Where grocery leaders get inspired

Join key decision makers in grocery for an impactful day of keynotes, expert panels and networking to exchange ideas, strategies and best practices.

GroceryConnex brings together retailers and manufacturers to learn and explore innovative solutions that will shape the future of grocery.

ATTENDED BY DECISION MAKERS FROM THE BIGGEST RETAILERS IN THE INDUSTRY

GATHERING OF FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES

INNOVATION STARTS WITH COLLABORATION

Each year, top-level executives across the grocery industry share their insights, challenges and vision for the future at GroceryConnex.

The 2025 full-day event featured:

Shellee Fitzgerald
Shellee Fitzgerald
Canadian Grocer
Editor-in-Chief
Jim Prins
Jim Prins
dunnhumby
SVP of Retail
Erich Kahner
Erich Kahner
dunnhumby
Head of Competitve Strategy & Insights, America
Tom Gunter
Tom Gunter
T.A.G Marketplace Consulting
Principal
Kim Furlong
Kim Furlong
Retail Council of Canada
President & CEO
Marc Giroux
Marc Giroux
Metro
COO
Venessa Yates
Venessa Yates
Walmart Canada
President and Chief Executive Officer
Anthony Longo
Anthony Longo
Longo's
Executive Chair
John Boynton
John Boynton
Arterra Wines Canada
President
Dino Bianco
Dino Bianco
Kruger Products
CEO
Bill McEwan
Bill McEwan
Sobeys Inc.
Former President & CEO
Douglas Porter
Douglas Porter
BMO Financial Group
Chief Economist & Managing Director
Michael Medline
Michael Medline
Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc.
President and CEO
Jamie Nelson
Jamie Nelson
Pattison Food Group
President
Deb Craven
Deb Craven
Longo's
President
Gary Wade
Gary Wade
Unilever Canada
President

CELEBRATION OF TALENTS

From emerging innovators to lifetime experts, we celebrate and hear from the outstanding award-winning leaders in the grocery industry.

Golden Pencil Award

Presented by The Food Industry Association of Canada, the Golden Pencil Award is the most coveted recognition in the industry, celebrating individuals for their lifetime achievement and significant contribution to the Canadian food industry as well as their communities. 

2025 Golden Pencil Award Honourees

Michael Medline
President and CEO,
Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc.
Learn More
Shaun McKenna
Executive Director,
The Grocery Foundation
Learn More
Gary Wade
President,
Unilever Canada
Learn More

GenerationNext Awards

Presented by Canadian Grocer, the GenerationNext Awards recognize emerging leaders — innovative thinkers (under forty) — who are having an impact on the grocery industry not only today, but in the years ahead.

Exclusive GenNext Partner

GROCERYCONNEX 2025

Monday, November 24, 2025

Fairmont Royal York, Toronto

Canadian Room | Convention Floor (C in the elevator)

Regular Ticket Pricing

Single ticket: $599

Table of 10: $5,890

2025 SPONSORS

INDUSTRY PARTNERS