In 2022, Loblaws held the top spot with an estimated ** percent share of the grocery retail industry in Canada. Walmart, which is an American multinational retail company, owned roughly ***** percent of the Canadian market. Loblaws’ competitor: Metro Inc. One of Loblaws’ top competitors in the past few years has been Metro Inc. In 2022, Metro generated a net income of approximately *** million Canadian dollars, the highest amount the company has seen in the past ten years. That year, most of the company’s store properties could be found in Québec, one of the more populated provinces within the country. Most popular stores in Canada In 2019, the most popular store in Canada for purchasing food and beverages was Walmart: in August of that year, roughly **** of Canadian consumers stated they regularly shopped for food and drink products here. Real Canadian Superstore and Costco ranked second and third respectively in that year.

Market Size statistics on the Supermarkets & Grocery Stores industry in Canada

As of December 2024, there were 15,825 grocery and convenience retailers in Canada. Micro grocery stores, which employ between one and four employees, were the most widespread type of grocery store in Canada. There were 5,642 micro grocery and convenience retailers located across Canada at this time. Why are there more smaller grocery stores? One explanation for the prominence of small and micro grocery stores in Canada is the rise of convenience shopping. Time is increasingly important to consumers, and therefore, offering a quick and easy shopping experience is key to capturing customers. Sixty percent of Canadians make micro-trips to grocery stores at least once a week. A micro-trip is defined as an in-store trip lasting less than five minutes. Stores must continue to optimize their size and layouts to accommodate for such shoppers. The Canadian grocery market Retail sales of supermarkets and other grocery stores amounted to around 101.6 billion Canadian dollars in 2022, an increase of close to 21 percent since 2017. Loblaws was the leading grocery retailer in Canada in 2022, commanding around 29 percent of the total market. Sobeys was their biggest competitor with a 21 percent share.

Supermarkets and grocery stores have endured a transformative journey since 2019, shaped by the pandemic, geopolitical tensions and an ever-changing market landscape. Grocers first encountered unprecedented demand as lockdowns redirected consumers' spending from entertainment to at-home essentials. Sales spiked, but the boom was fleeting; by 2021, factors like declining disposable income and soaring food prices reversed the trend. Even post-pandemic, the industry is evolving—more consumers than ever are embracing online grocery shopping, prompting traditional retailers to bolster their digital presence. Those unable or unwilling to adapt were largely forced out, while the largest supermarket chains maintained dominance through aggressive merger and acquisition activity and by leveraging vertically integrated operations. This momentous period caused heightened revenue volatility that still persists. Revenue has been rising at a CAGR of 0.1% over the past five years and is expected to dip 0.9% in 2024 when revenue will reach $111.9 billion. Amid this transformation, significant profit disparities worsened in an incredibly concentrated industry. Geopolitical instabilities like the war in Ukraine intensified supply chain disruptions, impacting costs for retailers. Rising energy prices compound this issue, squeezing profit as transportation expenses mount. Meanwhile, climate change injects further unpredictability into production costs, forcing grocers to manage these pressures by cautiously adjusting consumer prices. A class-action lawsuit against Loblaw Cos. Ltd. underscores market concentration challenges, spotlighting potential anti-competitive behaviours and their implications. This legal scrutiny, combined with governmental pressure for price transparency, could foster a more equitable marketplace. Should dominant players like Loblaw adjust their pricing strategies, it may level the playing field for smaller competitors, expanding competition and consumer choice. Over the next five years, a stable economic backdrop will support modest revenue growth for supermarkets. As disposable incomes stabilize, a return to preferred brands could uplift grocers' revenue. A more tempered rise in food prices will allow for strategic pricing decisions, providing grocers with a favourable environment for maintaining consumer loyalty. Technological advancements will be pivotal, with retailers expected to deepen investments in e-commerce and in-store technologies like AI-powered inventory management. This investment will be crucial as online grocery shopping and big-box retailers thrive. Governmental regulatory efforts may also reshape industry dynamics, offering smaller grocers a greater chance to compete by enhancing pricing equity. Continued inventory diversification reflecting health-conscious consumer preferences will likely continue, driven by rising interest in plant-based and ethical products. Retailers that navigate these shifts adeptly, leveraging both technology and emerging consumer trends, are poised to gain a competitive edge. Revenue is forecast to climb at a CAGR of 1.7% over the next five years, reaching $122.0 billion in 2029.

