Empire Company Limited operates as a retailer and wholesaler of food and household products across Canada. Through its primary subsidiary Sobeys Inc., the company manages an extensive network of grocery banners including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo and Thrifty Foods. In addition to grocery retailing, Empire Company engages in wholesale distribution through its subsidiary Empire Wholesale, supplying independent grocers and convenience stores. The company also owns and operates complementary businesses such as pharmacy services, real estate holdings, and food processing facilities.
Founded as a corporate parent in 1963, Empire traces its roots to the Sobeys family business established in Nova Scotia in 1907. Over the decades, the company grew through strategic acquisitions, notably acquiring Safeway’s Canadian operations in 2013 and the Farm Boy chain in 2018. These investments helped broaden Empire’s geographic reach from its Maritime origins into markets spanning Ontario, Quebec, Western Canada and the Prairies. Today, it operates over 1,500 retail locations and maintains a network of distribution centres and manufacturing plants, supporting both national and regional supply chains.
Empire Company’s operations encompass a range of value-added services including fresh and prepared foods, private-label brands and fuel retailing at select locations. Its proprietary brands—such as Compliments, Panache and Stellar—cover grocery, fresh meat and bakery categories. In recent years, the company has placed emphasis on omnichannel growth, enhancing its e-commerce platform, expanding click-and-collect services and piloting home delivery options to meet evolving consumer preferences.
Under the leadership of President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Medline, Empire Company has continued to pursue operational efficiencies and customer-centric innovation. The executive team has prioritized investments in supply chain optimization, technology integration and sustainability initiatives. While headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Empire maintains its corporate office in Stellarton and a major regional office in Toronto, reflecting its coast-to-coast presence and commitment to serving Canadian communities.
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