A Lib Investment Debacle

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Why no one wants to grocer in Canada

Policymakers must create a more investor-friendly environment to attract new players and lower food prices for Canadians

In recent days, the Jim Pattison Group, which owns the Pattison Food Group and operates various retail banners such as Save-On-Foods and Buy-Low Foods, has made a significant move by acquiring The Save Mart Companies – a prominent grocer in California and Nevada.

This makes the Jim Pattison Group the second Canadian grocer to venture into the U.S., following Loblaw-owned T&T Supermarkets, which plans to open its first U.S. store in Bellevue, Washington, this year.

The Save Mart Companies serve nearly 200 communities under banners such as Save Mart, Lucky, Lucky California, FoodMaxx, and Maxx Value Foods. They operate extensive distribution centers and a transportation facility, employing over 13,000 people. For the Pattison Group, this acquisition will significantly expand its grocery network on both sides of the border.However, while Canadian grocers are expanding into the U.S. market, there has been no reciprocal movement of foreign grocers entering Canada. Despite the efforts of Ottawa and Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, who have approached a dozen grocers to enter the Canadian market, there have been no new entrants.This situation raises concerns about the attractiveness of the Canadian market for foreign investment.

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