According to the Statista Digital Market Outlook, food's share of total e-commerce retail sales in Canada was just over three percent in 2023. This percentage is forecast to continue growing in the coming years, reaching an estimated seven percent by 2028.

Retail sales of supermarkets and other grocery stores in Canada increased by 4.5 percent in December 2024 compared to December 2023. In 2023, sales of supermarkets and other grocery stores in the country had increased by the same percentage compared to the same month a year earlier.

The organic, gourmet or all-natural products of the Specialty Food Stores industry in Canada have flown off shelves as consumers have reached for differentiated goods that aren't sold at standard retail and grocery outlets. These products sell at premium prices and the combination of increasingly health-conscious consumers and disposable income growth has allowed retailers to charge higher prices. Consumer demand for organic and other specialty foods has driven a broad rise in revenue for specialty food retailers. Industry revenue expanded at an estimated 4.7% CAGR over the five years to 2024 to reach $5.3 billion in 2024, including a 1.2% boost during this year. While favourable shifts in consumer preferences have helped boost industry revenue, rising external competition has also constrained the performance of specialty food stores. Retailers have endured high competition from the specialty food aisles of mainstream supermarkets and grocery stores, in addition to unconventional retail channels, like online food retailers and convenience stores. Traditional grocery stores account for most of the Canadian retail food market and there's little room for other food retailers. Whole Foods is perhaps the most prominent example of this sharp rise in competition from supermarket chains; the major natural food chain currently has 14 Canadian locations and is expanding, threatening the market position of small stores. The industry will face greater competition from natural food stores and regular supermarkets moving forward, as both retail segments focus on offering the same products sold at specialty stores. Since larger stores are generally able to sell products at lower prices than specialty retailers, stores will be forced to lower prices and focus on niche markets. Nonetheless, specialty retailers differentiate themselves on their ability to provide a tailored experience and stock items that have low throughput. The industry will ultimately benefit from the expanding economy, with rising disposable income and consumer spending driving spending on more expensive goods. Industry revenue is forecast to increase at a CAGR of 1.3% over the next five years to reach $5.6 billion in 2029.

The Canada retail market was valued at USD 795.57 Billion in 2024. The market is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.90% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 1283.61 Billion by 2034.

This statistic shows the distribution of the supermarket and grocery store industry in Canada from 2010 to 2015, by market share. The market share of the top three players in the Canadian supermarket and grocery industry stood at **** percent in 2015.

Food retail in Canada - additional information

The Canadian food retail trade has been constantly growing since 2010. Food retailers include supermarkets and grocery stores, convenience stores, discounters and specialty stores. In 2015, retail store sales of food generated approximately ***** billion Canadian dollars. Leading Canadian food retailers include Loblaws, Sobeys and Metro.

With the decline of the Canadian dollar, the average retail price of most food categories has increased. Quality red meats such as sirloin steak and prime rib saw the greatest price inflation, while staple foods such as white sugar saw a reduction in price. In response, ** percent of Canadian households are choosing cheaper, less healthy food options. Retail sales of candy and confectionary generated approximately *** million Canadian dollars in December 2015, with sales forecast to reach almost *** billion Canadian dollars by 2018.

Healthy food is important to Canadian consumers, a survey finding ** percent believe food and nutrition can prevent illness. Free-from food and beverages claiming to be trans-fat free were the most purchased by consumers in 2015, with gluten-free retail sales forecast to exceed *** million Canadian dollars by 2017.

The Canada Gluten-Free Foods and Beverages Market Report is Segmented by Type (Beverages, Bakery Products, Savory Snacks, Dairy and Dairy-Free Food, Meat and Meat Substitutes, and Other Types) and Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Online Retail Channels, Convenience/Grocery Stores, and Other Distribution Channels). The Report Offers the Market Size in Value (USD) for all the Above-Mentioned Segments.

