The Grocery Business Hall of Fame has officially unveiled its 2026 class, recognizing 20 individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada's grocery industry and the communities they serve. These inductees were selected by an industry committee and represent a diverse range of roles, including retail, supplier, and industry stewardship, highlighting the breadth of leadership driving growth across the sector.
Retail Inductees
The retail honorees include Joe D’Addario of Nature’s Emporium, Sal Galle from Metro, Sanjiv Jagota of Nature’s Source/Nature’s Signature, Mary MacIsaac from Loblaw Companies, John Manax of Food Basics, Tony McGrath from FreshCo, Terry West of Loblaw Companies (retired), and Jon Janower from Choices Market (retired). These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in the retail grocery space.
Supplier Inductees
The supplier category features Brigitte Brandt-Welzel of Brandt Meats, Joe Burnett from Burnac Produce, Mike Fata of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, Curtis Frank from Maple Leaf Foods, Cara Keating of PepsiCo Canada, Stacey Kravitz from UNFI Canada, Shaun McKenna of Encore Market Engagement, Susan Niczowski from Summer Fresh, Mike Pilato of Jamieson Wellness, Joe Pulla from Johnvince Foods, and Boris Serebryany of Upper Crust. These suppliers have played a key role in shaping the industry through quality products and services.
Industry Stewardship Inductee
Errol Cerit from Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada (FHCP) was recognized for his contributions to industry stewardship, reflecting the importance of advocacy and collaboration in the grocery sector.
About the Hall of Fame
Launched in 2021, the Grocery Business Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of current and past retailers, suppliers, and industry stewards. The grocery industry is a vital part of the Canadian economy, with over 17,000 stores employing approximately 400,000 people and generating sales exceeding $159 billion in 2024.
Profiles of the 2026 honorees will be featured in the July/August issue of Grocery Business magazine. Nominations for the 2027 Hall of Fame are now open, and interested parties can submit names online at the Grocery Business Hall of Fame website.
For more information, contact Mary Scianna, Grocery Business Editorial Director, at (647) 408-6137 or marys@grocerybusiness.ca.
