The FEED powered by Loblaw

Craft, Crunch & Culture: Chris Hobson, Founder & CEO of Hobbs Pickles, on Reinventing Pickles for Modern Retail

michael@meleblanc.co (Chris Hobson) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:03:44 +0000

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, recorded live at Granville Island in Vancouver, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Chris Hobson, Founder of Hobbs Pickles, to explore how a creative professional transformed a personal obsession into one of Canada’s most distinctive emerging food brands.

Chris didn’t set out to disrupt the pickle category—but after years in advertising and a deep passion for flavour, he saw a clear gap in the market. After moving to Vancouver, Hobson noticed the absence of high-quality, authentic deli-style pickles and decided to build something entirely new. What began as a concept—complete with branding boards, experiential retail design, and a “pickle tasting bar”—quickly evolved into a cult-favourite destination at Granville Island.

At the heart of Hobbs Pickles is a commitment to craft and storytelling. Working with traditional pickle-making families in New York, Hobson developed a product that delivers a classic East Coast flavour profile with a modern West Coast brand aesthetic. The result is a premium, clean-label product that stands apart in a legacy category dominated by heritage brands.

The conversation dives deep into how he built his brand from the ground up, leveraging experiential retail, word-of-mouth marketing, and a relentless focus on product quality. Hobson shares how Granville Island became his “ultimate focus group,” helping refine everything from flavour profiles to naming conventions—like the now-iconic “Big Dill.”

As the brand scaled beyond its physical roots, Hobson discusses the challenges of translating that in-person energy to grocery shelves across Canada. From packaging design to strategic retail placement and storytelling, he explains how Hobbs Pickles competes in a crowded aisle by simplifying its message and staying laser-focused on one thing: doing pickles exceptionally well.

The episode also explores broader industry dynamics, including disruption in the pickle category, the rise of Canadian brands, and evolving consumer interest in artisanal, flavour-forward foods. Hobbs reflects on working with major retailers like Loblaw, the importance of education at shelf, and the role of innovation—such as snackable pickle pouches—in driving trial and growth.

For food entrepreneurs, Hobson offers clear, actionable advice: tell your story authentically, stay focused, and build a brand with your first true fans who connect with it emotionally.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.

Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.

Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025 and 2026. Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.

Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

The Future is “Free-From” and Delicious: Enza Cianciotta, Founder of Solenzi

michael@meleblanc.co (Enza Cianciotta) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:23:22 +0000

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, recorded at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens flagship store in Toronto, Michael LeBlanc sits down with Enza Cianciotta, Founder of Solenzi Food, to explore the intersection of food innovation, entrepreneurship, and the evolving Canadian grocery landscape.

Enza’s journey into the food industry is anything but traditional. After spending more than 30 years building software startups across North America and the UK, she returned to Toronto with a renewed passion for food, nutrition, and ingredient transparency. Inspired by the higher-quality, cleaner-label food standards she experienced in Europe, she identified a significant gap in the North American market: convenient, gourmet meal solutions made with simple, high-quality ingredients.

That insight became the foundation of Solenzi Food—a brand focused on delivering “free-from” products that eliminate unnecessary additives, sugars, and artificial ingredients without compromising taste. From single-ingredient, high-protein lentil and chickpea pastas to innovative sauces made with coconut cream instead of dairy, Enza has built a product portfolio that aligns with modern consumer demand for both health and flavour.

A standout example of her innovation process is the development of her boscaiola sauce—created organically from a trade show demo that quickly became a consumer favourite. This hands-on, market-driven approach reflects her broader philosophy: products must first pass the “craveability test” before they earn a place on the shelf.

The conversation also dives into the realities of scaling a food brand in Canada. Enza shares how Loblaw’s small supplier program enabled her to transition from distributor-led retail to a direct relationship with one of the country’s largest grocers, accelerating her growth and providing critical market access.

At the same time, she candidly addresses the challenges facing emerging Canadian brands, including tariff disruptions that forced her to pivot away from U.S. expansion and refocus on domestic growth. Her experience highlights both the opportunities and the friction within Canada’s grocery ecosystem, particularly as consumers increasingly seek local, high-quality alternatives.