The Canada Foodservice Market is segmented by Foodservice Type (Cafes & Bars, Cloud Kitchen, Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants), by Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets) and by Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Market Value in USD is presented. Key data points observed include the number of outlets for each foodservice channel; and, average order value in USD by foodservice channel.

The Canadian pet food market, a segment of the broader North American market, exhibits robust growth potential. While precise figures for Canada are unavailable in the provided data, we can extrapolate based on the overall market CAGR of 4.30% and regional market dynamics. Considering Canada's relatively high pet ownership rates and increasing pet humanization trends (treating pets like family members leading to increased spending on premium products), we can estimate a healthy growth trajectory for the Canadian market. The market is segmented by product type (dry, wet, treats, supplements, veterinary diets), pet type (dogs, cats, others), and distribution channels (supermarkets, specialty stores, online, convenience stores). The premiumization trend, favoring higher-quality ingredients and specialized dietary needs, is a key driver. This is evident in the rising popularity of pet nutraceuticals and veterinary diets catering to specific health concerns. Online sales are also expected to experience significant growth, mirroring global trends of increased e-commerce adoption. However, challenges remain, including fluctuations in raw material costs, economic conditions impacting consumer spending, and increased competition among established and emerging brands. The competitive landscape in Canada includes both multinational giants like Mars Incorporated and Nestle (Purina), and smaller, regional players focusing on niche markets. Successful brands will likely emphasize product differentiation through innovative formulations, enhanced brand storytelling connecting with pet owners' emotional bonds with their animals, and efficient omni-channel distribution strategies. The growing awareness of pet health and wellness, coupled with increased disposable incomes among pet owners, suggests a positive outlook for the Canadian pet food market, with continued expansion predicted across all major segments, albeit at varying rates. The market's sustained growth will hinge on its ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the ever-changing regulatory landscape. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the Canadian pet food market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It offers valuable insights into market size, segmentation, trends, growth drivers, challenges, and key players, providing businesses with the knowledge needed to navigate this dynamic sector. The report utilizes data from the historical period (2019-2024), the base year (2025), and the forecast period (2025-2033) to present a robust and future-oriented perspective. Key search terms including "Canadian pet food market," "pet food industry Canada," "dog food market Canada," "cat food market Canada," and "pet treat market Canada" are strategically incorporated. Recent developments include: July 2023: Hill's Pet Nutrition introduced its new MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified pollock and insect protein products for pets with sensitive stomachs and skin lines. They contain vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.June 2023: Mars Incorporated launched its premium cat brand SHEBA in Canada, offering cat parents wet formulas through its SHEBA BISTRO line.May 2023: Nestle Purina launched new cat treats under the Friskies "Friskies Playfuls - treats" brand. These treats are round in shape and are available in chicken and liver and salmon and shrimp flavors for adult cats.. Key drivers for this market are: Increased Demand for Meat, Initiatives By the Key Players; Focus on Animal nutrition and Health. Potential restraints include: Shift Toward Vegan- Based Diet, Changing Raw Material Prices and Strict Government Rules to Restrict Market Growth. Notable trends are: OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT.

The size of the North America Online Grocery Delivery market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 10.00% during the forecast period.Online grocery delivery is a service by which the groceries can be ordered directly on the Internet and thereby delivered to your doorstep. This method of shopping has developed in recent years, mainly in North America. The North America online grocery delivery market is perhaps the largest around the globe and has increased significantly over the last few years. Several causes exist for this growth. These include increased urbanization, busier lifestyles, and the ever-increasing rise of e-commerce. With an online grocery delivery service, several benefits can be gained. Among these are savings in time, reduced stress levels, and a wider selection. In general, services usually include handy features, such as scheduled slots for delivery, real-time tracking of orders, and flexible payment options. From where technology is heading, the market for online grocery delivery in North America will have a future.Automated checkout, drone delivery, and even personalized shopping experiences will be the futures of this industry. Recent developments include: January 2023 - SPAR extended its operations in Latvia by launching a new store in Rzekne. The 265 sq. m neighborhood shop has everything required for everyday living, including a bakery and a fresh meat sales section., September 2022 - Instacart, a significant grocery technology business in North America, announced Connected Stores, a collection of six new Instacart Platform technologies that stack on top of current products, assisting grocers in combining the best of online ordering with in-store shopping for consumers., May 2022 - Instacart, a premier retail enablement business in North America, collaborated with over 10 additional retailers to expand same-day delivery across the country, including food and pharmacy major Metro Inc., discount retailer Giant Tiger, specialty grocer Galleria Supermarket, and others. Following its partnership with Metro, Instacart is working with Canada's top five groceries, including Costco, Loblaws, and Walmart. Instacart offers same-day delivery to over 90% of Canadian households across all ten provinces.. Key drivers for this market are: Subscription Services are Driving Market Growth, Home Delivery is Expected to Drive New Growth Opportunities for the Market. Potential restraints include: Inefficient Delivery Management. Notable trends are: Growing Demand for Super Fast Delivery.

