Highlights from Day Two of Grocery Innovations Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Highlights from Day Two of Grocery Innovations Canada
Canada’s Premier Grocery Conference Draws to a Close
October 18, 2016, Toronto – The second day of Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) has been a great end to this year’s annual grocery show, complete with exciting product launches, innovative stage demos and insightful presentations. The festivities will continue with this evening’s International Grocer of the Year Award Reception, celebrating the best and brightest in the industry.
GIC Trade Floor
Keynote Address and Sessions
Day two of the conference kicked off with Jeff Swearingen, of PepsiCo’s Demand Xcelerator, giving his address on how insights and technology can help re-create the “My Grocery Store” feeling with customers. Jeff outlined how it is possible, even in a rapidly changing marketplace, to understand shoppers like one would their own neighbours and to translate insights into merchandising and marketing plans that speak directly to valuable customers. Next up was Hannah Donoghue, Director of Advisory at RetailNet Group, speaking on the “Store of the Future – Reinventing Store Networks for Sustainable Growth.” Hannah delved into the top initiatives retailers are working on today to redefine their store networks and innovative examples of strategic initiatives from retailers across Canada and within global markets. Capping off the morning, Mark Baum, Chief Collaboration Officer, Food Marketing Institute, gave his session on “Trends Driving Change: Impacts and Opportunities for Food Retailers.” Mark’s presentation looked at consumer trends such as: how they are making decisions about where they shop and what they buy and how technology is creating a more informed consumer, industry trends and what’s keeping retailers up at night.
Interac Insights and Innovations Stage Demos

First up was Chris Yli-Luoma who gave his winning formulas on how to “Boost Product Profits with Ideas for Tight Spaces” in the produce department.Suthamie Poologasingham, J.C. Williams then posed the question as “E-commerce Booms Globally – Is Canada in the Mix?” To answer, Suthamie went through J.C. Williams Group RetailWATCH – Etail Report presenting exclusive data insights on how Canadians are shopping online. Moving onto food in the afternoon Abe Van Melle, Manager of the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence demonstrated unique and profitable beef cuts the average consumer may not be familiar with. Robert Serapiglia, Director, Innovation, at Canadian Beef also shared how to leverage interesting cuts with global flavours and cooking styles to build “meat case success.” Chris Jones, Maplehurst Bakeries, brought the sessions to a sweet ending with “Don’t be Fooled – Everybody Loves Donuts!” on key trends in donuts and seasonal implications for success.

ABOUT GROCERY INNOVATIONS CANADA (GIC)
Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC) is Canada’s premier grocery event 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.
Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | #GICShow16
For more information on Grocery Innovations Canada (GIC), interview opportunities, or images, please contact:

Natasha Townsend
Manager, Public Relations
647.973.3832
natasha@butterpr.ca

– or –

Shawn Rusich
Director, Public Relations
416.822.5266
shawn@butterpr.ca

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