The food retail sector is a critical link in Canada’s food supply chain, bringing products from producers and manufacturers to consumers.
This report examines the structure of the sector and the workforce that supports its day-to-day operations.
Canada’s food retail sector plays a critical role in the broader food supply chain, serving as the link between food production, manufacturing, and consumers. The sector includes a wide range of establishments such as supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, and specialty food retailers that provide Canadians with access to essential food products. Understanding the structure and characteristics of this sector is important for identifying workforce needs and supporting the continued development of a resilient and efficient food system.
This mini–case study provides an overview of the Canadian food retail sector, examining its establishment structure, workforce composition, and key labour market dynamics. It also highlights areas where skills, occupations, and workforce practices intersect with other parts of the food industry, including food and beverage manufacturing. These insights help inform workforce development strategies and support industry stakeholders in addressing emerging labour and skills challenges.
The food retail sector employs nearly 500,000 workers, making it significantly larger than the food and beverage manufacturing workforce.
Most food retail establishments are micro or small businesses, with over 77% employing fewer than 20 workers.
Many food retailers report increasing difficulty hiring and retaining staff, highlighting ongoing workforce pressures in the sector.
