PHOTO GALLERY: UGI salutes suppliers at annual awards gala
Collaboration was the theme of the evening at United Grocers Incorporated’s (UGI) 2025 Supplier Dinner and Awards Celebration this week at the Toronto Congress Centre.
“It’s a privilege to be here tonight at this annual event that brings us together—retailers and supplier partners from across the country—to recognize and celebrate some of the best in the Canadian food industry,” said Rick Fernandes, vice-president of consumer products at Federated Co-operatives Limited and current chair of UGI’s board. “As a co-operative that supports other co-operatives we understand first-hand the benefits of collaborating to achieve efficiencies in distribution and giving companies of all sizes a fair shot at procuring goods and supplies at competitive costs.”
Michael Forgione, UGI president also took the opportunity to speak of the importance of collaboration to drive the industry forward, something, it was noted, which UGI has been doing since its formation more than 50 years ago. He emphasized that by working together, UGI’s members can better confront the changes ahead.
“Working together, our entire industry continues to navigate change. Change is the constant—evolving consumer expectations, economic uncertainty and ongoing challenges of the global supply chain are just a few things that come to be every day and change will always continue,” Forgione said. ”But within the change there's an opportunity, and seeking the opportunity and being innovative and adapting to that opportunity creates value for our business partners, our supplier partners, our members and, ultimately, for the consumer.”
Through the continued support and collaboration of UGI’s members and supplier partners, Forgione said “I believe strongly that we're very well positioned to continue to grow our business and help you grow your businesses.”
Actor and comedian Jonny Harris provided the evening’s entertainment and a highlight was the handing out of awards that recognized six of UGI’s suppliers for outstanding work and service. Here’s a look at this year’s winners:
Best Grocery Supplier 2025: Mondelēz Canada
Best Fresh Supplier 2025: Maple Leaf Foods
Best Innovative Supplier 2025: Old Dutch Foods
Best Private Brand Supplier 2025: Lassonde
Best Services & Equipment Supplier 2025: NielsenIQ
Exceptional Retail Service Award 2025: Kraft Heinz Canada
Flip through the gallery below to see photos from the evening. All photography by Roger Yip.
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Amy Watkins (Crosby Foods), Vincent Nadeau (Kraft Heinz Canada) and Shaun McKenna (The Grocery Foundation) -
Michel Manseau (Kruger Products), Steve Lafleur (Unilever Canada) and Martin Payent (Unilever Canada) -
Paul Werynski and Brittany Ford (Carlton Cards) -
Robert Clarke (McCain Foods), Tom Shurrie (formerly CFIG), Tom Szostok (Lactalis Canada), and Paul White (Vicstore Fixtures) -
Laura Collaton (CFIG), Michael Forgione (UGI) -
Diane J. Brisebois (formerly RCC), Michael Graydon (FHCP) -
Gloria and Mike Lovsin (Freson Bros.) -
Vanessa Peters (Canadian Grocer), Simon Small (The Grocery Foundation) and Rhonda Mitchell (The Clorox Company) -
The team from Jan K. Overweel -
Team members from Conagra Brands Canada and Mondelēz Canada -
Team members from McCormick Canada and McCain Foods -
Team members from The North West Company and Kraft Heinz Canada -
Rick Fernandes (Federated Co-operatives Ltd. and UGI Chair) -
Mondelēz Canada wins Best Grocery Supplier Award -
Maple Leaf Foods wins Best Fresh Supplier Award -
Old Dutch Foods wins Best Innovative Supplier Award -
Lassonde wins Best Private Brand Supplier -
NielsenIQ wins Best Services & Equipment Supplier -
Kraft Heinz Canada wins Exceptional Retailer Service Award