CFIG reveals 2024 Spirit of the Independent, Life Member and Life Partners Award winners
The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) has announced that Giancarlo Trimarchi, president of Vince’s Market and Tim Berman, a former Kraft Heinz exec are the recipients of its 2024 Life Member Award in the independent grocer and industry builder categories, respectively. The organization is also recognizing Will and Ingrid Willemsen of Ontario grocer Sunripe with its inaugural Life Partners Award. And former CFIG head Tom Shurrie is the recipient of the Spirit of the Independent Award.
The association’s Life Member designation honours those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the food industry while the new Life Partners Award recognizes “exceptional” partners that have made a lasting impact on the independent grocery industry. The Spirit of the Independent Award is handed out to individuals that have made significant contributions to the growth of the entrepreneurial spirit of Canadian grocers while also inspiring them. The Spirit of the Independent is not an annual award, says CFIG, instead it is reserved for individuals who personify what the award stands for.
Read: CFIG reveals 2023 Life Member Award, Spirit of the Independent Award winners
All winners have deep roots in grocery. Trimarchi learned the grocery business from the ground up, working in his father Carmen’s store as a young boy. In partnership with his father, Trimarchi has grown Vince's Market to five locations in Ontario. Trimarchi also served on CFIG's board and was its chair from 2021-2022 and represented the association on the Grocery Code Working Group and continues to represent CFIG as the code rolls out.
Berman built his career in the CPG industry, working for nearly 37 at Kraft Heinz, retiring in 2015 when he was acting president of the company. He also served on CFIG's associate member council.
Will and Ingrid Willemsen, recipients of the inaugural Life Partners Award, expanded Sunripe (founded in 1982) to three stores, one in Sarnia and two in London, Ont. Ingrid (a Star Women in Grocery winner in 2016) passed away last year after a short battle with cancer. Her legacy continues with Will, and children Kysa, Ryall and Mia all active in the business.
Tom Shurrie, is recognized with the Sprit of the Independent Award for his leadership in the grocery industry. His career began at age 15 as a grocery clerk and went on to work for companies such as Longo's, Kraft Foods, Parmalat, Conagra and at CFIG since 2017.
All winners will be recognized at the Canadian Independent Grocer of the Year awards gala on October 30 at the Grocery Innovations Canada event in Toronto.
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Ingrid and Will Willemsen -
Giancarlo Trimarchi -
Tim Berman - Tom Shurrie
