DoorDash Expands Grocery Delivery in Canada Through Major Partnership with Empire Company Limited
1. Overview of the Expansion
In a significant move to bolster its grocery delivery services in Canada, DoorDash Inc. (NASDAQ: DASH) announced on April 27, 2026, a strategic partnership with Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A). This collaboration will enable DoorDash to incorporate over 1,000 stores from Empire's diverse family of grocery banners into its marketplace. This expansion reflects the growing trend of consumers turning to on-demand grocery shopping, with DoorDash aiming to cater to the increasing demand for convenience.
2. New Grocery Offerings
The partnership introduces 12 grocery banners from Empire, including well-known names such as Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Farm Boy, and Longo’s. Additionally, convenience options like Needs, Boni-Soir, and Voisin are also now available on the DoorDash platform. This move positions DoorDash to partner with four of the five largest grocery companies in Canada, underscoring its commitment to providing consumers with a comprehensive and varied grocery shopping experience.
3. Meeting Consumer Demand
The expansion comes at a time when the demand for grocery services via delivery is on the rise. As of December 2025, 25% of DoorDash's monthly active users in Canada were engaging with grocery, convenience, alcohol, and retail categories. This statistic highlights the growing importance of grocery delivery services in the company's overall strategy.
Mike Goldblatt, Vice President of Enterprise Business Development and Partnerships at DoorDash, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Home to over a dozen banners spanning coast to coast, Empire is one of the most trusted names in Canadian grocery and retail. As Canadians increasingly face time pressure, DoorDash is proud to help give some time back through on-demand grocery delivery – whether it’s a full weekly shop or just for tonight’s dinner.”
4. Enhanced Consumer Experience
Consumers will benefit from access to nearly 10,000 items available on DoorDash per store from Empire’s brands, including fresh produce, pantry staples, household essentials, and pharmacy items. The average delivery time for grocery orders in Canada’s five largest cities is under 60 minutes, catering to the needs of busy consumers who seek efficient shopping solutions without sacrificing quality or selection.
Mohit Grover, Senior Vice President of eCommerce at Empire Company Limited, remarked on the partnership's potential: “As digital grocery adoption continues to grow, partnerships with local commerce platforms like DoorDash allow us to extend the reach of our banners and better serve evolving consumer expectations.”
5. Collaborative Recipe Initiative
To further enhance the shopping experience, DoorDash is collaborating with Sylvia Nguyen, the creator of Nguyen Food Stall, to introduce three weeknight recipes designed for Canadian households. The recipes are easy to prepare and utilize overlapping ingredients, allowing consumers to maximize their grocery budgets. The featured recipes include:
- Chicken Pho
- Lemongrass Chicken Fresh Rolls
- Lazy Girl Banh Cuon
This initiative not only showcases the versatility of Empire’s offerings but also emphasizes the convenience of ordering groceries on-demand through DoorDash.
6. Limited-Time Promotional Offer
To celebrate this new partnership, DoorDash is offering consumers a limited-time promotion from April 27 to May 3, 2026. Customers can receive a 30% discount on one order from any grocery banner within Empire Company Limited’s family of brands by using a promo code at checkout. This promotion serves as an incentive for consumers to explore the new offerings available on the platform.
7. Conclusion
DoorDash's expansion into the grocery sector in Canada through its partnership with Empire Company Limited marks a significant step in enhancing its service offerings. By integrating over 1,000 stores and promoting convenience through quick delivery and collaborative initiatives, DoorDash is poised to meet the evolving needs of Canadian consumers seeking efficient grocery shopping solutions. As the demand for on-demand grocery services continues to grow, this partnership may well position DoorDash at the forefront of the local commerce landscape in Canada.