“We stand at a crossroads in the world’s economy. On the one hand, we are poised to generate better standards of living for more of the world’s people than ever before. At the same time, it is increasingly clear that the consumption-based model of economic growth cannot be applied globally without causing immense environmental and […]
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Mental health is a subject matter that is extremely personal and one that is very difficult for people to discuss openly. Why? There has always been a stigma attached but thankfully, times are changing. In September 2010, Bell launched the “Bell’s Let’s Talk” mental health initiative to help drive awareness and end the stigma surrounding […]
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Working in the food and beverage sector I have the privilege to observe the evolution of food and the consumer. This is no more evident than when it comes to consumers’ health and wellness. For instance, in the past when consumers had an upset stomach, they may have taken pepto bismol or tums. Yet, today […]
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Consumers are concerned with global warming, and the impact it is having on the environment. Global tragedies linked to global warming are happening in front of our eyes every day. Though fossil fuels receive most of the attention, the food sector is highly scrutinized. Globally, wasted food contributes 11% of the world’s total greenhouse gases, […]
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The constant change in the grocery sector makes it an exciting sector in which to work. Given consumer food habits are constantly changing, it makes for exciting times for consultants like myself, brokers, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers. For instance, while 62% of consumers review a product’s ingredient list, more than half use front-of-pack labeling as […]
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In 1983, Loblaws conceived their first private label brand which they launched in 1984 – President’s Choice chocolate chip cookies, and ground coffee. Today Loblaws markets store brands under 4 different brand names: 1. President Choice, 2. No Name. 3. Blue Menu, 4. PC Black label. They have since been joined by lines such as […]
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Clark St-Jean is a dedicated Warehouse Club sales agency that has been introducing brands, products, and services to Warehouse Club members since 2003. Leveraging over three decades of intensive experience in the Warehouse Club channel, we represent a diversity of companies and categories for whom we are building lasting and mutually profitable business relationships – […]
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On August 28, 1963, Civil Rights Leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Those 3 words hold true for entrepreneurs today who seek to have their products listed with Canada’s leading grocery retailers. Entrepreneurs today are enjoying strong success. For instance: […]
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The brand is a business’s most valuable asset, and it does differentiate you from the competition. Yet, over time its role in food and beverage purchase has evolved. In the 1970s, the brand served as the ultimate signal of quality. Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, with an increased focus on individuality, connections were […]
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Sugar has been a staple in consumers’ meals and beverages for generations. It was not uncommon to go to a coffee shop and request- “Double Milk, Double Sugar”. It was uncommon to drink a diet soda. The flavour of the month was Coke Classic, even though it contained 9 teaspoons of sugar per 330ml can.[i] […]
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