Top 10 Grocery Stores in Canada: Revenue, Employees

Top 10 Grocery Stores in Canada (2025)

Canada’s grocery landscape is evolving. Inflation, private label growth, online delivery, and loyalty wars have changed how—and where—people shop for food. This guide explores the top 10 grocery chains in Canada for 2025, ranked by revenue, workforce size, and what they do best.

1. Loblaw Companies Limited

Overview:
Loblaw is Canada’s largest and most diversified grocery chain. With banners like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, and T&T, it serves a broad range of shoppers from value-seekers to premium buyers. It also leads in private label innovation with President’s Choice and No Name.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$52 billionEmployeesOver 200,000Key StrengthsPrivate label leadership, loyalty programs, national reach

2. Sobeys Inc. (Empire Company)

Overview:
Sobeys is the second-largest food retailer in Canada and is steadily expanding with banners like Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and IGA. It invests heavily in fresh produce, organics, and community involvement.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$25 billionEmployeesApprox. 125,000Key StrengthsOrganic produce, strong regional coverage

3. Metro Inc.

Overview:
Operating mainly in Ontario and Quebec, Metro focuses on freshness, efficiency, and affordability. It owns Metro, Super C, and Food Basics—each positioned for a specific shopper segment.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$17 billionEmployeesAround 90,000Key StrengthsBalanced pricing, quality deli, urban presence

4. Walmart Canada

Overview:
Known for unbeatable prices, Walmart continues to grow in grocery by offering expanded fresh and frozen food sections in Supercentres. It’s also investing in click-and-collect and AI-driven pricing.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$25 billion (grocery only estimate)EmployeesOver 90,000Key StrengthsNational footprint, aggressive pricing, tech investment

5. Costco Wholesale Canada

Overview:
Costco’s bulk-buying model works well for families and small businesses. The membership-only format builds strong customer loyalty, and its private label brand Kirkland is highly trusted.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$23 billion (Canada)EmployeesApprox. 39,000Key StrengthsBulk deals, member loyalty, Kirkland quality

6. Save-On-Foods (Overwaitea Food Group)

Overview:
Western Canada’s standout chain, Save-On-Foods is loved for its fresh local produce and generous rewards program. It's also testing AI-powered shelf tech and green delivery fleets.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$4 billionEmployeesAround 22,000Key StrengthsRegional loyalty, fresh foods, sustainability leadership

7. Whole Foods Market Canada

Overview:
Whole Foods focuses on premium, organic, and health-conscious consumers. Although more expensive, it remains a leader in food ethics and traceability.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$1.5 billion (Canada only)EmployeesAround 5,000Key StrengthsOrganic-first sourcing, sustainability, in-store experience

8. Longo’s

Overview:
Longo’s is a family-run Ontario-based grocer focused on high-quality produce, in-house meals, and community service. It’s now owned by Empire (Sobeys), but retains its independent branding.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$1 billionEmployeesAround 6,000Key StrengthsLocal-first, family service model, meal solutions

9. Farm Boy

Overview:
Often called “the Canadian Whole Foods,” Farm Boy thrives on fresh local food, ready-to-eat options, and strong branding. It’s expanding rapidly in Ontario with a cult-like following.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$800 millionEmployeesAbout 4,000Key StrengthsPrepared foods, freshness, loyal urban shoppers

10. Food Basics

Overview:
As Metro’s discount banner, Food Basics offers quality staples with no-frills pricing. It’s popular among price-sensitive households and competes with Walmart and No Frills directly.

FeatureDetailsRevenue$500 millionEmployeesAround 2,500Key StrengthsBudget pricing, essentials-only approach

Summary Table: Top Canadian Grocery Chains

RankStore NameRevenueEmployeesStrengths1Loblaw Companies Ltd.$52B200,000+Private label, national coverage2Sobeys Inc.$25B125,000Organic, regional strength3Metro Inc.$17B90,000Affordable, strong deli focus4Walmart Canada$25B est.90,000+Low prices, national scale5Costco Canada$23B39,000Bulk deals, member loyalty6Save-On-Foods$4B22,000Local loyalty, green initiatives7Whole Foods Market$1.5B5,000Organic, premium positioning8Longo’s$1B6,000Fresh, community-driven9Farm Boy$800M4,000Prepared food, urban expansion10Food Basics$500M2,500Budget-focused, simple offering

Final Word: What This Means for Canadian Shoppers

From mass-market giants like Walmart and Loblaw to niche favorites like Farm Boy and Longo’s, Canada’s grocery market is filled with choices. Consumers today are prioritizing:

• Value for money

• Fresh and local produce

• Digital convenience

• Private label trust

Whether you’re buying in bulk, shopping organic, or just looking to save on the basics—Canada’s top 10 grocery stores in 2025 reflect the nation’s changing values in food, convenience, and care.