CIGBA & DCI HOSTS 2024 INDEPENDENT GROCERY EVENTS & ANNOUNCES 2024 STAR AWARD WINNERS

Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance (CIGBA) & Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI)

[Burlington, ON, June 5] The not-for-profit Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance and the buying group Distribution Canada Inc recently hosted two back-to-back events, the Charity Golf Classic in association with the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers on June 3^rd and the annual Business Summit on June 4.

This year, the Charity Golf Classic seen its most golfers playing in support of charity and raised $12,000 for the Charity of Choice: Downie Wenjack Fund (DWF). DWF aims to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all peoples in Canada.

Following the next day, the annual Business Summit recorded a record level of attendance sharing 200 attendees between Members, Partners and industry colleagues. Members were tasked to “Connect & GO!”, with a focus on the power of collaboration. New for this year was a Member-focused morning, with a panel discussion consisting of powerhouse independent retailers – Giancarlo Trimarchi, Owner of Vince’s Market, as well as Rima Rabba, Head of Marketing for Rabba Fine Foods and lastly, Mike Sharpe, owner of Sharpe’s Food Market.

Later on that evening, the 2024 Star Awards announced its recipients:

Partner of the Year – Diamond Packaging Supplies Ltd., accepted by Jacob Edwin

Retailer of the Year – Sharpe’s Food Market accepted by Mike Sharpe

Social Responsibility – Fiesta Farms accepted by Keven Umana and Joe Furfaro

Innovation – Chapman’s Ice Cream with its Super Premium Plus Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream accepted by Bob Brema of William M. Dunne and Associates

Leader of the Year – Kacee Kudrinko of Kudrinko’s

Lifetime Achievement – awarded Posthumously to Ingrid Willemsen of SUNRIPE Freshmarket, accepted by husband Will Wilemsen, her son Ryall, and her son in law, Joe Grosso.

About DCI: DCI is a national organization of retailers and wholesalers that fosters collaborative selling relationships between its members, manufacturers, and key stakeholders selling food in the Canadian market. DCI provides a structured and effective organization to retail, wholesale members and suppliers wanting to share funding and relevant solutions generating additional sales and profits.