16 Best Canadian-Owned Grocery Stores to Shop Local
Have you ever thought about where your food comes from when you go grocery shopping?
Choosing to shop at the best Canadian-owned grocery stores is a simple way to help your community and support Canadian farmers.
When you shop at these stores, you’re not just buying food; you’re helping to create jobs and keep money in Canada.
These stores often try to buy their fruits, vegetables, and other products from local farms. This means you get fresher food, and you’re helping farmers in your area.
Plus, shopping at Canadian-owned stores can be good for the environment. They may try to reduce waste and use less energy.
In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best Canadian-owned grocery stores where you can shop. We’ll tell you about stores that offer good prices, reward programs, and care about the environment.
Whether you want to save money or find special Canadian products, you’ll find a store that’s right for you. So, let’s explore the best Canadian-owned grocery stores and start shopping local!
Top 16 Canadian-Owned Grocery Stores
Tier 1: Truly Independent & Local – Supporting Your Community
This list features 3 grocery stores that are truly independent and local, meaning they are primarily owned and operated by Canadians and have a strong focus on supporting local farmers, producers, and communities.
These stores offer a unique shopping experience and are a great way to invest in your local economy.
A family-run grocery store in Ontario that's known for fresh food, quality, and a great shopping experience.
Longo's is a grocery store chain that you can find in Ontario, Canada. They sell all sorts of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, bakery items, and prepared meals.
It’s a place where you can find both everyday items and special treats.
Longo's stores are located in Ontario, mostly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). So, if you live in or around Toronto, you've probably seen a Longo's.
Why it's great:
- Freshness and Quality: Longo's is known for its commitment to fresh, high-quality food. They have beautiful produce displays and offer top-notch meats and seafood.
- Delicious Prepared Meals: If you don't have time to cook, Longo's offers a wide variety of prepared meals that are made fresh in-store.
- Friendly Staff: Many customers say that the staff at Longo's are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable.
- Clean and Inviting Stores: Longo's stores are known for being clean, well-organized, and a pleasure to shop in.
- Family-Run Feeling: Even though Longo's has grown, it still feels like a family business.
Canadian Focus:
- Ontario-Grown Produce: Longo's works with many local farmers in Ontario to bring fresh, seasonal produce to its customers. They value local produce.
- Supporting Ontario Businesses: Longo's carries many products from other Ontario-based businesses, helping to support the local economy.
- Community Involvement: Longo’s is involved in supporting local charities and community events in the areas where their stores are located.
- Commitment to Ontario: Even though Sobeys now owns part of Longo's, the Longo family is still involved, and the company remains committed to its Ontario roots.
A grocery store in Ontario that's all about fresh, local, and delicious food, with a fun and unique shopping experience.
Farm Boy is a special kind of grocery store where you can find lots of fresh and natural foods.
They have their own brand of unique and tasty products, plus all the regular grocery items you need. It's a place where you can discover new things and enjoy shopping.
Where it is: You can find Farm Boy stores all across Ontario, from Ottawa to Toronto and many places in between.
Why it's great:
- Fresh and Local: Farm Boy puts a big focus on fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, and other products.
- Unique Farm Boy Products: They have their own brand of products that you can only find at Farm Boy, like delicious snacks, prepared meals, and sauces.
- Great for Quick Meals: If you need a quick and easy meal, Farm Boy has lots of options, like fresh salads, sandwiches, and hot meals.
- Fun Shopping Experience: Farm Boy stores are bright, clean, and fun to shop in. They often have samples and friendly staff.
- Good Prices on Quality: While they focus on quality, Farm Boy also offers good prices, making it a great value.
Canadian Focus:
- Ontario Farmers: Farm Boy works closely with Ontario farmers to bring fresh, seasonal produce to its stores. They value Ontario-grown food.
- Ontario-Made Products: They carry many products that are made in Ontario, supporting local businesses.
- Canadian Company: Farm Boy is a Canadian company that is committed to serving the needs of Ontario communities.
- Community Support: Farm Boy stores often participate in local community events and support local charities.
A grocery store in Calgary that's owned by its members and focused on supporting the local community.
Calgary Co-op is a grocery store that's owned by its members. That means that people who shop there can become members and share in the profits.
