Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
Winners to Be Revealed at the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit STAR Awards Gala on June 2 at 6:30 PM
Burlington, ON – Distribution Canada Inc. (DCI), in partnership with the Canadian Independent Grocers Buyers Alliance, is pleased to announce the nominees for the 2026 CIGBA/DCI STAR Awards Gala, recognizing outstanding leadership, innovation, partnership, and community impact across Canada’s independent grocery industry.
The annual STAR Awards celebrate retailers, supplier partners, and industry leaders who continue to elevate the independent grocery sector through exceptional business practices, strong partnerships, and meaningful contributions to their communities. Winners will be announced live at the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit STAR Awards Gala on June 2 at 6:30 PM.
All nominees are listed in alphabetical order.
★ CIGBA/DCI RETAILER OF THE YEAR ★
This award is given to a retailer who has been monumental within the food retail industry through innovation, brand presence, and leadership that advances the success of the industry.
Nominees:
- Bonanza Supermarket
- Central Fresh Market
- Farmboy Markets Ltd
- Greco’s Fresh Market
- Pino’s Get Fresh
- Rabba Fine Foods
- Starsky Fine Foods
- Stong’s Market
- Summerhill Market
- Vince’s Market
★ CIGBA/DCI PARTNER OF THE YEAR ★
This award recognizes a DCI Supplier Partner who demonstrates exceptional leadership, strong business relationships, and outstanding support for the independent grocery industry.
Nominees:
- Chapman’s Ice Cream
- Chens Enterprises Corporation
- CJR Wholesale Grocers
- Covered Bridge Potato Chips
- Federated Insurance
- Lassonde Inc.
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Sobeys Wholesale
- Toronto Popcorn Company
★ CIGBA/DCI SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD ★
This award recognizes a retailer or supplier partner who has demonstrated leadership in community initiatives, environmental responsibility, or charitable contributions.
Nominees:
- Commisso’s Fresh Foods
- Food Fare
- Galleria Supermarket
- Goldsmith’s Farm Market and Bakery
- La Mantia’s Country Market
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Mike Dean Local Grocer
- Powell’s Supermarket
- Rabba Fine Foods
- Vince’s Market
★ CIGBA/DCI INNOVATION AWARD ★
This award is presented to a member or supplier partner who has introduced an innovative product or initiative in the past year that has demonstrated success in sales, traffic, branding, or new business opportunities.
Nominees:
- Cataldi Fresh Market
- Chens Enterprises Corporation
- Denninger’s
- Food Fare
- Maple Leaf Foods
- Rabba Fine Foods
- RiverCity Innovations
- Société En Commandite Pasquier
- Whistler’s Creekside Market
★ CIGBA/DCI LEADER OF THE YEAR ★
This award honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and influence within the industry, guiding others through strong partnerships and inspiring success.
Nominees:
- Anthony Battaglia
- Gary Sands
- Giancarlo Trimarchi
- Jordan Schenck
- Rick Rabba
- Stephen Carroll
- Tarik Zeid
- Tony Cataldi
★ CIGBA/DCI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ★
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour as an award that recognizes an individual who has been a leader or model within the food retail industry. Either they have pioneered a successful venture or have done the ‘impossible’ for most of us – this award solidifies their success and brings forth their accomplishments for all to celebrate.
This award recipient will be announced at the show!
Distribution Canada Inc. congratulates all nominees for their contributions to the industry and looks forward to celebrating their achievements at the CIGBA/DCI Business Summit STAR Awards Gala on June 2 at 6:30 PM.
