Mathieu Aubin

I think it is fair to say that our industry still has a lot of work to do to help consumers realize that better quality almost always represents better value. Especially in cannabis. And, I would add that at least some insight into our customers' needs and wants is at least as important as product knowledge, as we strive to help them along the path to --dare I say it-- cannabis enlightenment. ;-)

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Perhaps a dumb question: Given it’s fairly common for sub-scale Canadian CPG brands to go public on the Canadian stock exchange… Could a sub-scale U.S. CPG brand IPO on the Canadian market? And if so, why don’t more brands doing, say, $25-75M in revenue do this? (considering alternative exit paths have been close to nil since Jan, 2022) Mike Fata - any ideas? #canada #canadianstockexchange

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Ontario beverage producers have faced significant changes this year. With new legislation in place, it might be time to rethink your distribution strategy. Whether you're a brewery, distillery, or winery, navigating these changes can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Our latest blog breaks down what this means for your business and how to stay ahead in a shifting market: https://hubs.ly/Q02-1GcF0 #Ontario #AlcoholDistribution #ZiingIt #LiquorLogistics

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Hello Canada 👋 🍁 🇨🇦 ! 💡 Fact of the day: 40% of Canadians admit to throwing out food past the Best-Before dates at least once a week (Léger, 2023) 😯 And yet: if stored correctly, products with Best-Before labels can be good even past their date. Best-Before dates are about optimal quality. This is what the ‘Look-Smell-Taste’ date label is about: reminding everyone to adopt a common-sense approach and to look, smell and taste before deciding to discard food or not. 🤝 To create awareness, we’ve teamed up with some of the country's favourite brands like Bel, Dr. Oetker and Greenhouse to encourage everyone to trust their senses and reduce food waste. Keep your eyes (nose and mouth) peeled for the Too Good To Go label on your favourite products and ‘Look-Smell-Taste before you waste’ to make a positive impact on the planet! And well done to Sien Van den broeke and the Canadian Team for a fantastic launch! For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/dArjvREw #LookSmellTaste #Sustainability #ClimateAction

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It’s back-to-school season so the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation & FODY Foods have come together to bring you all the essentials you need for eating low FODMAP & tips on managing IBS symptoms while balancing a busy routine. FODMAPs are an acronym that refers to types of carbohydrates that are easily fermented in the gut. The low-FODMAP diet is an elimination diet that can help identify specific food triggers in those with IBS. Fody Food Co.’s CDHF Certified Low FODMAP salsas and pasta sauces are perfect for meal prepping your comfort foods during the week. These products been shown to be safe for individuals with digestive sensitivities, and are less likely to trigger symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Learn more at CDHF.ca 🤳 #IBS #LowFODMAP #BacktoSchool

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Did you know Atlantic Canadians have dozens of options for low- and no-calorie beverages? Learn about all your choices here: https://lnkd.in/e6Pj3W6j #ZeroSugar #SugarTax #LowCalorie #MoreChoicesLessSugar

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Who doesn't love a good CPG riddle to break up the LinkedIn algorithm!? The first one to guess the right answer can have one free hour of our time in consultation services! #CPGRiddles #FoodBroker #Riddle #GroceryRetail #BrandManagement #Canada #CPG #SaludBrandManagement

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The LCBO Strike: An Opportunity for Consignment! The LCBO strike has posed challenges for the retail alcohol sector, but it also presents an opportunity for the consignment model. While stores face difficulties, wine agencies can sell and deliver directly to consumers' homes. Challenges for the Consumer: Lack of Awareness: Many consumers are unaware that they can purchase wines directly from agencies. Price: Consignment wines can be more expensive, but they are exclusive and very well curated. Quantity: Sales are often in cases of 6 or 12 bottles, which can be a barrier. Advice for Consignment Agencies Promotion: Invest in digital marketing and partnerships to increase visibility. Flexible Offers: Consider selling smaller cases of 3 or 6 bottles. Mixed cases are very important to cater to diverse tastes. Education: Create content that explains the benefits and process of consignment. Content Example: You can have the same customers from 10 years ago. But, you can also have new private customers. The country has changed, and so have the consumers, and most people are not aware of the consignment model. Think about it ;)

