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.

In 2024, retail sales of grocery and convenience retailers in Canada amounted to approximately *** billion Canadian dollars. A slight increase from the sales of the previous year, which amounted to approximately *** billion dollars.

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.

Retail Trade, sales by industries based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), monthly.

This statistic shows the revenue of the industry “Grocery stores“ in Canada by segment from 2012 to 2018, with a forecast to 2024. It is projected that the revenue of Grocery stores in Canada will amount to approximately **** billion U.S. Dollars by 2024.

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Breakfast Food Market Size 2025-2029

The breakfast food market size is forecast to increase by USD 108.7 billion, at a CAGR of 4.3% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is characterized by a dynamic and evolving landscape, driven by the frequent introduction of new product offerings and the growing popularity of plant-based food options. This market is witnessing significant shifts as consumers increasingly seek convenient, nutritious, and ethical breakfast choices. Plant-based foods are gaining traction as an alternative to traditional animal-derived breakfast items. This trend is being fueled by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of plant-based diets and concerns over animal welfare and environmental sustainability. The market is responding with an influx of innovative plant-based breakfast products, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
However, the market faces challenges, primarily in the form of fluctuating food prices. These price fluctuations can impact both manufacturers and consumers, potentially affecting the affordability and accessibility of breakfast foods. Companies must navigate this challenge by implementing effective pricing strategies and exploring alternative sourcing options to mitigate the impact on their operations and customers.

What will be the Size of the Breakfast Food Market during the forecast period?

Explore in-depth regional segment analysis with market size data - historical 2019-2023 and forecasts 2025-2029 - in the full report.
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The market continues to evolve, driven by shifting consumer preferences and emerging trends. Food service establishments and retailers prioritize product differentiation through new offerings, such as breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and bars. Preparation time and health and wellness remain key considerations, leading to an increase in gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. New product development is a continuous process, with an emphasis on protein-rich ingredients, meal replacement shakes, and instant breakfast solutions. Ingredient sourcing and supply chain management play crucial roles in maintaining brand loyalty and ensuring food safety regulations are met. Breakfast menus in restaurants and retail offerings in grocery stores reflect these evolving patterns, with a focus on flavor variety, portion control, and recipe development.

Social media marketing and retail sales strategies are essential tools for reaching consumers and driving demand. The breakfast market's dynamism extends to various sectors, including frozen breakfast and meal replacement shakes, as well as distribution channels and pricing strategies. Consumer preferences for dietary restrictions and nutritional value further influence market activities, with a growing demand for protein powders, vegan options, and meal replacement shakes. The market's ongoing unfolding reflects the industry's commitment to meeting the evolving needs and demands of consumers.

How is this Breakfast Food Industry segmented?

The breakfast food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Bakery products
  Ready meals
  Cereals
  Snack bars
  Others


Product

  RTE
  RTC


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

. By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experienced significant growth in 2024, with offline distribution channels leading the revenue generation. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and local grocery stores accounted for a substantial portion of sales due to their accessibility and consumer trust. Consumers prefer these channels as they can physically inspect the products before purchasing, leading to higher sales and brand loyalty. Offline sales channels also offer promotions and discounts, making breakfast foods more affordable and popular. Market participants prioritize supply chain management and ingredient sourcing to ensure product quality and meet consumer preferences for vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. New product development, including meal replacement shakes, protein powders, and breakfast sandwiches, catered to various dietary restrictions and health and wellness trends.

Food safety regulations and portion control were essential considerations for companies, as was recipe development and flavor variety to differentiate their offerings. Social media marketing and retail sales strategies further expanded market reach, while food service and preparat

Sobeys Inc., the Canadian food retailer, operated over a thousand stores under various banners in Canada as of January 2024. The self-titled Sobeys retail stores were most widespread, with 255 locations in that year. Foodland and IGA ranked in second and third places, with 217 and 194 stores nationwide respectively.

Sobeys’ origins

The company was founded in Stellarton, Nova Scotia by John Sobey as a meat delivery business in 1907. By 1924, their product range had expanded to a full line of groceries. In 1947, Frank Sobey opened the first Sobeys supermarket in Atlantic Canada. Sobeys continued to expand throughout the Atlantic provinces in the 50s and 60s, and in 1987 opened their first store outside of Atlantic Canada in Ontario. Since then the retailer has acquired many brands and successfully grown into one of Canada’s biggest food retailers. Their revenue reached around 30.5 billion Canadian dollars in 2023. Competition in the food retail market

Loblaw Cos Ltd. was the market leader in the Canadian food market in 2020 according to grocery sales value, making them Sobeys’ biggest competitor. Loblaw’s grocery sales reached approximately 50.3 billion Canadian dollars in that year, around 25 billion more than second placed Sobeys Inc. Since 2013, Loblaws’ food retail store sales have continued to grow year-on-year, securing their top position in the Canadian grocery market.