What Ontario's 2026 budget means for small businesses and convenience store ownersThe Ontario government tabled a budget Thursday that focused on developing a resilient economy that includes small business loans and a summary about alcohol sales. Cocoa prices have come down, but that doesn't mean Easter chocolate will be cheaper Cocoa prices have fallen back from a price spike in recent years — but that doesn't mean C-stores or their customers will see lower prices. Statistics Canada reports wholesale sales down in January as auto sector slips Sales in the food, beverage and tobacco subsector rose 1.6% to $15.9 billion. EcoTank expanding Ontario production of bulk washer fluid dispensers Investment of $1.67 million will fund construction of a new manufacturing facility in Dufferin County, northwest of Toronto. “Cancel the beer tax”: CTF pressures Ottawa over automatic alcohol increase The 2% increase is set to take effect April 1 under the federal government’s automatic alcohol escalator tax. Kraft Heinz pauses plans to split into two companies, says its problems are 'fixable' The company stated it will pivot from the split and invest $600 million in marketing, sales and product development. Big Rock Brewery appoints new chief financial officer William Woods most recently served as CFO at Dyand Mechanical Systems Inc. Cizzle Brands acquiring Flow Water Inc. The acquisition transforms Cizzle Brands from an emerging CPG house of brands into a robust vertically-integrated sports nutrition company with an expedited path to profitability. Roasters and cafés grapple with rising coffee bean prices Tim Hortons said it will increase the price of its coffee by an average of three cents per cup. 1
