2023 Life Members, Spirit of the Independent Announced

Dan Bregg, Chair of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG), Thomas Shurrie, President and CEO, and the CFIG Board of Directors are pleased to announce:

Christy McMullen of Summerhill Market, Toronto, Ontario, as the 2023 recipient of CFIG’s prestigious Life Member Award in the Independent Grocer category;

Curtis Frank (pictured right), President and Chief Executive Officer at Maple Leaf Foods, as the 2023 recipient of CFIG’s prestigious Life Member Award in the Industry Builder category;

Darrell Jones, President, Pattison Food Group as the recipient of the 2023 Spirit of the Independent Award.

CFIG’s Life Member designation honours those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the food industry. Their experience, accomplishments and commitment are at the foundation of today’s grocery retailing business.

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.

All three award recipients will be officially recognized at the Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year awards gala held on Wednesday, October 25 at Grocery Innovations Canada 2023 (GIC). GIC is Canada’s premier grocery exposition and conference that takes place at the Toronto Congress Centre, October 24-25,2023. www.GroceryInnovations.com