Ultimately, this episode is a masterclass in modern food entrepreneurship—blending global insight, product innovation, and retail strategy. Enza’s story underscores a powerful shift in consumer expectations: today’s shoppers want food that is not only convenient, but clean, transparent, and genuinely delicious.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

From PEI Farmers’ Markets to Grocery Shelves: Founder & CEO Sarah Bennetto O’Brien of The Handpie Company

michael@meleblanc.co (Sarah Bennetto O’Brien) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:00:51 +0000

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc explores the remarkable entrepreneurial journey behind The Handpie Company, one of Canada’s most distinctive emerging food brands, with founder Sarah Bennetto O’Brien.

Recorded at the historic Loblaws Maple Leaf Gardens store in Toronto, the conversation explores how a classically trained chef from Sudbury, Ontario, built a thriving frozen-food company rooted in local agriculture, culinary craftsmanship, and comfort-food innovation in PEI.

Sarah’s journey started with a passion for cooking and formal culinary training. After earning her Red Seal certification at just 20, she worked across Canada before settling in Prince Edward Island, where a pivotal culinary discovery occurred. While experimenting with recipes from an Outlander-inspired cookbook, Sarah recreated a traditional Scottish hand pie using ingredients from the local PEI farmers’ market. Tasting her creation with her husband, Sarah instantly recognized its uniqueness.

What began as a small restaurant and takeout operation soon evolved into a larger entrepreneurial vision. Through a $10,000 Kickstarter campaign and a tiny 580-square-foot kitchen, Bennetto O’Brien launched the first version of The Handpie Company. The product quickly developed a loyal following thanks to its buttery pastry, creative fillings and strong commitment to local sourcing.

Today, The Handpie Company produces hundreds to thousands of hand pies per day, offering a wide range of flavours. The lineup includes classics such as chicken pot pie alongside inventive creations like bacon cheeseburger, curry chickpea and beet, corn and goat cheese — all built around a buttery pastry made with PEI butter and locally milled heritage grain flour.

A key achievement for the business came when Bennetto O’Brien decided to pursue and successfully obtained federal CFIA licensing, permitting the company to distribute products beyond Prince Edward Island. Achieving certification for meat, dairy, and egg production required two years of construction and investment in a new production facility, ultimately enabling entry into national retail markets.

Her efforts paid off when, through Loblaw’s Small Supplier Program—designed to help emerging Canadian food entrepreneurs—Bennetto O’Brien secured distribution for The Handpie Company across Atlantic Canada after a successful pitch in Toronto. This achievement expanded reach through Loblaw’s Moncton distribution centre.

Throughout the conversation, Bennetto O’Brien shares candid insights and advice about the realities of scaling a food brand — from balancing culinary creativity with operational discipline to navigating retail portals and grocery supply chains.

At its core, The Handpie Company remains deeply rooted in its founding values: supporting local farmers, maintaining ingredient quality and giving back through the company’s “Pie It Forward” program, which provides food donations to shelters and food banks.

Looking ahead, Bennetto O’Brien has an ambitious goal — bringing hand pies to a much larger Canadian audience, starting with expansion into Ontario.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Stewart Samuel, Director of Retail Futures at IGD, on Global Grocery Retail Best Practices & What Retail Looks Like in Ten Years

michael@meleblanc.co (Stuart Samuel) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Recorded live inside a Real Canadian Superstore in Port Coquitlam, this episode of The FEED Powered by Loblaw features an in-depth conversation with Stewart Samuel, Director of Retail Futures at IGD. Together, we explore the future of grocery retail, AI-driven commerce, hypermarket reinvention, and the evolving expectations of Canadian shoppers.

Stewart leads IGD’s global insights and foresight work, tracking retail signals and innovations that will shape the next five to seven years. He outlines IGD’s “Store of the Future” framework — built on four pillars: enhanced experience, optimized operations, value delivery, and positive impact (including health and sustainability). This very store ranks among IGD’s global Top 25 must-see stores — and Stewart explains why.

We examine how Loblaw’s hypermarket model is evolving amid global pressure on large-format retail. From elevated beauty and health services to clear value messaging, loyalty integration, and improved sightlines, the modern store blends experience with efficiency. Stewart highlights how omnichannel fulfillment — especially in-store picking and third-party partnerships — has become foundational post-COVID, reflecting a structural shift in grocery e-commerce penetration.