This statistic shows the year-on-year sales growth of grocery stores in Canada in 2018, by province. In 2018, grocery store sales in the Atlantic provinces increased by *** percent compared to 2017, whilst sales of grocers in Ontario decreased by *** percent.

In recent years, the grocery wholesaling sector in Canada has experienced a dynamic landscape marked by notable shifts in consumer behavior and market conditions. This industry, essential to the Canadian economy, has maintained steady performance despite challenges such as heightened competition and changing consumer preferences. Wholesalers have navigated these challenges with varying success, underscoring the sector’s resilience and adaptability. Industry-wide revenue has been growing at an average annualized 1.7% over the past five years and is expected to total $64.5 billion in 2024, when revenue will rise by an estimated 1.5%. Over the past five years, several key trends have reshaped grocery wholesaling in Canada. The rapid growth of e-commerce has revolutionized consumer grocery shopping, compelling wholesalers to enhance their digital capabilities and streamline delivery systems. Health and wellness trends have increased demand for organic, plant-based and functional foods, prompting wholesalers to adjust their inventories accordingly. Also, a growing emphasis on sustainability has led to the adoption of eco-friendly packaging and waste-reduction practices. Technological advancements, including automation and data analytics, have transformed operations, boosting efficiency and transparency across the supply chain. Looking ahead, the grocery wholesaling industry in Canada is set to continue evolving. The projected growth of online grocery shopping is expected to spur investment in digital platforms and logistics solutions. As consumer interest in sustainable and health-conscious products remains strong, wholesalers must continually innovate to provide eco-friendly and nutritious options. Technological advancements will enhance operational efficiencies and data-driven decision-making. The industry will endure increased consolidation, with larger companies acquiring smaller businesses to fortify their market positions and streamline operations, shaping the competitive landscape for years to come. Industry revenue is forecast to grow at an annualized 1.8% over the five years through 2029 to total $70.4 billion.

The size of the Canadian Restaurant Industry market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 26.40% during the forecast period. The rising popularity of hybrid seeds, government initiatives promoting food security, technological advancements, and increasing consumer demand for convenience are key factors driving this growth. Hybrid seeds offer higher yields, disease resistance, and improved nutritional content compared to traditional varieties. Government initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture and food security are also supporting the growth of the industry. Technological advancements like precision farming techniques and data analytics are enabling farmers to optimize crop production and reduce costs. Recent developments include: December 2022: 7-Eleven announced that it started increasing its footprint in Canada by converting a number of its restaurants into authorized outlets with fine dining seating.December 2022: MTY Food Group Inc., one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of COP WP Parent Inc. (Wetzel’s Pretzels) from CenterOak Partners. Wetzel’s Pretzels is an American chain of fast-food restaurants specializing in pretzels and hot dogs, operating in the United States, Canada, and Central America.November 2022: 7-Eleven declared the launch of its three new licensed 7-Eleven outlets in Edmonton with a few newly added food items on its menu.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Urbanization, Growing Disposable Income. Potential restraints include: High-price and additional delivery charges. Notable trends are: Increase in number of QSRs and street food vendors owing to the rise in popularity of on-the-go meals.

