In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) | The CFIG is a non-profit trade association founded in 1962 which continues to be a collaborative community, equipping and enabling independent, franchised and specialty grocers for sustainable success. Check out the News page.
Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) | The CICC is a national, not-for-profit council that unites our members who put the needs of the customer first. The four pillars of the Convenience Industry Council of Canada are Advocacy, Research and Education, Responsible Retailing and Events and Awards; all with a focus on serving our industry customers. Check out the News page. Check out the News page.
Food and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) | The FCPC is the largest industry association in Canada representing the food and consumer products industry.
Retail Council of Canada (RCC) | RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 43,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants.
National Grocers Association (NGA) | The NGA is the US national trade association representing the retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Canadian Grocer | The top grocery industry magazine covering Canada. Subscribe to their print magazine or view online content.
Progressive Grocer | This magazine offers authoritative, comprehensive, relevant, research-based editorial content on the grocery industry and need-to-know news. Print magazine published 12 times per year, or check out their online content.
Supermarket News | A US-based weekly trade magazine for the food distribution industry. The publication's readership includes retailers, manufacturers, brokers, analysts, association executives. and others connected to the industry.
Consultant & Other Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
- Chain food stores market share of grocery store sales in Canada in 2017 and 2018, by region
- Distribution of grocery store sales in Canada in 2018, by region
- Year-on-year growth of grocery store sales in Canada in 2018, by province
- Change in retail sales of supermarkets and other grocery stores in Canada from 2012 to 2019
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.