A major theme of the episode: AI’s accelerating role in grocery. From demand forecasting and pricing optimization to generative AI and emerging “agentic AI,” Stewart shares why he believes non-food retail will see transformation first, while grocery follows at a more deliberate pace. We discuss AI agents making autonomous purchase decisions, the future of personalization, and the implications for retail media and digital monetization.

Stewart also predicts that even by 2040, grocery e-commerce will likely remain under 20% of total sales — reinforcing that physical stores remain central. However, they will become increasingly “hyper-connected,” powered by data that enhances workforce productivity, operational efficiency, and customer engagement.

Finally, we explore trust as retail’s emerging superpower in an AI-driven world. As consumers navigate misinformation and digital complexity, trusted grocery brands may hold a distinct competitive advantage.

If you want to understand where grocery retail is headed — from format innovation to AI, omnichannel, loyalty ecosystems, and the future of store operations — this conversation delivers clarity, strategy, and foresight.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

The Business of Better Milk: John Miller and Marie Miller, Co-Owners of Miller’s Dairy, on Scaling with Integrity

michael@meleblanc.co (John Miller, Marie Miller) — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 09:05:28 +0000

Some of the most remarkable food stories in Canada do not begin in corporate boardrooms—they begin on farms, with families deeply committed to quality. In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with John Miller and Marie Miller, co-owners of Miller’s Dairy, recorded live at the Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws flagship store.

Miller’s Dairy is a multi-generational Ontario dairy whose history stretches back to the late 1800s, including a family legacy tied to the earliest use of glass milk bottles in Canada. Today, that heritage lives on through a fully integrated, family-run operation where the Millers grow feed, milk Jersey cows, process their dairy products on-site, and deliver directly to stores—often within the same regional communities.

A key differentiator is their exclusive use of Jersey cows, prized for milk with higher butterfat, protein, and natural sweetness. John explains how Jersey milk delivers richer flavour with a lower carbon footprint, while Marie highlights how those qualities reduce the need for added sugar in products like chocolate milk, strawberry milk, and eggnog. The result is dairy that tastes noticeably different on the shelf.

The conversation dives deep into craftsmanship and sustainability, including Miller’s commitment to reusable glass bottles with a deposit-return system, animal welfare practices focused on cow comfort, and a processing model designed to preserve freshness and quality. From mattresses and rotating brushes in the barn to meticulous bottle inspection, the Millers describe a philosophy rooted in respect—for animals, customers, and the product itself.

Listeners also hear the origin story behind some of Miller’s most beloved products, including their seasonal eggnog—custom-formulated after months of stove-top experimentation—and small-batch ice cream made using a restored vintage ice-cream machine from the 1950s. These products have helped the brand stand out in a competitive dairy category.

Finally, John and Marie share how persistence, strong relationships with store managers, and Loblaw’s support for small suppliers helped Miller’s Dairy expand thoughtfully while protecting quality. This episode is a powerful reminder that in an era of scale and speed, authenticity, patience, and pride of ownership still matter—and consumers can taste the difference.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Tapped In: Chad Jakeman, CEO Jakeman's Maple Products on Climate, Craft, and Building a Modern Maple Syrup Brand

michael@meleblanc.co (Chad Jakeman) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:05:00 +0000

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Chad Jakeman, Chief Executive Officer of Jakeman’s Maple Syrup Products, to explore how one of Canada’s most iconic food products is being scaled for modern retail—without losing its heritage.

Jakeman’s is a 150-year-old, family-owned Ontario business that now funnels more than half of the province’s maple syrup through its operation. Chad shares the remarkable evolution of the company, from his ancestors selling syrup roadside in rural Ontario to becoming a nationally recognized grocery brand found on shelves across Canada. The discussion offers a masterclass in how heritage brands can modernize while remaining deeply authentic.

The episode also dives into the realities of producing a climate-dependent product. Chad outlines how inconsistent winters, shifting freeze-thaw cycles, and regional weather differences across Ontario directly impact maple syrup yields. He explains the role of strategic maple syrup reserves in Quebec and why supply management is critical to ensuring industry stability during poor harvest years.

