Grocery Innovations Canada
Toronto, OH - Food for health, food for fun and plenty of food for thought. The trends, issues and innovations that are impacting Canada's grocery stores and consumers can be found at the 8th annual Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) opening October 29th and 30th at the Toronto Congress Centre.
Recognized as Canada's premier grocery industry exposition, the massive trade only event is much more than a preview of new grocery products – it's a chance to meet the players who make the decisions about what consumers will find on their grocery shelves. The GIC 07 line-up includes more than 500 exhibits ranging from national brands to local food processors. Together, the trade show and two-day conference program will attract more than 6,000 grocery industry representatives.
There are more than 23,812 grocery stores in Canada. In a competitive marketplace such as this, independent grocers, who represent 53% of those stores, are keen to participate in this once a year opportunity to sharpen their retail advantage. With a conference roster that reads like the who's who of the supermarket business and a trade show that reflects changing consumer appetites, this year's GIC delivers the goods.
At the trade show, food processors are responding to Canada's aging, single and diverse population, as well as consumers' selective buying habits with new products that deliver health and wellness, convenience and smaller portion sizes. Watch for more functional foods, heat and serve for busy families and singles, and an ever-expanding array of quick prepare Asian foods. Sustainability is coming on strong as well, with an assortment of environmental, recyclable and biodegradable dry goods and packaging.
At the conference, Tim Penner, President of Proctor & Gamble addresses Monday's breakfast crowd on strategies to increase centre store dry goods sales. Before the coffee is cold, Bill McEwan, President & CEO of Sobeys makes a rare appearance to provide his perspective on the ever-changing grocery landscape. The best minds in the grocery business are on hand at a 10:00 am panel discussion to provide insights into some of the best-managed companies in Canada. Comprised of heavyweight independent grocers' Frank Coleman of Colemans Food Centre, Newfoundland (12 stores); Anthony Longo of Longo Brothers Fruit Markets (15 Toronto area stores); and Milford Sorensen of Thrifty Foods in British Columbia (20 stores recently sold to Sobeys) – the discussion gives a snapshot of the innovation and customer service levels that have led these companies to success. Monday's program wraps-up at a luncheon in honour of significant industry achievers including entrepreneur, Jim Pattison, who will be receiving the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers' "Spirit of the Independent Award".
Other conference highlights include presentations on Tuesday by Roger Collins, President and CEO of Harps Food Stores in Arkansas whose experience proves you can fight Wal-Mart and win; industry expert Harold Lloyd with practical solutions to everyday grocer issues; and an industry discussion moderated by CFIG President, John F.T. Scott with owners of four top Canadian retailers.
Presented by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, Grocery Innovations Canada runs Monday, October 29th and Tuesday, October 30th, Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto. Trade-Only Open to buyers, retailers and grocery industry executives. Trade show hours: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. For details and registration visit www.groceryinnovations.com.
SOURCE: Grocery Innovations