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I was reading about Canada's upcoming new grocery code of conduct. Seems like its the need of the hour - this draft code seeks to address imbalances in the grocery supply chain​. The UK has had the Groceries Supply Code of Practice in place from 2009 (though it covers only high turnover retailers, it has promoted fair trading practices in the grocery sector). The code of conduct (implementation set for June 2025) will ensure transparency, set fair commercial terms, and help in resolving disputes. #CanadianBusiness #FoodIndustry #GroceryRegulation

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🙈 🙉 🙊 Day 10 of the LCBO Strike... Last night, we had a small win from the LCBO. The announcement confirms that local distilleries, wineries, cideries, and breweries approved by the LCBO can now sell directly to LCBO Convenience Outlets, which we were previously blocked from selling into. We'll take this temporary victory! Dear Participant of the LCBO Direct Delivery Program   As OPSEU’s strike continues, LCBO acknowledges the impact on small businesses looking to shop with us and on Ontario’s beverage alcohol industry. LCBO Convenience Outlets (LCOs) continue to be a valued option for Ontarians to purchase alcohol, as are local producers.     To support small businesses looking to increase access to products and those looking to sell, effective immediately and for the duration of the strike (but not beyond September 4 2024), we are temporarily expanding the LCBO’s Direct Delivery Program to include LCOs. This means that as a manufacturer authorized to participate in the Direct Delivery Program, you can now fulfill orders for Ontario-produced cider, wine, ready-to-drink, and spirits directly to LCOs.     All Direct Delivery Program policies and processes apply to LCOs, as they do for all other businesses that are eligible for direct delivery of your products. Here is a list of eligible program participants you can contact directly to fulfill your orders.    Note: LCO pricing is the same as it is for other licensees. That is a 10% discount from the basic price as calculated in the “Calculator” worksheet of the Reporting Template.    We have provided LCOs with a list of manufacturers authorized to participate in the Direct Delivery Program and have advised them to be in touch directly for ordering. We appreciate your partnership and support as we make the best decisions possible for our customers during OPSEU’s strike.    Should you have any questions about the Direct Delivery Program, please reach out to [email protected]. We will continue to be in touch with further information as required.     Thank you.  

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Discover the incredible health benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes! 🌿✨ From reducing anxiety with CBD to relieving pain with CBC, learn how these natural compounds can enhance your well-being! Read more on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gEvWzRF4 #Cannabinoids #Terpenes #CBD #NaturalHealth #HealthBenefits

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🌟 Broma’s Sweet Prospects in the Canadian Market 🌍 Broma Foods, an SBDC Client, is a thriving female-owned, WBNE Certified small business managed founded by Taylor Smith. Taylor’s passion for creating nutritious and flavorful foods stems from her grandmother, Marie, who faced challenges with low protein levels. Inspired by her grandmother’s health needs and equipped with a master's degree in Food Studies, Taylor launched Broma’s first product in 2020. It has led her to create a line of spreadable, creamy almond butters made from natural, high-quality ingredients like cacao, lentils, almonds, and coconut sugar. Broma’s almond butters are proudly vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and free from soy and refined sugars, making them a nutritious choice for health-conscious consumers. 🌰 Under Taylor’s leadership, Broma has seen impressive growth in domestic sales, which has fueled her ambition to take the next big step: exporting her almond butters internationally. Eager to explore these new markets, Taylor attended the NYSBDC’s webinar “Resources for Successfully Exporting Food and Beverage Products,” presented by Logan Zweifel, Liaison for NY, Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast. This event was a catalyst for Taylor’s journey into international trade. Taylor reached out to the New York SBDC International Trade Initiative for expert guidance on exporting her almond butters to the United Kingdom. Dr. Mercedes Sanchez-Moore, Director of the NYSBDC International Trade Initiative, took a deep dive into potential global market opportunities. Her research revealed that Canada was the top importer of almond butter after the USA, with a robust market potential compared to other countries and lowered landed cost that could allow for lower in-market pricing than any other international options. With this valuable insight, Dr. Sanchez-Moore recommended Canada as Broma’s first target market. 🇨🇦✨ She has provided Taylor with comprehensive one-on-one assistance and connected her with key support organizations in New York, including Food Export-Midwest & Food Export-Northeast, Global NY, and the U.S. Commercial Service of the Department of Commerce. With the support of NYSBDC, Global NY, and Food Export Northeast, Taylor took the bold step of enrolling Broma in the Food Export Northeast Focused Trade Mission to Canada earlier this month. Additionally, Broma was approved for funding by Food Export Northeast to cover 50% of the cost associated with attendance. This trade mission represented a significant opportunity for Broma to showcase their almond butters to Canadian food distributors and wholesalers, forge valuable business connections, and make a strong entry into the Canadian market. We look forward to continuing to provide continued guidance and support as Broma looks towards international expansion! Taylor Smith’s vision for Broma has set the stage for continued growth & success on the international stage.

