There are signs that the Canadian economy is adapting well to the ongoing trade tussle with the U.S. and to higher energy prices. Ottawa’s drive to rapidly reorient the economy by strengthening internal trade, finding new markets, spending heavily on defence and infrastructure, and supporting major natural resource projects appears to be bearing some fruit. Still, growth remains somewhat sluggish, while inflation remains somewhat sticky. Meantime, the U.S. economy has remained resilient, and financial markets have been strong, both powered by the AI buildout. What does this mean for the Canadian dollar, housing, and domestic markets and inflation? Douglas Porter, Chief Economist of BMO Financial Group, will address these issues in his outlook, with a particular eye on food prices.

Moderated by: Ian Portsmouth, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Canadian Grocer

Consumers continue to expand their view of on-demand delivery beyond just restaurants, now ordering groceries, electronics, beauty products, and more. This session shares bite-sized insights about unique third-party ordering habits, highlights how to stand out on digital marketplaces, and looks at what shopping occasions may define the year ahead. Attendees will leave with at least one surprising insight and a clear next step for refining their own online strategy.

Presented by Canadian Grocer, the Generation Next 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. Join us as we reveal the 2026 GenNext award winners.

dunnhumby's newest Retailer Preference Index (RPI) for the Canadian market helps retailers navigate the continuously evolving landscape by understanding what matters most to Customers. By surveying more than 6,000 Canadian households about how customers think and feel about the largest 35+ grocery retailers, the RPI unveils what retailers are doing to win the preference of their Customers. Jim Prins, Commercial Director of Americas for dunnhumby and Erich Kahner, Global Head of Competitive Strategy & Insights at dunnhumby will dive into the exclusive early insights from the study, revealing the levers for success, and an unvarnished look at why some retailers win and others don't.

From Value to Values: Why Today's Shifts Are Tomorrow's Norms

Consumers aren't adapting to disruption anymore. They're building their lives around it. Drawing on NIQ's latest research, Carman will unpack the biggest shifts shaping the future of grocery, from the disappearance of the middle to the rise of AI and purpose-driven spending, helping leaders prepare for what's next.

Interviewed by Kim Furlong, President & CEO, Retail Council of Canada

Moderated by: Ian Portsmouth, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Canadian Grocer