-operating ambiance due to high critical temperatures. They do not require additional resources- unlike a CO2 system.
The ability to employ Honeywell's R-515B in a commercial food storage/ manufacturing facility accelerates a sustainable outcome greater than Ammonia or CO2-based refrigerants on overall mechanical requirements, energy consumption, and maintenance costs over the life cycle of the equipment.
CONCLUSION
Honeywell's Solstice® N15 meets mandated regulations while offering customers the longevity they need from investments in their refrigeration equipment. The Honeywell refrigerant and the Oxford LPP™ innovative platform enable Sikorski Sausages Ltd to reach sustainable development goals, reduce energy consumption, and protect their profits. Their integrated and focused strategies ensure that today's decisions and investments will protect the environment and their business for tomorrow.
For more information or to get into contact, please email:
Heather Wilkinson
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ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE DOING IT - WEST COAST GIFTS |
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Remember how we announced our new partnership with West Coast Gifts? Well, we wanted to make sure you have all the facts about what a “budding” opportunity it is to partner with them. Below are the statistics from the Canadian government on how much flower and concentrate (the consumable products) where purchased by month in 2021! Luckily all of you have the snacks these cannabis consumers want so they are already walking into your shop! Now to find a few cannabis accessories you can sell them too. You might as well jump on the band wagon, all the cool kids are doing it!
Canadian Cannabis Industry Trends
2021 Retail Sales (x 1,000)
Jan $279,495
Feb $262,041
Mar $298,271
Apr $306,297
May $313,187
Jun $319,161
Jul $339,296
Aug $353,961
Sep $354,418
Oct $364,150
Nov $352,280
Dec $382,372
Total $3,924,929
April has arrived. Can you smell the flowers blooming in the air? We're not talking about Daisies or Daffodils (sorry Grandma), we're referring to Northern Lights, Cannabis Indica (we hope you got our 'The Office' reference....the American version was way better than the UK version by the way). With legal cannabis becoming widely accepted, users are looking for multiple ways to consume this divine plant. Besides rolling papers, here are some of the safest ways to consume cannabis that'll turn cannabis into your Grandma's favorite flower.
Hand Pipes
Smoking cannabis in a pipe might be one of the easiest ways to do it. You simply load some ground flower into the bowl of the pipe, hold your lighter flame over the bowl, and inhale.
Pipes come in a dazzling array of designs and shapes. One-hitter pipes are smaller, tube-shaped pipes that allow you to smoke smaller amounts (i.e. only take one ‘hit’).
Water Pipes (Bongs)
Water Pipes are similar to regular pipes except the smoking mechanism includes a water-filled base through which the cannabis smoke is filtered. This process cools the smoke as it passes through the water, resulting in a smoother smoking experience.
Like regular pipes, bongs come in many different shapes, sizes and colours with people often displaying them proudly and even giving them names like “Billy Bong Thorton” or “Wesley Pipes”.
Bubblers
Bubblers are essentially a hybrid of the above two pipe varieties. They function similarly to water pipes in that the smoke passes through water for a smoother hit. They’re similar to hand pipes in that they are usually smaller in size than a bong and therefore much more portable.
Dab Rigs
Dabbing is a popular method for consuming cannabis concentrates, but be warned: concentrates are (you guessed it) much more concentrated than other forms of cannabis. Newer cannabis consumers should proceed with caution because concentrates can have much more potent effects than other forms of cannabis.
Dabbing requires a dab rig or vaporizer pen. A dab rig is similar to a bong, but its cannabis bowl has been switched with a nail or banger for concentrates. The process of dabbing involves first loading your dab onto a tool and heating your nail or banger with a blowtorch or e-nail to the desired temperature. You then ‘dab’ your concentrate into the nail while using a carb cap to restrict the airflow on your rig and inhaling the vapor through the device. If this sounds like another language, you might like to consult an experienced dabber for help.
Vaporizers
Vaping (short for vaporizing) cannabis is a popular choice among people who do not wish to smoke their cannabis. You can vaporize your cannabis in two different ways: either pack your vaporizer with ground cannabis buds, or use the device to vaporize cannabis oil (concentrate). The vaporizer heats the cannabis just enough to produce a vapor that you inhale through the mouthpiece, instead of burning it to the point of smoking. Pro tip: You can save up your vaporized cannabis to bake edibles and bring out cannabinoids vaporization can’t get to.
The Takeaway: Cannabis Accessories are in High Demand
Gone are the days of smoking out of an apple. With more people entering the cannabis space, there's more demand for smoking accessories. Ensure your shelves are stocked with safe and healthy options, offered by a reputable company. With 4/20 around the corner, we're sure our list of devices will be a hit!
For more information, please contact:
Trish Hudson
Director of Sales
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SUPPLIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: |
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See below for some opportunities for you to consider for your businesses.
Retailers, you can view their CTAs & volume incentives/special pricing by clicking on their logos and signing into the Members Portal!
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ESKA Inc. (Ontario, Quebec)
Products: ESKA Brand Spring Water
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Scholten's Inc. - Cottage Country
Products: Cottage Country Packaged Candy, Chocolate, Trail Mix and Nuts
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Taste of Nature
Products: Taste of Nature Fruits and Nut Bars, Taste of Nature Granola Bars and Maze Bars Fruit.
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Vision Bakeries Ltd. - Nature's Flair
Products: Plant Based Muffins
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Passport by Pusateri's Is Here!
The CIGBA/DCI office would like to congratulate Pusateri's Fine Foods on this amazing initiative!
"Passport by Pusateri’s will commemorate a number of independence and national days with bi-weekly regional menus and products inspired by Israel, Greece, France, the Philippines, Jamaica, South Korea, Mexico and more. Customers can also enjoy seasonal and globally-inspired menus for celebrations and holidays ranging from a U.K.-inspired menu for St. Patrick’s Day to a Canada Day-inspired lobster fest.