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From the team at Plant-Based Foods of Canada, we want to wish our American members a Happy Thanksgiving! Did you know that the Wampanoag people at the first Thanksgiving in 1621 had a diverse, plant-based diet? Their "Three Sisters" crops of corn, beans, and squash were central to their meals. As plant-based diets continue to gain popularity today, it's fascinating to see how this ancient tradition aligns with modern trends. What are your thoughts on incorporating more plant-based dishes into traditional holiday meals? Join the conversation by sharing your insights and experiences! #Thanksgiving #PlantBasedTraditions #HistoryofThanksgiving #ThreeSisters

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💡 Consumers are becoming increasingly educated about health and nutrition. After participating in two markets in the heart of Toronto’s financial district, I was genuinely impressed by how many people are now aware of the negative effects of seed oils. ➡️ A sign that reads “Inflammatory Oils I Recommend Avoiding” by Mark Hyman, MD, has been particularly effective. People would stop, read it, and understand the message without any additional explanation from me. Some comments from customers included: ❗️“My wife just bought chili oil. It’s salty and made with seed oils. Give me one jar of each.” ❗️“I stopped using these oils. I only use avocado oil to cook at home.” ❗️“It’s good you have the sign.” ❗️“I’ve been telling my parents how bad seed oils are. There are many dishes I like in my culture, but they’re made with seed oils.” ❗️”My colleague just told me about it. I’m running here to get some for my kids.” I've been very selective about the market events I participate in, treating them like demos without sampling products — be FRUGAL, one of Amazon leadership principles. 💵The direct feedback I get from customers is invaluable. While companies often spend a lot of money to BUY DATA, at the markets, I not only meet customers but also gather valuable insights firsthand! #cpg #noseedoils #data

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🌟 We're Excited to Announce a New Strategic Partnership! 🌟 Aliments Prémont Inc. is proud to share that we've partnered with Consco Foods Inc., a leader in the protein import and distribution industry. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our mission to deliver the highest quality and innovation to our clients. What Does This Partnership Mean for You? 🔹 An Expert Team: By aligning our state-of-the-art processing facilities with Consco Foods' deep expertise in procurement and sales, we’re creating a powerhouse of innovation and quality. This partnership allows us to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in the protein sector. 🔹 Cutting-Edge Technology: Our facility in Sainte-Angèle-de-Prémont, Quebec, equipped with advanced sous-vide cooking and fully automated systems, is ready to meet the demands of today’s fast-paced food industry. We’re more prepared than ever to provide customized, high-quality protein solutions. 🔹 Expanding Horizons: With this partnership, we're opening up new opportunities to grow and innovate. Whether it’s developing new products or reaching new markets, our combined strengths will drive us forward and ensure we continue to lead in the industry. 🔹 Unwavering Commitment to Quality: Quality has always been at the heart of what we do at Aliments Prémont. Partnering with Consco Foods amplifies our ability to deliver exceptional products and services, ensuring our clients continue to receive the best in the business. We’re looking forward to the exciting possibilities this partnership brings. If you’re interested in how this collaboration can benefit your business, connect with us here on LinkedIn. Let’s work together to bring top-tier protein products to your customers! #Partnership #Innovation #ProteinIndustry #QualityAssurance #AlimentsPrémont #ConscoFoods #BusinessGrowth #CustomerFocus

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