They sell all kinds of groceries, from fresh food to household items.
Where it is: You can find Calgary Co-op stores in Calgary and the surrounding areas in Alberta.
Why it's great:
- Member Benefits: As a member, you can earn money back on your purchases and have a say in how the store is run.
- Community Focus: Calgary Co-op is known for supporting local charities and community events.
- Local Products: They try to source products from local farmers and producers in Alberta.
- Wide Selection: They offer a wide variety of products to meet all your grocery needs.
- Supporting Local: Shopping at Calgary Co-op supports the local Calgary economy.
Canadian Focus:
- Alberta Farmers and Producers: Calgary Co-op works with many farmers and producers in Alberta to bring fresh, local food to its customers.
- Community Investment: They invest a portion of their profits back into the Calgary community through donations and sponsorships.
- Alberta Owned and Operated: Calgary Co-op is owned and operated in Alberta, making it a truly local business.
Known for having lots of choices and for supporting local farmers in Western Canada.
Save-On-Foods is a grocery store where you can buy all sorts of things you need for your kitchen.
They have fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, bread, milk, and many other items. It's a place where families can do their weekly shopping.
You can find Save-On-Foods stores in Western Canada. This includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Yukon.
So, if you live in these areas, there's likely a Save-On-Foods near you.
Why it's great:
- Fresh Food: Save-On-Foods tries to have fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Good Deals: They often have sales and special offers to help you save money.
- More Rewards: The "More Rewards" program lets you collect points when you shop. You can use these points to get discounts on future purchases.
- Friendly Service: Many people say that the people who work at Save-On-Foods are friendly and helpful.
Canadian Focus:
- Local Farmers: Save-On-Foods says they try to buy from local farmers whenever they can. This helps support farmers in Western Canada and gives you fresh, locally grown food.
- Community Support: They also support different charities and groups in the communities where they have stores. This means they give back to the places where their customers live.
- Western Canadian Company: Save-On-Foods is owned by a company in Western Canada, so when you shop there, you're supporting a Western Canadian business.
A grocery store owned by its members, where you can share in the profits and support your community.
Co-op Food Stores are more than just grocery stores – they're owned by the people who shop there! When you become a member, you get a share in the profits, which means you can earn money back on your purchases. They sell all the groceries you need, from fresh food to household supplies.
You can find Co-op Food Stores in many communities across Western Canada. They are located in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. They are often a key part of smaller towns and cities.
Why it's great:
- Member-Owned: As a member, you're not just a customer – you're an owner! This means you have a say in how the store is run and you can share in the profits.
- Community Focus: Co-ops are known for giving back to their communities. They support local charities, events, and initiatives.
- Good Prices: Co-op stores often have competitive prices and special deals for members.
- Local Products: They try to source products from local farmers and producers in Western Canada.
- CO-OP Brand: They sell CO-OP brand products, which are often made in Canada.
Canadian Focus:
- Supporting Local Farmers: Co-op stores actively seek out partnerships with local farmers and producers. They understand that buying local helps the community grow.
- Investing in the Community: Co-ops put their profits back into the community through donations, sponsorships, and community programs.
- Western Canadian Roots: Co-ops have deep roots in Western Canada and are committed to serving the needs of their members and communities.
A grocery store on Vancouver Island known for its quality products and friendly service.
Quality Foods (often called QF) is a grocery store chain that's located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. They sell all the usual grocery items, plus they have a focus on fresh and local products.
You can only find Quality Foods stores on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia.
Why it's great:
- Quality Products: As their name suggests, Quality Foods focuses on selling high-quality products, including fresh produce, meats, and seafood.
- Friendly Service: They're known for having friendly and helpful staff.
- Vancouver Island Focus: They are a Vancouver Island company and support local producers.
- Community Involvement: QF is very involved in the communities they serve.
- Great Deli and Bakery: Many locations have excellent deli and bakery sections.
Canadian Focus:
- Vancouver Island First: Quality Foods prioritizes sourcing products from Vancouver Island and British Columbia whenever possible.
- Supporting Local Suppliers: They work with many local farmers, fishermen, and other suppliers.
