Oh, Canada! A look at how some of the country’s grocers are putting patriotism on display
Grocers from across the country are putting homegrown products front and centre like never before and, as Canada Day approaches, this renewed focus carries even greater significance. From in-store events to special promotions and contests, patriotism is on full display.
Save-On-Foods: local celebrations, national pride
With 188 locations across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon, Save-On-Foods is embracing Canada Day in a big, yet local, way with each store planning its own event and activities to cater to the communities they serve. Some stores will mark the occasion with barbecues and cakes, while others will host larger, community-wide events with sliced watermelon.
Meanwhile, the retailer’s “The Great Canadian Cookout Challenge” on Facebook and Instagram invites customers to share their Canadian cookout creations using the hashtag #GreatCanadianCookout for the chance to win one of four gift cards.
Farm Boy: Helping customers spot Canadian-made
Farm Boy is leveraging its marketing channels to make it easier for customers to identify Canadian-made products. This includes enhanced signage featuring “Product of Canada” and “Prepared in Canada” tags for the grocer’s private-label products, as well as Product of Canada endcaps and increased visibility of Canadian products across its flyer, e-newsletter and on social media.
Calgary Co-op: supporting local, always
Calgary Co-op has built long-lasting relationships with local producers through its “Best from the West” program. Launched in 2012, the program has supported more than 300 producers and includes more than 2,400 products.
As interest in Canadian products grows, Calgary Co-op is making it easy for shoppers to identify them by clearly tagging items from its Best from the West program and other Canadian-made products throughout the store. These items are also prominently featured in Calgary Co-op’s flyer and weekly promotional display.
Healthy Planet: a bold boost for Canadian brands
In celebration of Canada Day, the retail chain is championing homegrown brands across food, health and wellness.
Starting June 26 and running until July 2, Healthy Planet is offering shoppers up to 30% off most in-store products as part of its Canada Day Sale.
The event also includes an Exclusive Canadian Brands Flyer and new loyalty offers.
Earlier this year, the brand launched its #HealthyCanadianSwap campaign. The campaign encourages Canadians to switch to local alternatives in every aisle, from natural supplements and beauty to organic food and sports nutrition.
Healthy Planet also created a dedicated Canadian product section and a search filter on its website, making it easy for customers to identify Canadian brands using the red maple leaf icon.
A version of this article was first published in Canadian Grocer’s June/July 2025 issue.