In 2024, the Canadian baby food market was finally on the rise to reach $303M for the first time since 2021, thus ending a two-year declining trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.2% from 2012 to 2024; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Baby food consumption peaked at $344M in 2021; however, from 2022 to 2024, consumption failed to regain momentum.

The Canada Pet Food Market report segments the industry into Pet Food Product (Food, Pet Nutraceuticals/Supplements, Pet Treats, Pet Veterinary Diets), Pets (Cats, Dogs, Other Pets), and Distribution Channel (Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Other Channels). Get five years of historical data and five-year forecasts.

Canadian fast food restaurants have seen significant growth over the past five years, largely attributed to increased consumer spending and innovative product offerings. However, this growth faced constraints due to high internal competition and shifting consumer tastes. Profitable products like coffee and smoothies have become prominent while customizable meals and high-quality ingredients have gained popularity, prompting industry giants to reconsider their strategies and menu offerings. Consequently, industry revenue is projected to increase an annualized 3.8%, reaching approximately $37.0 billion in 2025, with an anticipated 2.4% growth within that year alone. In 2025, profit is expected to make up 4.8% of revenue.

Consumer eating habits have drastically changed over these past five years. Health-consciousness has surged, pushing for alterations to customary fast food options. Major chains responded by expanding menus to cater for healthier items such as salads, fruits, and smoothies. Increased per capita disposable income levels have also bolstered the industry, enabling more consumers to dine at fast food restaurants. This trend also spiked demand for food delivery services, driving restaurants to invest more in robust online ordering and delivery management systems. The industry is expected to endure challenges resulting from the US-Canada tariff wars as a significant share of restaurant purchases are sourced from the US. As purchases become more expensive, especially fresh produce, Canadian fast food restaurants have pivoted to source from local suppliers. Further, the increasing trend toward national pride will favor Canadian-founded fast food chains such as A&W and Tim Hortons. Looking into 2030, industry revenue is forecasted to exhibit an annualized growth rate of 1.1%, reaching $39.1 billion. Growth is anticipated to be swifter in the first half of this outlook given the adaption to new challenges relating to tariffs. In line with rising demand for healthier food, fast-food joints will likely persist in launching new products that resonate with consumers' evolving preferences. Further, food delivery services are expected to continue playing a significantly larger role in this industry.

The Canada food hydrocolloids market, valued at approximately $X million in 2025, is projected to experience steady growth, driven by increasing demand from the food and beverage industry. This growth is fueled by the rising consumer preference for processed foods with enhanced texture, stability, and shelf life. Key application segments, including dairy and frozen products, bakery, and beverages, are contributing significantly to market expansion. The use of hydrocolloids like gelatin gum, pectin, and xanthan gum is increasing due to their functional properties as thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agents. The market is also witnessing innovation in the development of new hydrocolloid-based ingredients catering to specific dietary needs and consumer preferences, such as low-sugar or organic options. However, factors such as price fluctuations of raw materials and potential health concerns surrounding certain hydrocolloids may pose challenges to market growth. Competition among established players like Darling Ingredients Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, and Cargill Incorporated is intense, with a focus on product diversification and strategic partnerships to expand their market reach. The forecast period of 2025-2033 anticipates continued growth, albeit at a moderate pace, reflecting the overall stability and maturation of the Canadian food industry. The projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.51% suggests a consistent upward trajectory for the Canadian food hydrocolloids market. This growth is expected to be relatively stable throughout the forecast period, influenced by factors such as population growth, increasing disposable incomes, and evolving consumer preferences towards convenient and ready-to-eat foods. Segmentation by type shows a diverse market landscape with gelatin gum, pectin, and xanthan gum holding significant market shares. The application segment analysis provides insight into the specific end-use industries driving demand, with dairy & frozen products, bakery, and beverage industries acting as primary consumers. Furthermore, regulatory changes related to food safety and labeling could impact market dynamics. Continuous research and development in hydrocolloid technology will likely shape future market trends, leading to the introduction of novel hydrocolloids with improved functionality and enhanced consumer appeal. Notable trends are: Increasing Penetration for Speciality Ingredients.