From a production standpoint, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the science of consistency. Chad describes how Jakeman’s blends traditional maple-making methods with modern processes—using filtration, charcoal, spectrometers, and precise density controls—to ensure every bottle delivers the same taste, colour, and quality.

Innovation and brand storytelling are recurring themes. Chad discusses the importance of a bold 2019 rebrand to stand out on crowded grocery shelves, how tourism and retailer feedback influence product extensions like maple cookies and maple cotton candy, and why authenticity consistently outperforms flashy marketing for growing Canadian food brands.

The conversation concludes with a forward-looking discussion on growth, including Western Canadian expansion, increased European exports, and the importance of diversification. Chad’s reflections on risk, resilience, and loving the work provide valuable insights for food entrepreneurs, retailers, and brand builders alike.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Get Ready for Season Two of The FEED powered by Loblaw!

michael@meleblanc.co (Michael LeBlanc) — Fri, 9 Jan 2026 08:05:00 +0000

Greetings and welcome to season two of The FEED, powered by Loblaw podcast!

We conceived of The FEED as an opportunity to showcase thought leaders, taste makers, innovative brands and leaders, who are making a difference in the grocery and health industries and helping Canadians Live Life Well.

We’re off to a great start, wrapping Season one and 2025 with a powerful interview with Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist from CIBC.

In this, our second season, we’re talking with amazing entrepreneurs and thought leaders from coast-to-coast - from The Handpie Company out of PEI to celebrating 42 years of innovation and natural beauty with Parissa in Vancouver - and plenty more in between!

So be sure and follow us on your favourite podcasting platform and our YouTube channel, and stay tuned for another season of The FEED, powered by Loblaw!

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC: The Real Risks—and Real Optimism—Facing Canada in 2026

michael@meleblanc.co (Benjamin Tal) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 09:30:00 +0000

In this wide-ranging and insightful conversation, Benjamin Tal, Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC, joins Michael LeBlanc to close out Season One of The FEED powered by Loblaw with a clear assessment of where Canada’s economy truly stands—and where it is headed.

Tal opens by reframing the post-pandemic narrative. While Canada avoided a formal recession, he characterizes the economy as “resilient, not strong.” Growth has been uneven, investment remains negative, housing markets in Ontario and British Columbia are in recessionary territory, and recent GDP strength was driven more by falling imports than genuine momentum. Consumers and exports are holding up—for now—but the foundation is fragile.

One of Tal’s strongest warnings centers on youth unemployment, now hovering around 15%. Drawing parallels to the 1990s jobless recovery, he explains that entering the labour market during a downturn can permanently damage earnings and career trajectories. This, he argues, is one of the most underappreciated risks facing Canada today and should be a priority for policymakers.

The conversation then turns to global forces shaping food inflation and affordability. Tal is blunt: U.S. political volatility—particularly trade policy and tariffs—remains the single biggest external risk. While tariffs are unlikely to disappear, Tal believes political realities will force compromise, leading to narrower, sector-specific impacts. Industries such as lumber, steel, aluminum, and energy face real exposure, while Canada’s auto sector may structurally shrink over time.

On immigration, Tal offers a nuanced and data-driven perspective. He acknowledges Canada overcorrected in 2023 but explains why the current shift toward converting non-permanent residents already in Canada into permanent residents could improve productivity outcomes. These newcomers tend to be younger, unattached, and already integrated into the workforce—delivering a stronger economic multiplier.

AI emerges as a defining structural force. Tal argues that with margins under pressure from deglobalization, labour shortages, and sustainability costs, AI is no longer optional.

The episode closes on cautious optimism. Tal believes stable interest rates, infrastructure spending, and diminishing policy uncertainty could make 2026 a transitional year—weak in the first half, stronger in the second—setting the stage for a much better 2027, provided geopolitical shocks do not derail progress.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Inside Loblaw’s Autonomous Middle Mile Supply Chain with Rich Steiner, Vice President at Gatik

michael@meleblanc.co (Richard Steiner) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 08:05:00 +0000

Autonomous vehicles have long been promised as the future of logistics, but in this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, that future arrives decisively in Canada. Host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Rich Steiner, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at Gatik, to explore how Loblaw and Gatik are launching Canada’s first fully autonomous, commercial middle-mile delivery operation, moving goods between facilities across Ontario—safely, legally, and at scale.

