High levels of participation in Canada’s largest grocery tradeshow reflects industry’s commitment to customer service and innovation

Toronto – On October 26 and 27, a large part of the Canadian grocery community will be converging in Toronto for Grocery Innovations Canada 2009, the country’s premier grocery conference and trade show. Now in its 35th year, the event is on track to attract more than 5,000 industry delegates, 300 exhibitors and 500 booths - a significant increase over 2008. Participants include representation from all major chain and independent grocery retailers and leading companies connected to the Canadian groceries industry.

“Over the years, we have seen an important correlation between floor activity and market activity in the ensuing year,” said John F.T. Scott, president and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers, organizers of the event. “Based on our program and list of exhibitors, 2010 is going to bring out the best from the industry, which is sure to benefit consumers.”

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers has confirmed the final program for Grocery Innovations Canada, which includes three parts: a conference from 7:15 a.m. to noon daily, followed by a trade show from noon to 5 p.m. daily, as well as various evening events. Highlights from the conference include presentations from Mike “Pinball” Clemons, CEO of the Toronto Argonauts, Arlene Dickinson, co-star of CBC’s Dragons’ Den and a variety of experts in economics, business, foodservice and more. CFIG president and CEO, John F.T. Scott, will lead an informative panel featuring experts in Canadian grocery retailing, Laurie Jennings, John Mastroianni, and Dave Powell. The trade show is spread over 105,000 square feet and includes a variety of displays from exhibitors, including a specialty pavilion focused on ethnic fare and a new program highlighting local, Ontario producer associations, throughout the trade show floor.

“Everything you can expect to see at grocery stores in 2010 – that’s the simplest way to describe this flagship event,” said Scott.