- Community Giving: They donate to local charities and support community events on Vancouver Island.
- British Columbia Company: Quality Foods is based in British Columbia, and all of their stores are located there.
Tier 2: Canadian Companies with Many Stores – A Closer Look
The following companies are based in Canada and have many grocery stores across the country. They are traded on the stock market, which means that many Canadians can invest in them.
However, because these companies are so large, it can be harder to know how much they focus on local products. We’ll take a closer look at the company and some of their popular stores:
Now let’s proceed with the parent companies and example banners.
1. Sobeys (Owned by Empire)
- Where They Operate: 1500 stores nationwide, with the largest presence in Ontario (32% of total locations).
- Unique Features:
- Sobeys is a full-service grocery store that prioritizes fresh, locally sourced products and sustainability initiatives.
- Standout Features:
- Actively supports Canadian farmers by stocking locally grown fruits and vegetables.
- Community support programs, such as food bank donations and charity drives.
- Operates under multiple banners, including Sobeys, Safeway, Thrifty Foods, Foodland, and FreshCo.
2. Loblaws (Owned by Loblaw)
- Where They Operate: 50 stores nationwide, with 86% in Ontario.
- Unique Features:
- Loblaws is known for premium grocery shopping with an emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing.
- Loblaws is one of the oldest Canadian-owned grocery stores in Canada and is often featured in lists of the top 10 grocery stores in Canada.
- Standout Features:
- The PC Optimum loyalty program offers valuable rewards for frequent shoppers.
- Sustainable initiatives, like reducing plastic packaging and increasing the availability of reusable options.
- Includes multiple store banners like Zehrs, Independent, Valu-Mart, Provigo
3. Metro (Owned by Metro)
- Where They Operate: 324 stores across Quebec and Ontario (192 in Quebec, 132 in Ontario).
- Unique Features:
- Metro is a leading supermarket chain offering a wide selection of fresh, organic, and locally sourced products.
- Supports local vendors through regional product sourcing
- Standout Features:
- A trusted name for premium groceries and ready-to-eat meal options.
- A strong commitment to supporting Canadian farmers and small businesses.
- Offers organic groceries online and in-store.
- As one of the top Canadian-owned retailers, Metro emphasizes its dedication to local communities and sustainable practices.
4. Real Canadian Superstore (Owned by Loblaw)
- Where They Operate: 120+ locations across seven provinces and territories.
- Unique Features:
- A large-format store that combines groceries with clothing, electronics, and household items.
- Large-format stores combining groceries with other departments
- Originated in Western Canada in late 1970s/early 1980s
- Expanded to Ontario in early 2000s to compete with Walmart
- Standout Features:
- Offers the PC Optimum loyalty program, one of Canada’s most popular reward systems.
- Carries an impressive selection of Canadian-made products, from bakery items to fresh produce.
- Ideal for families looking for a one-stop-shop experience.
5. Super C (Owned by Metro)
- Where They Operate: Primarily in Quebec (110 stores as of 2024).
- Unique Features:
- Super C is a discount grocery chain focused on affordability without compromising quality. They offer a wide variety of fresh, locally sourced products.
- Standout Features:
- Recognized as Quebec’s leading discount retailer in customer experience (WOW Léger 2024 study).
- Offers online click-and-collect services for convenience.
- Part of the Moi rewards program, which provides savings and perks for regular shoppers.
- The chain offers a “always fresh” guarantee, providing a full refund and an additional 10% discount coupon if customers are not satisfied with the freshness of a product.
6. Maxi (Owned by Loblaw)
- Where They Operate: Exclusively in Quebec (153 stores as of 2024).
- Unique Features:
- Maxi is a discount grocery store offering a broad selection of products, including President’s Choice and No Name brands.
- Founded in 1984 by Provigo
- Largest of Loblaw’s Quebec supermarket chains
- Employs over 7,000 people across Quebec
- Equivalent to No Frills in other provinces
- Standout Features:
- Price match guarantee with the slogan “Imbattable. Point final.” (“Unbeatable. Period.”).
- Affordable prices on Canadian-grown produce and locally sourced goods.
7. Wholesale Club (Owned by Loblaw)
- Where They Operate: Locations across Canada (specific details unavailable).
