Retail and Food Service

Find out how retailers, restaurants, and other food service businesses connect Canadians with food produced across the country.

Grocery Retail

National chains, regional grocers, and independent stores serving communities across Canada.

Restaurants

Full-service dining, quick-service restaurants, and local eateries serving Canadians.

Farmers Markets

Markets connecting consumers directly with local farmers, producers, and food-related businesses.

Food Service

Schools, hospitals, workplaces, catering companies, food banks, and other institutions preparing and providing meals every day.

Retail & Food Services

Bringing Food to Communities

Retailers and food service businesses are a key connection between Canada’s Food System and consumers, giving Canadians access to a wide variety of foods from Canada and around the world. Grocery stores, restaurants, farmers markets, and other food businesses help make safe, nutritious food available in communities across the country.

“Grateful for the people and systems that make it possible for us to enjoy safe, nutritious food!”

– Lindsay E.

$130B+

Annual sector value

From retail to services

1.8M

Canadians Employed

Across the food retail services

90K+

Food service locations

Across the country

Customers In Zero Waste Oriented Fruit And Grocery Store.

Why It Matters

How to Support Canada's Food System

Whether you’re shopping at a grocery store, dining at a restaurant or visiting a local market, there are many ways to support the Canadian Food System. Learning where food comes from and asking questions about the products you buy can help you make informed purchasing decisions.

Grocery Stores and Retailers

Grocery stores are often the most direct connection between the food system and consumers. Retailers work with producers, processors, distributors, and manufacturers to provide Canadians with a variety of safe, nutritious products throughout the year. Many stores highlight Canadian products through signage, promotions, or dedicated displays, while also offering foods sourced from around the world to meet consumer needs and preferences.

Restaurants and Food Service

Restaurants, cafeterias, and food service providers connect consumers with food through a wide range of meals and experiences. Many businesses source ingredients from Canadian farmers, processors, and manufacturers when available, while also relying on global supply chains to offer diverse menu options year-round.

Food Banks and Community Support

Food banks and community organizations help connect Canadians facing food insecurity with nutritious food and essential resources. They work with farmers, businesses, retailers, food processors, and volunteers to recover, distribute, and provide food to communities across the country. While they play an important role in supporting people in need, long-term food security also depends on addressing the broader factors that influence access to affordable, nutritious food.

Choosing Canadian Food

When shopping or ordering food, you can look for Canadian-grown, Canadian-raised, or Canadian-made products. Many retailers identify Canadian products with shelf tags or promotional signage. Farmers markets and local food businesses also provide opportunities to connect directly with Canadian producers and food businesses.

Seasonal Availability

Canada’s climate and growing season influence which foods are available locally throughout the year. Some products are abundant during harvest, while others rely on storage, greenhouse production, or imports to ensure year-round availability. Seasonal choices can provide opportunities to enjoy fresh, locally produced foods when available.

Supporting Canada’s Food System

Purchasing decisions help support the many people and businesses involved in Canada’s Food System, including farmers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and food service providers. Choosing Canadian products when available can help support Canadian agriculture and local communities, while the broader food system ensures Canadians have access to a reliable supply of safe, nutritious food.

Making Informed Choices

You have many factors to consider when purchasing food, including quality, availability, nutrition, and price. Reliable information helps you make purchase decisions that reflect your priorities and better grasp how the different parts of Canada’s Food System work together. Explore the other sections of Canada’s Food System to learn more about how food is grown, processed, and delivered.