CIGBA/DCI Digital Newsletter Volume 8 Issue 1 |
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BRRRR! IT'S GETTING COLD! STOCK UP FOR THE SEASON! |
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CIGBA Board of Directors, representing our Membership coast to coast. |
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Top Row: Chairman Gordon Dean* (Mike DEAN Local GROCER), Treasurer Mike Sharpe* (Sharpe's Food Market)
Middle Row: Past-Chair Nigel Oliver* (Vince's Markets), Director Rocco Commisso (Commisso's Fresh Foods), Director Rick Rabba (Rabba Fine Foods)
Bottom Row: Director Adam Powell (Atlantic Grocery Distributors/Powell's Supermarkets), Director Gabriele Torchetti (Lady York Foods), Director Tarik Zeid (Food Fare)
*Executive Board member/ DCI Board Director
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MESSAGE FROM BARRY LANTEIGNE, DCI PRESIDENT |
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Happy New Year!
On behalf of the DCI Board of Directors and myself, I would like to thank you for your continued commitment as a CIGBA/DCI Member/Supplier Partner. Your involvement is valued and vital as we continue to support the long-term competitive positioning of our members in the Canadian market. Throughout 2023, we focused on the growth of the Supplier/Partner Network (45+ New Partners), as well as adding twelve new Members. We also hosted a successful Annual Business Summit and Charity Golf Classic in 2023. The focus for 2024 will be to build stronger relationships with our Member/Supplier Partners by creating more involvement for each to engage through additional buying opportunities via our Partner of the Month, as well as a continuation of business reviews, and identifying the opportunities that exist through our Supplier Partner agreements.
The CIGBA/DCI Business Summit and the CIGBA/CFIG/DCI Charity Golf Classic dates have been confirmed for 2024. The Annual Business Summit will be held on Tuesday June 4, 2024 at the Pearson Convention Center Toronto, which is a new venue for this year’s event. The CIGBA/CFIG/DCI Charity Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday June 3, 2024 returning to Royal Woodbine Golf Club. Both events will be held back-to-back for the purpose of getting more Members and Partners together to build our principles of creating meaningful Partnerships and Relationships. More details for all events to come in the coming weeks. Our Events provide our network the ability to connect with our supplier partners and fellow members, exchange ideas and best practices, learn about market and category trends that are impacting the industry and your respective businesses, as well as celebrate the accomplishments of members within the CIGBA/DCI community.
The benefits realized from CIGBA/DCI partnerships will continue to increase in terms of profitable growth with our members/partners, and we are confident that collectively we will all realize the value of supporting the Members through your respected partnerships. We greatly appreciate and welcome your feedback and suggestions as we plan for the future.
As always, I am here to support our Members and Supplier Partners so 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 through my email at barry@distributioncanada.ca.
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NEW MEMBERSHIPS AND SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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Members & Partners, if you know of a store that could benefit from being a part of our group, please don't hesitate to reach out to the CIGBA/DCI office! |
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We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Members:
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FRESH AVENUE AND DAVE YOUNG FRUIT MARKET |
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WHISTLER'S CREEKSIDE MARKET |
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Members, we are constantly growing our database for more business opportunities! Want to see the new Supplier Partners to have joined in the last quarter? See below, and remember: all information is posted on the online DCI Member Portal. Please contact us if you require access to the portal, or need to re-send your password. |
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We would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Partners:
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Bettercart Technologies Inc. |
Advanced Price Analytics and Competitive Price Intelligence |
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Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Corp. - Direct Sale |
New Web Store - Everyday Uniform and Supply Needs for your Business |
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Produce Misting Water Filtration, and Meat/Seafood/proofer humidification. |
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Imported Grocery and Food Service Products - Oil, Rice, Pickled Products, Olives, Beverages, Frozen Products and More |
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Grocery and Confectionary - Close Out Deals |
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Confectionary and Gift Items |
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Shelf Stable Health Food Grocery-Baking, candies, salty snacks, pastas and sweeteners |
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LEAFIO AI Retail Platform empowers retailers with comprehensive supply chain solutions in inventory management, planogram optimization, merchandising management, and assortment planning. For more than 15 years, LEAFIO has been a trusted partner for retailers and suppliers on their journey to building cost-effective supply chains and attaining operational excellence. With our game-changing automation solutions, we help minimize errors and boost productivity while maximizing profits and enabling sustainable growth and competitiveness. |
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Gummies, Candy Mixes, Chocolate and Snacks |