- Unique Features:
- Focuses on bulk shopping for individuals and businesses, making it a favorite for cost-effective grocery purchases.
- Standout Features:
- No membership fees, unlike traditional warehouse clubs.
- Stocks Canadian-sourced products in larger quantities, perfect for households or small businesses.
8. Food Basics (Owned by Metro)
- Where They Operate: Primarily in Ontario.
- Unique Features:
- Food Basics is a discount chain offering everyday low prices with a commitment to freshness and locally grown produce.
- Standout Features:
- Simple store layouts are designed to reduce waste and increase affordability.
- Consistent discounts on staples make it a go-to choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
9. FreshCo (Owned by Sobeys/Empire)
- Where They Operate: Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
- Unique Features:
- FreshCo is celebrated for its multicultural product offerings, reflecting Canada’s diverse communities.
- Standout Features:
- Competitive pricing with a strong selection of locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and meats.
- Excellent for shoppers seeking international flavors alongside Canadian staples.
10. No Frills (Owned by Loblaw)
- Where They Operate: 302 stores nationwide, with 63% in Ontario.
- Unique Features:
- No Frills is a no-frills discount grocery chain, offering unbeatable prices without compromising quality.
- Standout Features:
- A significant portion of their inventory includes Canadian-grown produce and meats.
- The PC Optimum loyalty program allows customers to earn points on everyday purchases.
Why Shop at Canadian Grocery Stores?
Shopping at Canadian grocery stores is more important than you might think. It’s a way to help your friends, neighbors, and the whole country! Here’s why:
- Helps Canadian Jobs: When you spend money at a Canadian grocery store, you’re helping to create jobs for Canadians. From the people who stock the shelves to the farmers who grow the food, your money supports them all. Think of it as supporting Canadian families.
- Keeps Money in Canada: When stores are Canadian-owned, the money they make stays in Canada. This money can then be used to help build schools, hospitals, and other important things for Canadians. Think of it as investing in your community.
- Supports Local Farmers: Many Canadian grocery stores try to buy their products from local farmers. This helps those farmers stay in business and provides you with fresh, healthy food. It’s all about getting farm-fresh goodness.
- Unique Canadian Products: You can often find special Canadian-made foods and products at these stores that you won’t find anywhere else. Discover tasty treats from Canada!
- Good for Communities: Canadian stores are often part of community, by contributing to local charities. Supporting your local community.
What Does “Canadian-Owned” Really Mean?
It can be tricky to know exactly what “Canadian-owned” means when it comes to grocery stores. Some stores are clearly owned and operated by Canadians, while others have more complex ownership structures. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:
- Truly Independent and Local: These are smaller grocery stores that are owned and operated by people who live in your community. They often have a strong focus on supporting local farmers and producers. These support your local communities!
- Canadian Parent Companies: Some of the biggest grocery chains in Canada (like Loblaws, Sobeys/Empire, and Metro) are owned by Canadian companies that are traded on the stock market (TSX). This means that many Canadians own shares in these companies. These are Canadian companies with several brands!
- The Challenge of “Local”: Just because a store is Canadian-owned doesn’t automatically mean that it sources all of its products from Canada. It’s important to look for labels that say “Made in Canada” or “Product of Canada” and to ask questions about where your food comes from.
Tips For Finding Local Canadian Grocery Stores
Want to shop local but don’t know where to start? Here are some practical tips:
- Check Ownership: Research the parent company of your favorite grocery store to ensure it’s Canadian-owned.
- Ask about local sourcing: Speak directly with store staff about where their produce and meat come from.
- Use Online Tools: Websites like “Localize” and “Canada Organic” can help you identify stores that prioritize Canadian products.
- Look for Canadian Brands: Chains that stock a high percentage of Canadian-made brands often have stronger ties to local producers.
Conclusion: Support Local, Shop Canadian
Shopping at Canadian-owned grocery stores is a simple yet impactful way to make a difference. By supporting these businesses, you’re contributing to a stronger economy, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future.
Explore one of these Canadian-owned grocery stores in your area today. Share this article with friends and family to spread the word about the importance of shopping local. Together, we can keep our communities thriving—one grocery trip at a time.
