DoorDash has unveiled one of its most significant grocery expansions in Canada to date, marking a major step forward in its strategy to strengthen its presence in the rapidly growing online grocery sector. Through a new partnership with Empire Company Limited, the platform is adding more than 1,000 stores across all 10 Canadian provinces, dramatically increasing access to on-demand grocery delivery for millions of consumers nationwide.
This expansion reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, as demand for convenient, fast, and flexible shopping options continues to rise. Grocery has emerged as one of the fastest-growing categories for DoorDash in Canada, fueled by busy lifestyles, urbanization, and increasing comfort with digital commerce. By integrating Empire’s extensive retail network, DoorDash is positioning itself as a central hub for everyday essentials, bridging the gap between traditional grocery retail and modern, app-based convenience.
At the heart of the partnership is the addition of 12 well-known grocery banners under Empire’s umbrella. These include widely recognized names such as Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Farm Boy, and Longo’s. In addition to these full-service grocery stores, the partnership also brings a range of convenience-focused banners onto the platform, including Needs, Boni-Soir, and Voisin. Together, these brands offer a comprehensive mix of premium, value-oriented, and neighborhood shopping options.
With this move, DoorDash now collaborates with four of the five largest grocery companies in Canada based on reported sales, underscoring its growing influence within the country’s retail ecosystem. The partnership not only expands DoorDash’s footprint but also strengthens its competitive position against other delivery platforms and traditional grocers investing heavily in e-commerce capabilities.
Consumer engagement trends highlight why this expansion is particularly timely. As of December 2025, approximately 25% of DoorDash’s monthly active users in Canada were engaging with categories beyond restaurant delivery, including grocery, convenience, alcohol, and general retail. This shift signals a transformation in how consumers view delivery platforms—not just as a source for meals, but as an all-in-one solution for daily needs.
Mike Goldblatt, Vice President of Enterprise Business Development and Partnerships at DoorDash, emphasized the importance of the collaboration in addressing modern consumer challenges. He noted that Empire’s coast-to-coast presence and strong brand recognition make it a natural partner for expanding access to high-quality grocery options. As time constraints become a defining feature of daily life, services that save consumers time—whether through full weekly grocery orders or last-minute dinner solutions—are becoming increasingly valuable.
From a product perspective, the integration significantly enhances the breadth and depth of offerings available on DoorDash. On average, consumers can now browse nearly 10,000 items per store from Empire’s banners. These include fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples, frozen goods, household necessities, and even pharmacy items. This wide assortment ensures that customers can complete comprehensive shopping trips without needing to visit multiple stores or platforms.
Speed is another critical factor driving adoption. Grocery orders placed through DoorDash are delivered in under 60 minutes on average in Canada’s five largest cities. This rapid fulfillment capability is particularly appealing to urban consumers juggling work, family, and social commitments, as well as those seeking immediate solutions for meal preparation or household needs.
For Empire Company Limited, the partnership represents an opportunity to extend its digital reach and adapt to evolving consumer expectations. Mohit Grover, Senior Vice President of eCommerce at the company, highlighted the role of partnerships with local commerce platforms in enhancing accessibility and convenience. By integrating with DoorDash, Empire can complement its physical store network while offering customers more flexible ways to shop.
The collaboration also includes a creative consumer engagement component designed to showcase the practical benefits of on-demand grocery shopping. DoorDash has partnered with Sylvia Nguyen, the creator behind Nguyen Food Stall, known for her approachable Vietnamese-inspired recipes. As part of the initiative, Nguyen has curated three weeknight recipes tailored for busy households.
These recipes are designed to be prepared in an hour or less and make efficient use of overlapping ingredients, helping consumers maximize the value of their grocery purchases. This approach not only simplifies meal planning but also addresses concerns about food waste and rising grocery costs—two key issues for many households. By demonstrating how a single grocery basket can support multiple meals, the campaign reinforces the practicality and cost-effectiveness of using DoorDash for everyday shopping.
In addition to inspiration, the partnership offers tangible incentives for consumers to try the service. From April 27 to May 3, 2026, customers can receive 30% off one order from participating grocery banners within Empire’s portfolio on DoorDash by using a promotional code at checkout. This limited-time offer is designed to encourage trial and showcase the convenience of ordering groceries through the platform.
Ultimately, the expansion signals a broader evolution in the retail and delivery landscape. As digital adoption accelerates, partnerships like this one are redefining how consumers access essential goods. By combining Empire’s trusted grocery brands with DoorDash’s logistics and technology platform, the collaboration creates a seamless shopping experience that meets the demands of modern life.
Looking ahead, the continued growth of on-demand grocery services is likely to drive further innovation in areas such as inventory management, delivery efficiency, and personalized recommendations. For consumers, this means greater choice, faster service, and more integrated shopping experiences. For retailers and platforms, it represents an ongoing opportunity to capture market share in an increasingly competitive and digitally driven environment.
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