Search results
- The bureau spent months examining many aspects of Canada's grocery business, which is dominated by three domestic giants — Loblaws, Metro and Sobeys owner Empire — along with foreign players like Walmart and Costco. Together, those 5 companies combine for more than three-quarters of all the food sales in Canada.
Jun 27, 2023 · Most Canadians buy groceries in stores owned by a handful of grocery giants. In 2022, Canada’s three largest grocers—Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro—collectively reported more than $100 billion in sales and earned more than $3.6 billion in profits.
- News release
- Quotes
- Quick facts
- Related products
Competition Bureau makes recommendations to promote competition in Canada’s grocery industry June 27, 2023 – GATINEAU, QC – Competition Bureau
Actions to increase competition would encourage lower prices and more choice for Canadians.
June 27, 2023 – GATINEAU, QC – Competition Bureau
Grocery prices have increased at their fastest rate in more than 40 years, and Canadians are feeling the pinch.
Today, the Competition Bureau has published its market study report ꟷ Canada Needs More Grocery Competition ꟷ which recommends that all levels of Canadian government act to increase competition in the grocery industry.
The report highlights the findings of the Retail Grocery Market Study that the Bureau launched on October 24, 2022. It examines the state of competition in the grocery industry and identifies barriers to increasing competition. It also explores the potential for independent grocers, international grocers, and emerging business models to deliver more competition, innovation, and choice to Canadians.
“As we have witnessed the highest cost-of-living increases seen in a generation, Canadians are recognizing the relationship between a lack of competition and rising prices. By acting now, governments at all levels can take steps towards creating a more competitive grocery industry. Competition can help lower prices and make life more affordable for Canadians.”
Matthew Boswell
•During the study, the Competition Bureau engaged with a wide range of stakeholders, including domestic and international grocery retailers of all sizes, industry experts, international competition authorities, and Canadian consumers.
Over the course of the study, the level of cooperation from stakeholders with Bureau requests for information varied. The Bureau is not able to compel information when it conducts market studies.
Oct 29, 2023 · An oligopoly — a very small number of very large companies — controls the Canadian grocery industry. Oligopolies mean that grocery companies do not have very much competition for customers, and they can do things like hike grocery prices without losing too much business.
Feb 9, 2024 · Over the past year, the CEOs of Canada’s biggest grocery chains have become familiar faces to lawmakers studying food prices. Why?
Jun 27, 2023 · The bureau said most Canadians buy groceries in stores owned by giants Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro, with rising prices signalling a need for more competition in the sector. Here are five key ...
People also ask
Who controls Canada's grocery market?
Does Canada need more grocery competition?
Does Canada's grocery business need government assistance?
Can a grocer buy a competitor in Canada?
Why is Canada's grocery industry so concentrated?
Is Canada's grocery business competitive?
Take measures to limit property controls in the grocery industry, including, if warranted, to ban their use. In a bid to reduce barriers for new grocery businesses, the Bureau suggests that provincial and territorial governments limit restrictive clauses to further promote competition.
