Western Grocer Serving the industry since 1916
OCTOBER 28, 2026, TORONTO— The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers presented its exciting first day on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Toronto Congress Centre, North Building, with keynotes, informative sessions, the ever-exciting Top Ten in Grocery Awards, Best Booth Awards and the highly coveted Master Merchandiser Awards!
The day began with CFIG’s Annual General Meeting and updates from President & CEO Ron Welke, followed by a Grocery Code panel update with Giancarlo Trimarchi of Vince’s Market, John Pritchett of Powell’s Supermarkets and Unilever’s Martin Payant, moderated by CFIG’s Gary Sands. Delegates then got an exclusive look at new Path to Purchase Institute research from Cyndi Loza on how GLP-1 adoption is reshaping the grocery basket, and heard BMO Deputy Chief Economist Michael Gregory deliver an economic outlook for the sector.
The Official Ribbon Cutting opened the trade show floor, where retailers and delegates explored the latest products, services and innovations from this year’s exhibitors. On the Advantage Solutions Insights & Innovations Stage, Shawn Cunningham of Ravyx, Dina Federici of Toshiba, François Labelle of LOC Software and Erick Dowling of Vusion shared how connected technology is helping grocers build the store of tomorrow.
The day wrapped up with the Merchandising Excellence Awards and a networking cocktail reception, followed by the Master Merchandiser Awards presentation, where the best merchandising displays were recognized and this year’s Top Ten in Grocery winners were announced (see list of this year’s award winners below).
2026 TOP TEN IN GROCERY AWARDS
Here is a list of the 2026 Top Ten in Grocery Awards (in no particular order):
Product Name: Wonder Air Crisp
Flavour: Garlic & Herb
Booth #: 1137 Wonderbrands
BEST BAKERY ITEM
Product Name: Hellmann’s
Flavour: Pickle
Booth #: 711 Unilever Canada
BEST CONDIMENT
Product Name: MXM
Flavour: Blackberry
Booth #: 909 Arterra Wines Canada
BEST BEVERAGE (COLD)
Product Name: Alexis de Portneuf
Flavour: Brie Double Crème
Booth #: 1419 Saputo Dairy Products Canada
BEST LOCAL
Product Name: Kobraiya (Spicy Achari Sauce)
Booth #: 1633 Kobraiya
BEST PACKAGING
Product Name: Nam Fruits
Flavour: Dried Mango Slices
Booth #: 734 Nam Fruits
BEST SNACK
Product Name: Heinz Soup
Flavour: Hearty Tomato and White Bean
Booth #: 1225 Kraft Heinz Canada
BEST CONVENIENCE
Product Name: Popcorn Tofu Plant-based
Booth #: 1909F Green Brothers
BEST FROZEN
Product Name: Burmese Chili Crisp
Flavour: Spicy-Original
Booth #: 2233B Ariya Burmese Foods
BEST SPECIALTY/ETHNIC
Product Name: Smart Cola
Flavour: Sugar Free Fibre Rich Electrolyte Functional Beverage Powder GLP-1 Companion
Booth #: 1524 Innotech Nutrition Solutions
BEST HEALTH & WELLNESS
Top 10 In Grocery – Winner Pack Shots:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1L0AcqkbMrUoFRjq3hpjVEscUf_eKSEYH?usp=sharing
Top 10 In Grocery – Winner Social Posts:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eAzMy5bErjle4RDy9s_DJW31bHcyz0VO?usp=sharing
2026 BEST BOOTH AWARDS
Here is a list of the 2026 Best Booth Awards (in no particular order):
Single Booth
Company: BEE MAID HONEY LIMITED
Booth #: 630
Double Booth
Company: Dare Foods
Booth #: 928
Marketed Booth
Company:Kraft Heinz Canada
Booth #: 1225
Multi Booth
Company: A Lassonde Inc.
Booth #: 1509
Best Booth:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12drUje6JcDF8b_-7Jc2i–uUlz04i3GY?usp=sharing
Grocery Innovations Canada 2026 Day 2 continues on October 28, 2026, at 7:15AM.
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ABOUT GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA (GIC)
Grocery Innovations Canada is Canada’s premier grocery exhibition and conference developed by industry professionals, for industry professionals. It is the only event in Canada dedicated to the entire grocery industry and is the largest one of its kind. GIC is at the forefront of innovation, showcasing cutting edge products and services. The conference provides exceptional opportunities for networking and foresight into current and upcoming industry trends.
For all media inquiries, high-res images or interview requests, please contact:
Nancy Kwon
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
E nkwon@cfig.ca
P +1 (416) 219-0952
Celia Liu, Project Coordinator
The Justin Poy Agency
E cliu@justinpoy.com
P +1 (437) 352-0693
Justin Poy
The Justin Poy Agency
E jpoy@justinpoy.com
P +1 (416) 565-6791
SAVE THE DATES!
Grocery Innovations Canada 2027 will take place on October 26–27, 2027, at the Toronto Congress Centre, North Building.
For updates, visit groceryinnovations.com.
Grocery & Specialty Food West 2027 will take place on April 20–21, 2027, at the Vancouver Convention Centre, East Building.
For updates, visit gsfshow.com.
