News Briefs

Strategic Retail Partners (SRP), a portfolio company of Aurora Capital Partners and a North American category manager and solutions provider to more than 70,000 retail outlets (including c-stores across Canada), is acquiring the assets of MobilEssentials, which distributes of tech accessories and merchandise products to more than 23,000 retail partners in the grocery, restaurant and convenience store channels.

This purchased, as well as SRP's acquisition of Aerial Bouquets in November 2021, is designed to help to accelerate SRP’s growth in the grocery channel. MobilEssentials’ product line will extend SRP’s portfolio to include fast-moving, high-demand mobile device accessories, such as chargers and earbuds.

“We’re excited that MobilEssentials is joining the SRP team,” Don McIntyre, SRP’s CEO, said in a release. “Their product line is a perfect complement to our diverse assortment of electronics, as well as eyewear, plush toys, and other essential and in-demand consumer products.”

MobilEssentials products are sold under a range of proprietary brands include INFINITEK, cordzilla, mobilcharge, mobilsmart, Twister, GoTek, and more.

“MobilEssentials has been a strong partner to its retailers by efficiently sourcing highly desired products while providing complete category management solutions. Our customer base of convenience stores, truck & travel centres, and hospitality retailers will benefit from their addition to the SRP family,” added SRP COO Tim Ramsey.
 

7-Eleven Canada is relaunching its Big Bite with a new 1/4 lbs hot dog from Schneiders and Big Bite Bar in its 600 branded stores.

The new Big Bite features a 100% all beef, all Canadian hot dog from Schneiders, a Canadian company founded in 1890. Big Bite fans will also have the option to customize their hot dog with more 13 toppings ranging from classic ketchup, mustard and relish to chili, nacho cheese, salsa, BBQ sauce, sauerkraut and more. 

“At 7-Eleven Canada, our winning formula is combining convenience and a broad assortment to provide choice, customization and a bit of fun. And this is no exception for our Big Bite,” says Norman Hower, VP & GM of 7-Eleven Canada. “We know Canadians are going to love the taste of the new Big Bite and the ability to fully customize their hot dog at the Big Bite Bar.”

Big Bite is available 24/7 on the grill at 7-Eleven locations, both for in-store visitors and delivery.

The Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketers Association (CIPMA) has a new name: The Canadian Energy Marketers Association (CEMA).

The national not-for-profit trade association, which has served as the voice of traditional and alternative fuel marketers in Canada for over two decades, is "changing its name to reflect the evolution of our nation’s vital energy supply, distribution and marketing industry," according to a release.

CEMA members include progressive leaders who are responsible for the distribution of diverse products like gasoline, diesel, heating oil, propane and aviation fuel, as well as low-carbon transportation energy solutions including renewable fuels and electric vehicle charging stations across a vast geography, to diverse industries, and to millions of Canadian consumers.

“For decades, we have helped Canadians in every region and industry to do their work, live their lives and contribute to their communities, all while fuelling the Canadian economy,” said Jennifer Stewart, CEMA’s CEO. “As we look towards the future and rebrand to reflect our critical role in it, we will continue to advocate for our sector in policy-making decisions by demonstrating our dedication to innovation, our commitment to emissions reductions and our meaningful contribution to economic growth.”

“This association has become a fixture in the Canadian energy industry, and our new name reflects our members’ proactive, solution-oriented approach,” said Peter Kilty, chair, CEMA. “We take great pride in advocating on behalf of the sector with all levels of government because we want to contribute to strong, effective policy which ensures a robust Canadian supply chain that can process, distribute, and sell a diverse mix of energy solutions as part of Canada’s long-term carbon reduction strategy.”

CEMA notes its members "are committed to channeling the sector’s unparalleled experience and adaptability, and to continue to help policymakers work towards achieving net zero by 2050. This has been demonstrated by members’ early adoption of – and consistent commitment to – innovation within their businesses, and CEMA leadership will continue to support its members as they grow and adapt their businesses at this unprecedented time in Canadian and global history.