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In-store messaging solutions (shelf edge tags and display signage). Pangea is a strategic outsource provider that develops fully customized, web-enabled software and print solutions to manage in-store marketing communication for the grocery, wholesale, and other retail industries. We partner with companies on a consultative level to understand their unique in-store marketing needs, whether they are price and item display signs, shelf tags, or other in-store media. |
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Pepper Jelly (Red Bell, Pineapple, Lavender, Mango), Jerk Marinade |
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Take the prep, mess and chaos out of cookie decorating with Colouring Sugar Cookie Kits |
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Slice Baby Slice - The Carbon Bar |
Retail Sauces and Spices, Whole Meats and Sides |
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Grocery and Dairy Wholesaler - Dry and Chilled National Brands |
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Thymox Multi-surface Disinfectant |
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Food, Grocery Confectionary and Drinks |
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RETAILERS (MEMBERS), STAY CONNECTED WITH DCI! |
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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.
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How DCI Communicates: 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 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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How DCI Communicates: Social Media |
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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How DCI Communicates: DCI Member Portal |
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
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.
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SUPPLIER PARTNERS/VENDORS:
MAKE SURE YOU LOGIN TO YOUR VENDOR PORTAL!
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Now you can take control of what is posted to our DCI Members! |
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 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.
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CIGBA/DCI 2024 NETWORKING EVENTS |
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CIGBA/CFIG CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC
JUNE 3rd, 2024
ROYAL WOODBINE GOLF CLUB
Our annual golf classic is back this year and returning to Royal Woodbine Golf Club! We encourage you to start putting together your foursome group as registrations will open at the end of this month!
This event brings out Members, Partners, Wholesalers, Media and other industry colleagues to network, enjoy a good day of golfing and win some fantastic prizes!
For Supplier Partners looking to sponsor the event, please connect with the CIGBA/DCI office.
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CIGBA/DCI BUSINESS SUMMIT
JUNE 4th, 2024
PEARSON CONVENTION CENTRE
New location! Returning with the industry famous DCI Business Exchange, the Summit brings our Members into one place, ready to discuss and do business!
This is THE event to attend to connect with our DCI Independents and our Members are eagerly excited to see what new business opportunities await for them for this year.
As well, the Business Summit is also host to the CIGBA/DCI Star Awards - which commences during the Gala Dinner and recognizes the individuals and companies who are bettering our industry!
Registration will open at the end of this month, and we encourage you to attend this much talked about event!
Supplier Partners who are looking to sponsor the event, please contact the office to discuss opportunities.
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NEW ADVERTISING AND MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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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 matthew@distributioncanada.ca to get started or to inquire!
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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 5-10 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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EDUCATION & RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO DCI MEMBERS! |
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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 matthew@distributioncanada.ca
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In today’s digital age, face-to-face communication remains essential for establishing, strengthening, and maintaining business relationships. That’s what makes Grocery & Specialty Food West the premier B2B grocery and specialty food show of the year. This is the only event that brings together all aspects of the grocery industry in one place. With over 65,000 square feet of exhibition space, you’ll find dedicated pavilions focused on key categories such as equipment, technology, food services, garden, financial, and insurance. Come to Grocery & Specialty Food West and build the relationships that will help your business grow.
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FROM OUR SUPPLIER PARTNERS |
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COMPETE WITH THE BIG BRANDS |
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Grow your business by generating leads with guerilla sticker marketing
Guerilla marketing consists of marketing strategies that are innovative, unconventional, and low-cost - and guess what? Stickers are all of those things! In fact, guerilla marketers spend ~90% less on advertising due to leveraging unconventional approaches.
Consider creating branded stickers you can put up in any public place or unsuspecting location, and include some sort of promotion or deal in order to reel in the general public. Using a QR code or web address, you can bring potential customers to your site, and give them an enticing offer in exchange - talk about low cost lead gen. Vinyl stickers are weather resistant, making them particularly useful for this tactic.
