Trade Shows & Conferences
The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers organizes two annual trade shows & conference s — the National show takes place in Toronto (fall); and a Western Canada show in Vancouver (spring). The events are an opportunity for all aspects of the grocery sector to collaborate. The two-day trade shows allows manufacturers from all segments of the business, from food to equipment and services to meet with retailers, distributors, wholesalers and brokers across Canada to do business. Exhibitors will get their products and services in front of key decision makers at the show.
Both shows feature dedicated pavilions focused on the sector categories that are presently in high demand, including health and wellness, gourmet/artisanal, organic and local, beer and wine, global/specialty, and HMR/Foodservice.
Key Retailing Opportunities
Buying Option
The two shows offer exhibitors the option to sell on the floor increasing opportunities between trading partners and their suppliers. This show feature creates a great business environment wherein exhibiting companies may choose to offer retailers “Trade Show Specials” which can take various forms such as special price, in-ad coupons, unique merchandising packs, reduced minimums or free shipping to name a few.
Top 10 Most Innovative Contest
All products and services exhibiting at the shows will be considered for the Top 10 contest. Hand-picked by judges in the fields of innovation from media and influencer marketing, the Top 10 contest gets the most media attention at the shows, and is always buzzed about after the shows.
Retailer Connect Meetings
Manufacturers that are new to the show, and do not have their products listed particular retailers’ store shelves, can connect directly with key decision makers at the show.
New Product Showcase
New products and services launching onto the market can get even more buyer and retailer attention by showcasing their items and concepts in these display cases that are positioned prominently at the entrance area of the trade show.
Testimonials
“The shows allow you to meet with suppliers, find out about the innovations, and get a chance to discover new products and companies. The new pavilions on the floor keep you up-to-date on the supermarket business in Canada. If you’re not at the show, you’re missing out on a big opportunity.“
—Darrell Jones, President, Overwaitea Food Group, Langley, BC
“Grocery Innovations provided the ideal platform from which to launch our new line of Tandoori Pizza’s. The advantage of having all the right people in the same place at the same time, saved us a tremendous amount of time and energy and helped us get back to focusing on what really matters; producing great tasting food.“
—Asim Qureshi , Owner, Tandoori Oven
“Collaboration and networking are some of the keys to our success, and the two trade shows allow us to continue to grow our supplier relationships. As well, we are able to find the next big trends that consumers will be looking for at the shows.”
—Joe Longo, Chief Development Officer, Longo Bros. Fruit Markets, Vaughan, ON
“GIC has allowed me to make key retailer connections and showcased my product in an event that is crucial for any manufacturers wanting to get into the grocery sector in Canada. The Choose Ontario pavilion this year really put a spotlight on my specialty bakery nut-free, Kosher and locally made products.”
—Allan Swartz, President, Touche Bakery
“We are so busy meeting with companies that we met at the show, it is almost overwhelming. We received an order this week from a contact from the show for 38 pallets of product. We are now working on how we will actually do this. A lovely problem to have!”
— Thea Haddow, Beez & Treez Specialty Foods Co.
© 2024 Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
