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Grocery Innovations Canada 2011 boasts health food trend

December 16, 2011

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This year marked the 47th year that the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) has hosted Grocery Innovations Canada in Toronto, Ontario. Year after year, Grocery Innovations Canada is the premier industry event for the grocery retail sector.

This annual event is a critical business booster for the industry, with many key members of the sector attending to see the most recent products, services, and equipment at the forefront of innovation in the Canadian grocery and retail sector. The ATS was onsite and this year's show proved to be no exception. With the 2011 theme being “Everything You Need”, and over 300 exhibitors and 500 booths, as well as specialty pavilions highlighting consumer trends such as the Wellness 2.0: Functional Foods Pavilion, Ethnic Fare and First Time Exhibitors, attendees experienced an exciting forum for business activity over the two-day show. Grocery Innovations Canada 2011 took place on October 24th and 25th at the Toronto Congress Centre.

The main trend highlighted at this year's show was without a doubt the industry's shift to connect food and health. The grocery industry continues to use new innovative measures to answer consumer demand for healthier products, especially those that cater to the increasing amount of people with food allergies.

The show also highlighted the fact that ethnic cuisine is still a growing trend in today's marketplace. Ethnic Fare, a specialty pavilion on the show floor promoted many new prepared or frozen ethnic foods. Consumers are becoming very accustom to consuming ethnic foods regularly, especially in restaurants, and are now seeking ways to enjoy the various cuisines at home. This creates a significant opportunity for grocery retail companies to offer prepared products for consumers who are unfamiliar with traditional cooking methods for such dishes.

Another highlight at this year's show was the new Grocery Innovations Canada Mobile App, which was accessible on all mobile devices. The show organizers did a great job of utilizing this technology to promote all the activities and services happening during the show. Their app essentially contained the show guide, which made it easier for attendees to access all the show information while walking the floor. The show and exhibitors alike also made good use of QR codes this year. The QR codes are increasingly being used in the grocery sector, and show exhibitors used them to provide attendees with company and product information.

The ATS is in the midst of creating an in-depth report on the trends and highlights seen at this year's show, as well as some great Canadian products that are, or will be, in the Canadian grocery stores. Until then, here is a sneak peak at some of the Canadian companies that will be featured in the report:

• Bonté Foods
• Bubbie's Biscotti
• North Taste
• nutrfrance
• Vins culinaires, Culinary Wines

The ATS concluded that from the trends and products seen at this year's Grocery Innovations Canada 2011, consumers can expect to find an abundance of healthy product offerings, including more natural and allergen-free food and beverage products, especially in the traditional specialty, ethnic and frozen food sections. Please check ATS' What's New section shortly for the full report!

Until next time,
Cheryl Hogan
Project Officer
Cheryl.hogan@agr.gc.ca

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