Grocery leaders share the biggest opportunities for 2026
Canadian Grocer spoke with industry leaders about their insights and company goals for 2026.
Deb Craven, president, Longo’s
“2026 is a milestone year for Longo’s. Our focus is always on trust with our team members, guests and the community. We build it by delivering remarkable service, unbeatable quality, value and unmatched local freshness. With a foundation built on 70 years of family standards and partnerships with Canadian farmers and vendors, we see tremendous potential to enhance innovation, assortment and deepen community connections. Our 44th store opens this spring in Welland, marking the next chapter in fuelling happier, healthier lives across Ontario.”
READ: Longo’s president Deb Craven on leadership and growing the business
Gino DiCioacchino, president and CEO, Giant Tiger Stores Limited
“For Giant Tiger, the biggest opportunity in 2026 is staying true to who we are—a proudly Canadian hard discount retailer—while continuing to evolve how we deliver value and convenience to our customers. Our distinctive franchise model allows us to continue growing from the strong local foundations that define our business. Our owner/operators know their communities best, and that connection gives us a unique advantage. As customers’ needs around low prices and convenience continue to change, that local insight will help us move faster, stay more agile and remain deeply connected to the people we serve.”
Teresa Spinelli, president, The Italian Centre Shop
“At the Italian Centre Shop, we don’t just sell Europe’s best-known products, we bring people together through food. Our goal is to create spaces for Italian cooking demos, olive oil tastings, wine and charcuterie nights, and artisan meet-and-greets that turn shopping into a cultural experience. While we offer online shopping, we truly want customers to ‘Come, Step into Italy’—our tag line—and explore our curated private label and exclusive imports, experiencing the story behind every product, from field and factory to our shelves and, finally, to the table.”
Paul Bravi, EVP, Ontario, Metro
“In 2026, our biggest opportunity is continuing to deliver value to consumers. We are doing so by expanding discount banners in Quebec and Ontario with the opening of 12 discount stores. Second, reinforcing value in conventional stores through strong private-label and fresh offerings, and tailoring pricing and promotions locally. Building loyalty is one of our priorities, and the launch of Moi [rewards] in Ontario last year provides a way to connect with customers and deliver more value in our omnichannel strategy—creating seamless, personalized experiences across platforms. These efforts will strengthen customer relationships and drive growth.”
Brian Bradley, president, Stong’s Market
“In 2026, the biggest opportunity will be elevating the customer experience as discount grocers continue gaining market share. While price will always matter, customers are increasingly seeking quality, service and a sense of connection in their shopping routine. For independent grocers, this creates room to differentiate through locally curated products, knowledgeable staff and an inviting in-store atmosphere. By focusing on freshness, convenience and personalized service, we can strengthen loyalty and offer a value proposition that goes beyond simply competing on price.”
READ: Stong’s Market’s Brian Bradley on championing indie grocers
This article was first published in Canadian Grocer’s December 2025/ January 2026 issue.
