Expanding Market Access for Indigenous-Made Foods

The NCIAF is proud to announce the first initiative under our National Market Access Strategy, developed through our partnership with Sobeys Inc., a subsidiary of Empire Company Limited.

Together, we launched a dedicated display of Indigenous-made products. Manitoba was selected after Sobeys identified it as the province where customers most frequently asked for greater access to Indigenous products.

This initiative represents more than retail merchandising. It is a practical step toward removing barriers for Indigenous entrepreneurs, increasing product visibility, and creating new pathways to mainstream markets. The insights gained through this initiative will help build a scalable model that can expand opportunities for Indigenous businesses across Canada.

We believe meaningful partnerships create meaningful outcomes. By bringing together industry, Indigenous entrepreneurs, and consumer demand, we are helping build a stronger, more inclusive Canadian food system. This is more than a display. It is another step toward making Indigenous-made products part of everyday shopping across Canada.

Help Us Discover Canada's Indigenous Food Businesses

Do you own an Indigenous food business? Or do you know someone who does? As we expand our partnerships and prepare for future retail opportunities, we're looking for local, regional, and national Indigenous food products from across Canada. We're inviting Indigenous food businesses to become Featured Suppliers in the Indigenous Food Hub, a growing national network that helps connect Indigenous products with retailers, distributors, and other buyers looking to source Indigenous-made foods. These entrepreneurs will also receive exclusive access to our NCIAF/Sobeys Grocery Readiness Series, designed to help prepare Indigenous businesses for success in grocery retail. Know an Indigenous producer? Please share this opportunity and help us ensure Indigenous food businesses from
every corner of Canada are represented.

Become a Featured Supplier today on our Food Hub.