About CFIG

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) is a non-profit trade association founded in 1962, which continues to be a collaborative community, equipping and enabling independent, franchised and specialty grocers for sustainable success. CFIG is the strong and united voice for the independent grocery retailers to Industry, government, media and the public, across Canada. CFIG also provides programs that support operational excellence while fostering solid relationships among retailers, distributors and suppliers.

For all Media inquiries, please contact Nancy Kwon, Vice President – Marketing & Communications at (416) 492-1804 or nkwon@cfig.ca.

Executive & Administration

Ron Welke
President & CEO
(306) 220-6297
rwelke@cfig.ca

Andrea Almarza
Executive Assistant to President & CEO
(416) 492-2574
aalmarza@cfig.ca

Government Relations

CFIG is the only retail association in Canada that advocates to all three levels of government, solely on behalf of retail grocers. On many issues, CFIG has been able to influence government decisions to achieve better results for our members, to head off measures that would have a negative impact on your business. CFIG has been able to achieve victories in areas such as Interac, Nutritional Labelling, Quota Regulations, Sale of Over-the-Counter Cough & Cold Remedies, and Food Safety that have provided members with a direct benefit.

Gary Sands
Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy
(416) 409-7882
gsands@cfig.ca

Industry Relations

CFIG’s commitment to its members is to ensure that the needs of the independent are top of mind with manufacturers and suppliers, and to provide valuable input into industry policy. Through CFIG’s representatives, we can forward specific concerns and comments directly to the manufacturer to ensure both parties continue to prosper in an ever-changing marketplace.

Laura Collaton
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
(905) 719-5100
lcollaton@cfig.ca

Member Services

A membership with The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) provides an excellent vehicle for those in the food industry to keep informed about the industry, stay connected, and support the independent grocery channel – a channel representing significant economic activity; over $12.8 billion dollars in sales in 2015. (CFIG Independent Impact Study, 2015).

Claudia Solorzano
Director, Membership & Programs
Member Services
(226) 802-5840
csolorzano@cfig.ca

Suzanne Regimbal
Account Manager
Member Services
(416) 990-0184
sregimbal@cfig.ca

Communications & Media

CFIG keeps its members informed and connected through a variety of communication vehicles, including the The Express Check-Out newsletter, the CFIG website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

Nancy Kwon
Vice President
Marketing & Communications
(416) 492-1804
nkwon@cfig.ca

Conferences & Events

CFIG presents two annual grocery expositions: Grocery Innovations Canada in Toronto, Ontario, and Grocery & Specialty Food West, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Diana Stevenson
Director, Conference & Events
(416) 993-1103
dstevenson@cfig.ca

Trade Show, Operations, Advertising Sales & Sponsorship

Our industry-leading trade shows are a staple and provide an opportunity to exhibit, network, and connect in an innovative setting. Grocery Innovations Canada, along with Grocery & Specialty Food West continuously break attendance records, leading to yearly trade show floor expansions, earlier bookings, and an overall increase in foot traffic by Canada’s top decision makers. Sponsor or advertise at the shows, or with CFIG year-round through on-site or digital marketing mediums to ensure your brand receives top visibility and is represented in our ever-changing industry!