Steiner outlines Gatik’s evolution from a Silicon Valley garage startup to a North American autonomous trucking leader, now operating hundreds of vehicles across multiple jurisdictions. Unlike long-haul autonomous trucking or last-mile consumer delivery, Gatik specializes in regional, middle-mile logistics—the critical but often invisible segment that connects distribution centres, micro-fulfillment hubs, and retail stores. This is where retailers feel the greatest operational strain, particularly in an era defined by on-demand consumer expectations, labour shortages, and supply-chain volatility.

A central theme of the conversation is safety by design. Steiner explains how Gatik’s autonomous driving system integrates LiDAR, radar, cameras, and GNSS to create 360-degree visibility—day or night, in snow, fog, or dust storms. The trucks operate with no blind spots, prioritize defensive driving strategies, and even reroute to avoid unprotected left turns when safer alternatives exist. This safety-first philosophy extends beyond the vehicle itself, encompassing rigorous simulation testing, phased deployment, and extensive collaboration with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation.

The episode also dives into regulatory leadership, positioning Ontario as Canada’s most advanced jurisdiction for autonomous commercial vehicles. Under a new provincial framework launched in 2025, Gatik is deploying 50 autonomous trucks for Loblaw, representing the largest single autonomous trucking deployment in North America. Steiner discusses why harmonized regulations across provinces—and eventually across borders—will be essential to unlocking the next phase of scale.

From a retail perspective, the implications are profound. Autonomous middle-mile delivery improves reliability, reduces costs, enhances supply-chain resilience, and supports store-level inventory precision—especially during peak periods like the holiday season. Importantly, Steiner emphasizes that autonomy is not about replacing workers, but augmenting existing transportation networks to meet rising consumer demand.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Natacha Rey, Founder of Lemon Aide, on Turning Natural Cleaning Into a National Canadian Brand

michael@meleblanc.co (Natacha Rey) — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 08:05:00 +0000

This episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw features an inspiring and deeply practical conversation with Natacha Rey, Founder of Lemon Aide—the breakout Canadian brand reinventing how consumers think about cleaning products. Natacha's entrepreneurial journey is anything but conventional. Raised on an organic farm, connected to nature from an early age, and later trained in homoeopathic medicine in Australia, Natacha combined science and nature to build products designed to help the body—and the home—heal and thrive.

Lemon Aide was born out of parental necessity when Natacha’s daughter was young. Frustrated by shelves full of harsh chemical cleaners on one side and weak, vinegar-based solutions on the other, she envisioned a line that was safe, effective, beautifully scented, and a pleasure to use. What started as a personal solution quickly caught fire once Natacha shared her products with friends and family—sparking demand that revealed she wasn’t alone in wanting a better cleaning experience.

Today, Lemon Aide offers more than 15 products—surface cleaners, dish soap, glass cleaners, floor cleaners, hand wash, and even super-strength formulas—each grounded in performance and powered by lemons. Natacha credits her brand’s success to listening obsessively to customers who continually help shape new product development. Lemon Aide’s packaging, intentionally designed to leap off the shelf, has made the brand a destination for shoppers discovering it for the first time.

Natacha also shares her path into retail—one that didn’t begin with knocking on a buyer’s door. Instead, a Fortinos executive discovered Lemon Aide in her Niagara-on-the-Lake store, leading to a listing and then conversations inside Loblaw and ultimately participation in the Small Supplier Program. She explains why this program has been transformational: it gives emerging Canadian brands access to scale, support, and advocacy they’d struggle to attain through traditional listing processes. The result is a win for Loblaw, for entrepreneurs, and for consumers seeking products aligned with values like sustainability, safety, and performance.

Natacha also dives into co-packing, manufacturing at scale, and the emotional reality of entrepreneurship—how conviction, agility, reflection, and perseverance define the path forward. With international expansion underway, including meaningful traction in China, LemonAide is proof that the world is ready for natural products that work—and that Canadian innovation is having a moment.