Turn your customers into avid fans using branded patches
Customers love supporting brands they enjoy interacting with. If your business is one that promotes relationship building or repeat purchases/visits - why not make some branded merch?
For example, you can create personalized branded patches - with a fun slogan, tagline, or message, and offer them to your customers. These can be applied to any smooth fabric, where they will continue to build brand awareness for you for years to come!
Leverage packaging pouches to give your packaging game a glow-up
If your business offers a tangible product, you definitely want to take a look at our packaging pouches. Our pouches are available in a variety of sizes and materials, and arrive with your labels already applied.
Say goodbye to the time consuming and difficult process of applying your own packaging labels - let us do the work for you. Take your product presentation to the next level, and amaze your customers with this premium product. After all, 52% of consumers have changed product brands due to new packaging design - so don’t fall behind!
Even if your business does not sell physical goods, promotional items should not be neglected. Promotional water bottles with custom labels can be a great (and refreshing) way to get your name out there at events.
Use decals to market in captivating, eye-catching ways
Sometimes, the marketing techniques that are most successful are the ones that catch you off guard. Decals are the perfect tactic for communicating messages in a unique way - as they can be applied to any wall or floor surface.
For example, you can create some custom die-cut decals to place outside your shop or storefront, inciting bypassers to come check out your product or services! Build brand awareness and interest in your business, without lifting a finger.
Get the premium, professional finish you deserve with labels
Our variety of custom labels are the perfect opportunity to brand otherwise generic or plain packaging or products.
Available in quantities as low as 250, labels are an extremely cost-effective way to add your branding to almost anything. From packaging and branding to events and swag, the versatility of labels is what makes them so useful!
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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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Congressum Consulting Inc.
Products: Introduce US producer organizations and manufacturers and connect them with independent retailers in the Canadian grocery industry.
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Hill Valley Energy Inc.
Products: HVAC & Refrigeration Design and Optimization for Significant Energy Savings and Performance
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Kysa Inc.
Products: Digital Marketing, (Social Media, email, website, etc) strategy, posting, and engagement.
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Reinhart Foods Ltd.
Products: Allen's Vinegar, Daltons & Jaffa
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Summerhill Market Preps to Open 6th Location in February! |
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"Located in Toronto’s west end at 3609 Dundas Street West, the new location features 3,200 square feet of retail space and a nine-car parking lot.
The store will focus on Summerhill Market’s specialty products and will not have any service counters, allowing for a brisk and convenient shopping experience."
CIGBA/DCI would like to congratulate Summerhill Market on their success!
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Rabba and Maple Leaf Foods unite for a $10,000 food bank donation |
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“The holidays prove to be a difficult time of year for many and we hope this donation can provide some relief,” said Rima Rabba, leader of the Rabba Roots Community Giving Program. “It is important for us to unite with like-minded companies such as Maple Leaf Foods to commit to making a positive impact in our communities.”
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Stong’s Market to open ‘new concept’ on Squamish's Cleveland Avenue in spring |
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Stong’s Market will unveil a Squamish location in the spring of 2024.
“We understand the importance of our local communities and becoming an integrated part of the places we call home. With our commitment to supporting local vendors and unique fresh offerings, Squamish is the ideal place for our newest Stong’s Market,” said the president of Stong’s, Brian Bradley, in a release.
“We are excited to be opening our third location as a new concept for Stong’s,” said Bradley.
CIGBA/DCI would like to congratulate the Stong's Market team on your success!
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Halal food industry growing to meet demand as Muslim population continues rising |
“It went kind of viral within the Muslim community, like, ‘Oh my God, we can eat this,’” said Salima Jivraj, account director and multicultural lead at Nourish Food Marketing.
It's easier than ever to find halal meat, snacks and desserts in grocery stores as the industry expands in response to Canada’s growing Muslim population, and Jivraj said she doesn’t expect that growth to slow anytime soon.
“The demand just keeps growing. So it’s a really good business to be in,” she said.
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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 Winter 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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