Toronto, ON, June 22, 2017 – Metro announced today the arrival in store of 60 new products from 18 different suppliers from the South-Western Ontario region (defined as London, Windsor and surrounding areas of both cities). The products will be from the frozen grocery, dairy, grocery, deli, seafood and produce categories. As of this month, customers of 13 Metro stores in the South-Western Ontario market will be able to purchase unique products either made or developed in their area. Food Basics will launch the program in the region at a later date.
The roll-out to this market marks the second phase of the local purchasing program in Ontario, which kicked off in Ottawa in March 2017. The success of the local purchasing program will be continuously evaluated and will influence the program’s development in other markets in Ontario. The ultimate goal will be to have the local purchasing program available across the province.
"The variety and quality of products made in South-Western Ontario is second to none and we’re pleased to be able to offer more of them on our store shelves," said Joe Fusco, Senior Vice President, Metro Ontario. “Our customers ask us for more local products in store and now we’re able to deliver on that commitment.”
"I am delighted with Metro's initiative to work with local suppliers to provide consumers with a variety of food products from their region. Buying local food helps build a strong agri-food system that feeds Ontarians and the world every day, and helps grow our economy and create good jobs across the province. Our government is proud to support Foodland Ontario which is a fantastic local food partner for retailers, and Metro's work with Foodland Ontario is a great example of how we are helping Ontarians buy more of the good things that are grown here at home," said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
Suppliers now represented on store shelves include Shaw’s Ice-cream, Mapleton’s Organic, Bright’s Cheese, Bos Smoked Fish, Ironwood Coffee Co, The Garlic Box and more.
Local suppliers have expressed enthusiasm about being able to reach a wider market for their products by participating in the program.
"Being a part of Metro's local purchasing initiative will create new awareness of our Shaw's Ice Cream brand in their stores. We are excited for this opportunity, and appreciate Metro recognizing the wonderful local products South-Western Ontario has to offer” said Kelly Heniak of Shaw’s Ice Cream.
“The local initiative that Metro will be launching couldn't be better timed, or welcomed by our coffee lovers. Over the past 12 years our coffee has reached homes purely on word of mouth” said Maria Fiallos of Las Chicas Del Café coffee. “One neighbour tells another, friends introduce friends to our coffee after dinner, or a teacher receives our coffee as a Christmas gift. To have the opportunity through Metro to reach more homes, and to have more people discover our coffee in their local grocery store is so exciting for us”.
Local Purchasing Program
On June 10th, 2016, Metro launched its local purchasing program in Ontario, which aims to optimize the accessibility and promotion of local products. The program, which is part of Metro's overall corporate responsibility approach, is based on three guiding principles and aims to make Metro a unique showcase for regional products; A key partner of Foodland Ontario and sectoral agri-food associations that promote Ontario products; a key ally of to Ontario innovative suppliers. The local purchasing policy can be consulted on metro.ca. The Metro 2016 Corporate Responsibility Report is also available online at metro.ca/responsibility
About Metro inc.
With annual sales of over $12 billion and over 65,000 employees, METRO INC. is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical distribution in Québec and Ontario, where it operates a network of more than 600 food stores under several banners including Metro, Food Basics, Metro Plus and Super C, as well as over 250 drugstores under the Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.
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Mark Bernhardt
Communications Specialist
mark.bernhardt@metro.ca
(416) 234-6155