What is D.C.I.?

Distribution Canada Inc. (dci) was formed as a buying group for "Independent, Canadian Grocers" by Mr. Ralph Moyal in 1981. To date, membership has grown to include the independent grocers, small grocery chains, wholesalers/distributors, mass merchandisers, and C-store chains. Over the last three decades, dci has transformed and evolved into a selling organization.

In 1981, he created the name Distribution Canada Inc., registered it, drafted the bylaws, and had a dci plaque made for future members. Mr. Moyal was able to negotiate rapidly several programs for Distribution Canada as suppliers realized dci was united and would support or de-list their programs. Within the first years, dci has rapidly been able to grow to 11 members and over 70 participating suppliers.

By 2001, dci's national membership had grown not only to include independent grocery retailers, but small grocery chains, wholesalers/distributors, a mass merchandiser, a drug chain, and C-store chains.

dci has grown significantly since then, in part from the leadership of Gerry Prins, over two decades.

dci has become an effective and extremely efficient vehicle to channel the earned volume incentives directly to the shareholders/members on a mostly monthly basis.

Collectively the members/shareholders operate thousands of retail outlets with combined annual retail sales in the Billions.

Each member/shareholder continues to have an equal vote in the future direction of the corporation. Suppliers, who recognize dci as important to the market, span all retailer requirements, which include banking, equipment and consumer products.

The continued existence of dci as an alternative for independent entrepreneurs, suppliers and consumers is as important today as it was at the time of its founding.

dci is a national organization of independent grocers that foster collaborative selling relationships between its shareholders, manufacturers, and key stakeholders in the Canadian grocery industry.

To the independent retailer, or those who wish to be - dci is the alternative that provides an opportunity to retain earned incentives through direct purchases, to be competitive and make your own decisions.

Currently dci is under the leadership of Brian Parker, President & CEO and a progressive new Board. dci has grown in leaps and bounds and is now entering into its fourth decade and the future looks very bright.