Experts say instead of enticing a foreign grocer to come to Canada, Ottawa should look at ways to support smaller and regional grocery companies to boost competition. Produce is shown at a Toronto grocery store on Sunday, June 26, 2023. (Photo: Canadian Press)
Government should boost grocery competition at home, not seek outsider: experts
Feb 2, 2024 | 8:15 AM
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Bluesky
-
Share on X
- Copy Link
OTTAWA, ON – Experts say instead of enticing a foreign grocer to come to Canada, Ottawa should look at ways to support smaller and regional grocery companies to boost competition.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said this week that he’s been reaching out to foreign grocery companies in the hopes they will come to Canada and help strengthen competition in the industry.
But Peter Chapman, founder of consulting firm SKUFood and a former Loblaw executive, says it’s not easy for a foreign chain to come to Canada.
The country’s relatively small population and spread-out geography make it a challenge for companies to build up a network of stores and distribution centres.