This episode is a masterclass for anyone who cares about retail, consumer behaviour, brand building, and the future of sustainable, nature-powered household care.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Danni Peirce, Chief Sourcing Officer at Loblaw, on Reinventing Canadian Retail Sourcing and Empowering Homegrown Brands

michael@meleblanc.co (Danni Peirce) — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 09:45:18 +0000

In the latest episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes Danni Peirce, Chief Sourcing Officer at Loblaw Companies Limited, for an energizing conversation that offers a fresh lens on retail sourcing in Canada. Still less than a year into her role with the company, Peirce brings a seasoned global executive perspective, shaped by two decades of sourcing and leadership roles across international retail markets. Her newcomer status gives her a unique vantage point: she sees Canada’s retail ecosystem with eyes trained by global scale, complexity, and opportunity.

Danni's responsibilities are immense—she oversees everything Loblaw buys, from fresh produce and grocery products to health and beauty items and goods not for resale. Since arriving in Canada, she has been struck by both the country’s vastness and its diversity, elements that deeply influence sourcing and consumption. Her international career has taught her how geography, culture, customer makeup, and supply chains intersect in different regions; in Canada, she sees a retail landscape defined by national scale but regional nuance.

One of Peirce’s most compelling observations is the consumer-driven shift toward Canadian-made products. Tariffs and global supply chain disruptions created a once-in-a-generation reset—forcing shoppers to try new brands, especially domestic ones. Loblaw recognized the moment and responded decisively: 80% of suppliers onboarded this year are Canadian, a move Peirce describes as both a customer-driven insight and a strategic opportunity. Having worked in markets where domestic sourcing rarely carried emotional weight, Peirce notes that Canada’s embrace of local brands is meaningful, measurable, and—critically—sticky.

Her global experience also informs her thinking about supplier development. In many markets, retail scale is a barrier for small brands; Loblaw has flipped that dynamic. Peirce outlines the company’s Small Supplier Program, which provides:

Seven-day payment terms to reduce cash pressure
Free access to Loblaw’s performance and sales data
A dedicated internal team to guide suppliers through systems, processes, and growth

She calls the program a competitive differentiator and proof of Loblaw’s commitment to nurturing Canadian innovation. Brands aren’t just getting shelf space—they’re growing into national players, with some now graduating out of the program and scaling up their capabilities.

Looking ahead, Peirce highlights AI as the most exciting unlock for sourcing. Her global sourcing experience lets her spot where technology can add leverage, particularly in commodity tracking, forecasting, and productivity enhancement. Sustainability also features prominently in her mandate, with aggressive goals around carbon reduction, packaging standards, and ingredient responsibility—strategic pillars shaped by the expectations of Canadian consumers and global retail shifts.

Peirce closes by offering advice grounded in her cross-market career: stay close to customers, learn relentlessly, and understand the priorities of your retail partners. Her clear message? Canada is entering a new era of sourcing—one energized by innovation, supported by scale, and powered by the curiosity of leaders who see opportunity everywhere.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

How Twigz Pretzels Became a Canadian Sensation: A Conversation with Co-Founder Mark Brandt

michael@meleblanc.co (Michael LeBlanc) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:13:01 +0000

In this episode of The FEED powered by Loblaw, Michael welcomes Mark Brandt, Co-Founder of Twigz Pretzels, one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most talked-about snack brands. Twigz has captured national attention with its bold flavour innovation, uniquely Canadian brand identity, and remarkable growth story — a journey built by a tight-knit sibling team that turned a simple spark of inspiration into a rapidly scaling CPG success.

Mark begins by sharing Twigz’s humble origins: late-night recipe testing in their mom’s kitchen, weekend farmers’ market sampling, and the early hustle required to validate whether Canadians were ready for a pretzel that was anything but ordinary. From their flagship Buttery Herb flavour to fan favourites like Dill, Cheddar Ranch, Jalapeño, Sour Cream & Onion, and the runaway hit Cinnamon Churro, Twigz has leaned into flavour creativity and consumer curiosity — and Canadians have responded in droves.

Listeners get an inside look at the realities of launching a premium snack brand in a category dominated by global giants. Mark speaks candidly about working nights and weekends, learning the CPG world from scratch, and building distribution one store at a time. The conversation also highlights the company’s breakthrough partnership with Air Canada, in which its pretzels became a beloved onboard snack, massively accelerating brand awareness and trial.

