Sector insights and innovations abound at Grocery Showcase West

What's new and innovative will be the focus at this year's Grocery Showcase West.

The annual trade show and exhibition organized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) has 350 booths this year.

For those looking for what's new an innovative, there's the First Time Exhibitors Pavilion, the New Product Showcase, and at the inaugural Fresh Produce Pavilion for produce and growers from across Canada and North America.

"At Grocery Showcase West, grocers and retailers meet producers and suppliers to network, find out industry news, share group ideas, " said Dan Leggieri, communications manager for CFIG.

Leggieri said that this year the numbers so far indicate the number of exhibitors is trending to surpass last year's show floor.

For full conference agenda, go here.

Prior to the show's start, there will be a reception at Steamworks Brewery for attendees to network and mingle. On April 6, there's a celebratory brunch for Life Member Award recipient Bruce Logan of Village Food Markets. The keynote speaker is Bob Phibbs, aka The Retail Doctor.

Another speaker at the conference is John Pecman, commissioner of competition for The Competition Bureau who will speak about the impact on the sector from the Sobeys-Safeway and Loblaw-Shoppers Drug Mart acquisitions.

A panel discussion will follow for manufacturers and retailers to talk about industry consolidation and its challenges and opportunities. New this year, there will be a special Canadian Grocer/Marketing magazine session on the ethnic consumer conference.

Register for Grocery Showcase West here.