What is D.C.I.?

In the late 1970’s, the future of the independent grocer was in jeopardy. The chains were not only gaining momentum, but initiated unprecedented alliances/mergers in order to secure the maximum plateaus attainable in volume incentive rebates.

Not only were these giants able to attain, on their own, relatively high volume rebate brackets, but by joining forces, they would secure the highest incentive rebate plateaus offered by each and every supplier, making it difficult, if not impossible, for the independent to compete.

This left the independent wholesaler and retailer in a very precarious position, threatening their ability to survive.

As General Manager of a buying group in Ontario, and later as President and General Manager of a second large buying group in Quebec, D.C.I.’s founder Mr. Moyal quickly realized that some independents had virtually no hope of joining any buying group, including both independent buying groups he managed at the time, as their size precluded them from being accepted by their own alleged independent organizations.

Consequently, he decided to form a buying group for those independents who were unable to join the existing independent buying groups, two of which he had managed. The buying group would allow the independent to qualify for volume rebates, compete with the giants, unite under one umbrella, and survive in the industry.

In 1981, he created the name Distribution Canada Inc., registered it, drafted the bylaws, and had a D.C.I. plaque made for future members. His company, Moyal Brothers Limited became the first member of the Buying Group. He then arranged to contact three retailers who were interested in joining a buying group. Mr. Moyal was able to negotiate rapidly several programs for Distribution Canada as suppliers realized D.C.I. was united and would support or de-list their programs. Within the first year, in 1982 –1983, D.C.I. was rapidly able to grow to 11 members and over 70 participating suppliers.

By 1986, when Mr. Moyal stepped down, Distribution Canada Inc., had a total of 16 members, a combined retail of $1.6 billion and more than 120 participating suppliers.

D.C.I. then appointed Mr. Gerry Prins as President and General Manager in 1986. Under his capable, unique flair for business, negotiating skills and direction, D.C.I. experienced an unparalleled explosive growth.

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

By 2001, D.C.I.’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.

Collectively the members/shareholders operate 3800 retail outlets with combined annual retail sales in excess of $5 Billion.

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

In addition, D.C.I. has undertaken an advocacy role on behalf of its members/shareholders with regulatory agencies and all levels of governments.

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

The mission of D.C.I. and the membership is to search out solutions and opportunities that strengthen relationships with vendors who recognize and value D.C.I., its members and the potential of 3800 retail opportunities.

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