Mark also shares the pivotal role of strong retail partners, particularly Loblaws, in supporting Canadian small suppliers with access, guidance, and national visibility — including giving Twigz a showcase at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. He explains how the “Buy Canadian” movement continues to boost trial and loyalty, especially as consumers increasingly seek Canadian-made, independent brands.

A significant highlight of the episode is Twigz’s national U.S. launch in Kroger, one of America’s largest grocery retailers. This milestone speaks to the company’s strong operations, flavour innovation, and cross-border potential.

Mark discusses the complexity, volume, and operational rigour required to scale at that level while staying true to their Canadian roots and long-term goal of becoming a bona fide Canadian snack icon.

Mark closes with candid lessons for fellow food entrepreneurs: focus intensely on product quality, build a team with complementary strengths, master cash flow, and never underestimate the value of sampling, trial, and consumer engagement.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Canadian CPG innovation, retail growth strategy, and the inspirational journey of building a national brand from scratch.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

From Inflation to Innovation: Retail Expert Bruce Winder Talks Canada’s Grocery Future

michael@meleblanc.co (Bruce Winder) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:05:00 +0000

In the premiere episode of The Feed powered by Loblaw, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with retail industry leader, author, and analyst Bruce Winder for an in-depth exploration of the trends reshaping Canada's grocery landscape. With over two decades of experience at Canadian Tire, Air Miles, Zellers, HBC, and Sears, Bruce brings insider knowledge to today's most significant retail questions — from food inflation to AI-driven change.

Bruce begins by tracing his retail roots and his evolution from executive to educator and now Substack publisher, where his column This Week, Double Click offers thoughtful analysis on earnings and retail strategy. The conversation quickly shifts to the pressing issue of food inflation, as Bruce explains why prices are rising again — from supply chain pressures and weather disruptions to currency fluctuations — and how grocers balance supplier costs with delivering value to shoppers.

Drawing on his years as a merchant, Bruce explains the delicate negotiation between retailers and vendors when cost increases hit the shelf. He highlights the importance of data, collaboration, and transparency, noting how Loblaw and other retailers are using public communication, signage, and digital tools to build consumer trust amid rising costs.

From there, the conversation expands to consumer behaviour, including the shift toward hard discount formats like No Frills, the rise of private labels, and how younger shoppers are redefining convenience through paid delivery and digital loyalty ecosystems. Bruce also offers a compelling take on the Buy Canadian movement, describing it as a lasting tailwind for homegrown brands — one that's altering purchase habits and national sentiment alike.

Looking ahead, Bruce and Michael discuss AI in retail, both as a back-end operational tool and a front-end consumer influence. They explore how retailers must adapt to an era where shoppers increasingly use AI platforms to discover, evaluate, and purchase products — raising new questions of trust, authenticity, and authority in the digital age.

Closing out the episode, Bruce shares advice for consumers navigating higher prices: be informed, choose trusted retailers, leverage loyalty programs, and understand the trade-offs between fresh, frozen, and private label. Insightful, candid, and timely, this episode delivers a masterclass in modern retail strategy and consumer understanding.

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc

Get Ready for The FEED powered by Loblaw!

michael@meleblanc.co (Michael LeBlanc) — Mon, 3 Nov 2025 21:15:57 +0000

Get ready for The Feed podcast, Powered by Loblaw! We conceived of The Feed as an opportunity to showcase thought leaders, taste makers, innovative food and health brands, and, yes, a few key Loblaw executives who are making a difference in the grocery and health industries, together helping Canadians Live Life Well!

The Feed powered by Loblaw is produced and hosted by Michael LeBlanc, and in our first season, we'll take a snapshot of business and industry thought leaders in Canada, meet innovative food brands, and hear their real, inspiring stories of innovation and perseverance. We'll meet a Loblaw retail executive who is both new to the country and new to the Canadian retail scene, learning firsthand about her impressions of our market, how she is navigating the big-picture retail trends and disruptive forces around us, and how she is helping shape the future of Canada's largest retailer.

So be sure to follow us on your favourite podcast platform or watch and listen to our episodes on our new YouTube channel, The Feed Powered by Loblaw, launching soon!

About Your Host, Michael LeBlanc