DCI/CIGBA reveal the 2023 Star Award winners

To recognize and celebrate some of the key individuals, retailers and supplier partners who are making a difference in the industry, DCI, in association with the Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance (CIGBA), handed out the 2023 Star Awards at its annual business summit on Tuesday (June 6).  

In all, six awards were presented during a gala dinner, which took place at the Sheraton Toronto Airport and Conference Centre. Comedian and emcee Marc Trinidad said the awards “acknowledge the passion, hard work and dedication that nominees have shown over the last year or their entire career.”

Here are the 2023 Star Award winners:

PARTNER OF THE YEAR: CJR Wholesale Grocers

RETAILER OF THE YEAR: Summerhill Market

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD: Rabba Fine Foods

INNOVATION AWARD: Natura Foods

LEADER OF THE YEAR: Renato Guerini, Sobeys Wholesale

And the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Joe Virgona, founder of venerable Toronto grocery store Fiesta Farms, who passed away in February at age 80.