Considered the Oscars of the grocery business, this past week saw our very own beloved founder, Mr. Joe Virgona, honoured by his peers at the 2023 Start Awards. In the Toronto food scene, there is not a better known grocer. Everyone loved Mr. Virgona.
Independent grocers and suppliers are recognized during the annual Canadian Independent Grocery Buyers Alliance and Distribution Canada (CIGBA/DCI) Business Summit. The awards night recognizes key partners, retailers, innovative products and initiatives happening in the independent grocery retail industry.
Mr. Virgona founded Toronto’s most popular independent supermarket. Born in Sicily in 1942, he came to Canada in 1950. He was a respected leader in the grocery business in Toronto for decades and his legacy lives on through Fiesta Farms, which remains a family-run business.
He passed away in February of this year but he will always be remembered for his generosity, philanthropy and long advocacy for local, sustainable and organic food.
The Virgona family was on hand to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award.