CIGBA/DCI Celebrates Industry Excellence at Record-Breaking 2025 Business Summit

Toronto, ON — CIGBA/DCI is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 CIGBA/DCI Star Awards, honouring outstanding individuals and companies who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and contribution to the independent grocery sector. This year’s Star Award recipients include:

• Retailer of the Year: Commisso’s Fresh Foods
• Supplier of the Year: CJR Wholesale Grocers
• Social Responsibility Award: Mike Dean Local Grocer
• Innovation Award: Rabba Fine Foods
• Leader of the Year: Anthony Iaizzo, CJR Wholesale Grocers
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Mike Williamson (posthumously) of Central Fresh Market, accepted by his son, Josh Williamson

These awards were presented on June 3^rd, 2025 at the highly successful Business Summit, which welcomed the highest number of attendees in the event’s history. Independent retailers, suppliers, and industry partners from across Canada gathered for two days of networking, learning, and celebration of excellence in the grocery sector.

Further demonstrating its commitment to community impact, CIGBA/DCI, in partnership with the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, proudly donated $15,000 to Food Banks Canada during the annual CIGBA/CFIG Charity Golf Classic on June 4^th, 2025. The event brought together members and partners to support food security initiatives across the country.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate both the achievements of our members and our shared commitment to giving back,” said Barry Lanteigne, Director of Operations and President of CIGBA/DCI. “This year’s record attendance and charitable efforts reflect the strength and unity of Canada’s independent grocery community.”

For more information, please contact:
events@distributioncanada.ca