Who Owns Sobeys?
Sobeys is owned by Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A), a publicly traded Canadian conglomerate headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire reported strong Q4 and full-year fiscal 2025 results, with approximately $31 billion in annualized sales and $17 billion in assets. Empire operates Sobeys as its primary subsidiary alongside Farm Boy, Foodland, FreshCo, Safeway Canada, IGA, and a 51% stake in Longo's.
Parent Company
Empire Company Limited
Founded
1907
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Who Owns Sobeys?
- Parent Company: Empire Company Limited
- Ownership Type: Subsidiary
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: TSX: EMP.A
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sobeys | Empire Company Limited | Subsidiary |
History of Sobeys
- Founded: 1907
- Founders: John W. Sobey
Sobeys was founded in 1907 by John W. Sobey in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, as a meat delivery business. This founding vision demonstrated exceptional insight into the growing demand for retail ecommerce solutions while establishing a distinctive approach that would define the retail ecommerce category for generations. The company expanded throughout the early 20th century, adding grocery items and opening additional stores across Nova Scotia. This strategic positioning demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to create differentiated retail ecommerce solutions while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards that would define the brand for decades.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Sobeys grew through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, becoming a major regional grocery chain in Atlantic Canada. This period of excellence demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to scale operations while maintaining consistent brand positioning and quality standards across multiple retail ecommerce segments. The company expanded into other Canadian provinces and diversified its retail offerings. This strategic diversification demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to serve multiple consumer segments while maintaining its core brand identity and market leadership in the retail ecommerce industry.
In 1963, Empire Company Limited was established as a holding company for Sobeys and other business interests. This continued evolution demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and technological advancements. The company continued to grow through acquisitions, including the purchase of Oshawa Group in 1998, which significantly expanded Sobeys' presence in Ontario. This continued excellence demonstrates Sobeys's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the supermarket industry.
In recent years, Sobeys has continued to expand through acquisitions including Farm Boy (2018), Safeway Canada (2013), and various other retail chains, establishing itself as Canada's second-largest food retailer. This continued evolution demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to maintain market relevance while adapting to changing retail ecommerce requirements and corporate dynamics. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of supermarket and consumer-focused retail ecommerce solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct retail ecommerce identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Sobeys's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the supermarket industry. This continued success represents a significant milestone in the evolution of supermarket and consumer-focused retail ecommerce solutions. This strategic partnership demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to leverage corporate resources while maintaining its distinct retail ecommerce identity and market leadership. This continued excellence demonstrates Sobeys's exceptional ability to maintain market leadership while adapting to changing retail ecommerce dynamics and regulatory requirements. This strategic integration demonstrated Sobeys's exceptional ability to integrate into larger retail ecommerce corporations while maintaining its core brand identity and cultural significance in the supermarket industry.
About Empire Company Limited
Who owns Empire Company?
Empire Company is controlled by the Sobey family through their private holding company Sobey Inc., which holds a majority of the voting shares. The company's Class A non-voting shares (EMP.A) trade on the TSX and are owned by public shareholders.
Is Empire Company publicly traded?
Yes, Empire Company's Class A non-voting shares (EMP.A) trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange. However, the Sobey family retains effective control through their ownership of voting shares.
What is Sobeys?
Sobeys is Empire Company's flagship grocery banner and Canada's second-largest grocery chain. Sobeys traces its roots to 1907 when J.W. Sobey opened a meat delivery business in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Today, Sobeys operates full-service supermarkets across Canada.
When was Empire Company founded?
Empire Company Limited was incorporated in 1963 as a holding company for Sobeys and other Sobey family business interests. The Sobeys grocery business itself dates to 1907.
What is Empire Company's revenue?
In fiscal year 2024 (ended May 4, 2024), Empire Company reported revenues of approximately $32.3 billion.
What is Voila?
Voila by Sobeys is Empire Company's online grocery delivery service, powered by Ocado's automated fulfillment technology. Voila operates customer fulfillment centers in Ontario and Alberta, delivering groceries to customers' homes.
- Founded: 1963
- Headquarters: Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: TSX: EMP.A
Where Is Sobeys Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Manufacturing / Operations: Canada, All ten provinces
Sobeys Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Strong brand recognition and market presence across Canada
- +Diversified portfolio of retail banners serving different segments
- +Established supply chain and distribution network
- +Significant scale and purchasing power in food retail
- +Family influence providing long-term strategic direction
Considerations
- -Intense competition from other major Canadian retailers
- -Need for continuous digital transformation and e-commerce investment
- -Dependence on Canadian consumer spending patterns
- -Challenges in traditional retail amid changing shopping habits
- -Integration of acquired brands and operational systems
Frequently Asked Questions About Sobeys
Competitors to Sobeys
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Weston Limited | Canada | 1919 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Coles Group | Australia | 1914 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Woolworths Group | Australia | 1924 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Issa Brothers | United Kingdom | 1949 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Aldi Sud | Germany | 1946 | Mass Market | Europe | All Genders | |
| Aldi Sud | USA | 1967 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Loblaws
Owned by George Weston Limited
Canadian retailer encompassing corporate and franchise supermarkets operating under various banners, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and financial services.

Coles Group
Owned by Coles Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain and retailer operating grocery stores, liquor outlets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving millions of customers weekly.

Woolworths Australia
Owned by Woolworths Group Limited
Australian supermarket chain operating grocery stores, fresh food markets, and convenience stores across Australia, serving as the country's largest supermarket retailer.

Asda
Owned by Issa Brothers (TDR Capital)
British supermarket chain offering groceries, clothing, and general merchandise, owned by TDR Capital and the Issa brothers through their EG Group.

Aldi
Owned by ALDI SÜD
German discount supermarket chain operating globally with a focus on private label products, efficient operations, and low prices across thousands of stores worldwide.

Trader Joe's
Owned by ALDI SÜD
American grocery retail brand known for specialty foods and private-label products owned by Aldi.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Sobeys competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Empire Company Limited Stock Information
Jobs at Empire Company Limited
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