The program has also allowed the high-end grocer to stock new items while letting customers try them in store prior to purchasing by sampling a selection of prepared foods on the menu. “It [the program] gives us an opportunity to get our shoppers to explore parts of the store that they've never shopped before,” Pusateri explains. “People are very habitual with their grocery shopping. So, this is an opportunity to try something, like a new spice, or a new recipe, and we're fortunate that we have a pretty broad selection in the grocery aisles.”
“What this program does well is it really provides a spotlight on our prepared foods, and, it also provides customers and our guests a reason to keep coming back in store, which is something that's important, especially in the pandemic,” Pusateri says. “The prepared food category really went through some ups and downs through the pandemic, first with panic buying and then with more people cooking for themselves at home. It really shifted around the demand patterns in our business, but things have definitely returned back to normal or at least very close to normal.”
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The CIGBA/DCI Office would like to congratulate Mike Dean Local Grocer/ Mike Dean Marché Locale for their soon-to-be-open NEW location in Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, Quebec!
We wish you nothing but success on your new location!
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KUDRINKO'S FINDS BENEFITS IN INCLUSIVENESS |
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Kudrinko’s is a welcoming and affirming place – that’s the message independent grocery store owner, Neil Kudrinko, is prioritizing this spring.
The Westport, Ontario grocer recently ensured that his business’ newly-negotiated benefits plan under Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Sun Life) includes gender affirmation coverage for his employees. The store is one of the first independent grocers in the province to take that inclusive step.
Kudrinko has been learning about some of the barriers and challenges under OHIP for folks who are transitioning or non-binary, and noted that the government does not pay for all surgeries. Gender affirmation procedures and hormone therapies can help a person to align their body with their gender identity. However, some of these are not covered by public health care.
Experts in the medical community agree that these surgeries are life-saving for some people. Couple that with the direct access to counselling that Kudrinko had in place for his employees throughout the pandemic, as well as in their newly added Employee Assistance Program, and it’s clear Kudrinko values staff wellbeing.
Sun Life began offering gender affirmation coverage through Extended Health Care plans in 2019, to help people transitioning embody their authentic selves. Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate clients.
While he doesn’t anticipate any of his employees accessing the program at this time, Kudrinko feels it’s an important step towards bridging the gap between OHIP and the needs of many in the trans community. “If nothing else, our support of the program signals to the business community that we have an obligation to consider the needs of trans people,” Kudrinko said.
Alex Bailey, Head of Operations with Baicorp Financial Inc., negotiated the new benefit agreement for Kudrinko’s. The agreement not only provided Kudrinko with significant savings but also a large array of enhancements, certainly a positive change for the staff. Bailey said in his experience, this was the only company outside of the tech/consulting industry for which they have provided the consulting for such coverage.
Included in the core coverage are surgical procedures not covered under the provincial health care plan, for example, the reduction of an Adam’s apple or voice surgery. The enhanced benefits provide additional coverage for surgical procedures to align physical features with gender identity, such as facial bone reduction or cheek augmentation.
Bailey said Kudrinko’s commitment is fantastic and sends a positive message to the community. “We need companies like Neil’s which believe in providing a full program for their staff without the immediate expectation of utilization,” he said. “This is how we build a safe and strong pool where this benefit is affordable for all organizations.”
He went on to say that companies should look to provide a safe working environment for their employees, noting that mental health and gender affirmation supports can go miles in assisting staff members on a very tough and long journey.
In a previous press release distributed when Sun Life started offering the coverage, Dave Jones, President, Sun Life Health stated, “When it comes to health and wellness, we understand that no two needs are the same, which is why we continue to evolve and diversify our health benefit plans, helping to meet the needs of all Canadians… Having additional support through gender affirmation can make a meaningful difference and help plan members live happier and healthier lives.”
Kudrinko agreed, saying it’s a priority for his company to have supports like this in place. “The fact that we were able to negotiate a plan with Sun Life that is affordable to our members and that co-exists with our values is exciting,” he said.
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For more information, please contact:
Neil Kudrinko, President, 613.273.2130 or neil@kudrinkos.ca
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Vince's Market Introduces Gifting Sections |
In March 2022 Vince's Market introduced their very own Gifting Sections. Here is what they had to say aboout the new initiative:
"Our gifting sections highlight local vendors within our communities. The assortment of products range from Locally Made Soy Candles to Handmade Macrame Coasters & Key Chains.
The inspiration for this section started when we first started working with Market Candle Company in Newmarket, ON. Shabi, the owner of Market Candle Company, is well known in the community and has a large network of other local vendors. Over the years, her candles were a huge success at our stores and we got to thinking a local section would be even better! Flash forward to today, Market Candle Company's selection of candles, diffuser oils, wick trimmers, and more are highlighted in our gifting section.
We are excited for our customers to shop this new section and fall in love with all of the product offerings the same way we have!"
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New study estimates Canadians wasted $500M in food due to ‘shelflation’ |
“‘Shelflation’ is when the shelf life of food products is compromised due to supply chain problems essentially,” explains Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University’s Agri-food Analytics Lab director.
‘Shelflation’ is a new term coined by Dalhousie University focusing on how Canadians are finding themselves throwing away more food and making their grocery bills even more expensive than they already are."
Image Source: Shutterstock
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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 CIGBA/DCI!
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On behalf of the CIGBA/DCI Management Team, Happy Spring to you and your company! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us!
Barry Lanteigne - President:
Michele Vermeltfoort - Administration & Accounting:
Matthew Brown - Events, Communications & Technologies:
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