Dino Bianco Receives CFIG’s 2025 Spirit of the Independent Award

TORONTO: September 8, 2025. Brian Bradley, Chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), Ron Welke, President and CEO, and the CFIG Board of Directors are pleased to announce Dino Bianco, CEO of Kruger Products, as the recipient of the 2025 Spirit of the Independent Award.

The Spirit of the Independent Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of the entrepreneurial spirit of Canadian grocers and have provided inspiration to Canada’s independent grocers. This award is not an annual award, and it is reserved for individuals who personify what the award stands for.

Dino Bianco has served as Chief Executive Officer of Kruger Products since 2018, following a highly successful career with Kraft Foods, where he held senior leadership roles in finance, sales, marketing, and general management. He was President of Kraft Canada, where he successfully led one of the largest food companies in Canada across 23 brands. Later, he served as President of Kraft’s U.S. Beverage division in Chicago.

A recognized leader in the grocery industry, Dino has been the recipient of the Golden Pencil Award, the Award of Distinction, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also championed innovation and bold marketing campaigns that earned him numerous accolades, including Canadian Marketer of the Year, Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, Effies, and Cassies. With extensive board experience across North America, Dino continues to inspire and guide the industry with his leadership and vision.

Dino will be officially recognized at the Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year awards gala on Wednesday, October 29, at Grocery Innovations Canada 2025 (GIC). GIC is Canada’s primary grocery exposition and conference occurring at the Toronto Congress Centre, October 28–29, 2025. www.GroceryInnovations.com

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) — CFIG is a non-profit trade association founded in 1962, which continues to be a collaborative community, equipping and enabling independent, franchised, and specialty grocers for sustainable success. CFIG is the strong and united voice for the independent grocery retailers to the Industry and Government across Canada. CFIG also provides programs that support operational excellence while fostering solid relationships among retailers, distributors, and suppliers. www.cfig.ca

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