When you’re shopping for groceries in Western Canada, you might wonder about the company behind your local Save-On-Foods store. Save-On-Foods is owned by the Pattison Food Group, which is part of the larger Jim Pattison Group conglomerate based in Vancouver, Canada.
The supermarket chain has been a familiar name in Canadian communities since the banner was launched in 1982.
The Jim Pattison Group has expanded its grocery empire significantly over the years. In fact, the company owns multiple grocery chains across Canada, making it Canada’s largest Western-based provider of food and health products.
Recently, the company has even grown into the United States market by purchasing the 194-store U.S. grocery chain Save Mart.
Key Takeaways
- Save-On-Foods is part of the Pattison Food Group, owned by Canadian billionaire Jim Pattison’s conglomerate.
- The grocery chain has operated under the Save-On-Foods banner since 1982 and is headquartered in British Columbia.
- The Jim Pattison Group has recently expanded into the U.S. market while maintaining its position as Western Canada’s largest food retailer.
History of Save on Foods
Save on Foods has deep roots in Western Canadian grocery retail, evolving from a single store to become one of Canada’s notable supermarket chains.
The company has undergone significant transformation since its humble beginnings, including changes in ownership and branding.
Founding and Origins
The story begins in 1915 when Robert C. Kidd opened a grocery store called “R.C. Kidd” in New Westminster, British Columbia. This store would eventually become the Overwaitea Food Group, the predecessor to today’s Save on Foods.
The name “Overwaitea” has an interesting origin. Legend says that Kidd would give customers 18 ounces of tea for the price of 16 ounces—literally providing “over weight” tea. This customer-friendly approach helped establish the brand’s reputation.
The Save on Foods banner itself was launched much later, in 1982. This new brand represented a fresh direction for the company while maintaining its commitment to value and customer service.
Growth and Expansion
The company experienced significant growth over the decades. A pivotal moment came when the Jim Pattison Group acquired the Overwaitea Food Group, bringing Save on Foods under its umbrella of companies. Today, it operates as part of the Pattison Food Group Ltd.
The leadership has been stable in recent decades. Darrell Jones began his career with the company in 1976, bagging groceries after school at an Overwaitea Foods in Cranbrook, B.C. He later rose through the ranks to become president.
In recent years, the parent company has continued expanding its grocery operations. A notable development occurred when the Jim Pattison Group acquired the 194-store U.S. grocery chain Save Mart, based in California, signaling the company’s growth ambitions beyond Canada.
Ownership Structure
Save-On-Foods is part of a larger business network with clear ownership ties. The grocery chain’s corporate structure shows how it fits into one of Canada’s significant business empires.
Parent Company
Save-On-Foods is owned by the Pattison Food Group, which itself is a division of The Jim Pattison Group. This makes Save-On-Foods part of one of Canada’s largest privately-held companies.
The Pattison Food Group serves as Canada’s largest Western-based provider of food and health products. The group is led by Darrell Jones, who also serves as the President of Save-On-Foods.
Each business under the Pattison Food Group umbrella continues to operate with its own identity while benefiting from the larger corporate structure’s resources and support.
Ownership Changes Over Time
Save-On-Foods has maintained relatively stable ownership compared to other grocery chains. It has been part of the Jim Pattison Group’s portfolio for many years, providing continuity in its operations and business approach.
The most significant development came with the formation of the Pattison Food Group, which brought together various food-related businesses under one division within the larger Jim Pattison corporate structure.
This reorganization helped streamline operations while maintaining the individual brands that consumers recognize throughout Western Canada.
Majority Stakeholders
Jim Pattison, a Canadian business magnate, is the primary stakeholder in Save-On-Foods through his ownership of The Jim Pattison Group. As a privately-held company, detailed ownership percentages aren’t publicly disclosed.
The Jim Pattison Group has shown continued interest in expanding its grocery holdings. In 2024, they acquired the U.S. grocery chain owner Save Mart Companies, which operates 194 stores.
This acquisition demonstrates the group’s commitment to growth in the food retail sector beyond Canadian borders and strengthens their position in the North American grocery market.
Corporate Information
Save-On-Foods is owned by the Pattison Food Group, which is part of the larger Jim Pattison Group. The company has established itself as a significant player in the Canadian grocery market, with strong roots in Western Canada.
Headquarters Location
The Pattison Food Group, which operates Save-On-Foods, is headquartered in British Columbia, Canada. The company has maintained its Western Canadian base throughout its history, staying close to its roots while expanding its operations.
From this location, the company oversees its network of stores across Western Canada. The headquarters serves as the central hub for decision-making, strategic planning, and operational management for Save-On-Foods and other grocery banners under the Pattison Food Group umbrella.
The British Columbia headquarters reflects the company’s strong connection to Western Canada, where it has built its reputation as a leading food retailer.
Contact Information
Customers and business partners can reach Save-On-Foods through several channels. The company maintains customer service lines for inquiries, feedback, and concerns about products or services.
For corporate matters, interested parties can contact the headquarters directly. While specific phone numbers change periodically, the company’s website provides the most up-to-date contact information.
Save-On-Foods also maintains an active online presence, offering contact forms through their official website. This provides a convenient way for customers to reach out with questions or comments about their shopping experience.
Leadership and Management
Save-On-Foods operates under the leadership of Darrell Jones, who became President in 2012. Before taking on this role, Jones gained extensive experience in the grocery business, working in 23 different communities to learn the industry from various perspectives.
The company is ultimately owned by the Jim Pattison Group, a diversified conglomerate established in 1961 by Jim Pattison. This parent company has extensive holdings in various industries including food and beverage retail, specialty packaging, and advertising.
Under this leadership structure, Save-On-Foods has continued to grow and adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining its commitment to customers and communities.
Market Presence
Save-On-Foods has established itself as a significant player in the Canadian grocery market with strong geographic coverage and strategic growth initiatives. The company has carefully positioned itself against competitors while implementing focused market strategies to expand its footprint.
Competitive Positioning
Save-On-Foods has dramatically strengthened its market position over the past decade. After being purchased by the Pattison Food Group, the company increased its floor space by 140 percent and doubled its market share. This substantial growth has positioned the company as a major competitor in the Canadian grocery landscape.
With more than 185 stores across Canada, Save-On-Foods has created a significant retail presence. Food retail expert Sylvain Charlebois believes that Save-On-Foods has substantial competitive advantages due to its size and its position within the larger Jim Pattison Group conglomerate.
Save-On-Foods differentiates itself from competitors through its focus on fresh produce, local sourcing, and customer service. The company leverages its Canadian roots as a competitive advantage against international chains.
Market Strategy
Save-On-Foods’ market strategy centers on geographic expansion and integration within the broader Pattison Food Group. The company continues to open new locations across Canada, focusing on both urban centers and underserved communities.
In a significant strategic move, the Jim Pattison Group acquired the 194-store US grocery chain Save Mart, based in Modesto, California. This acquisition demonstrates the parent company’s commitment to expanding its grocery footprint beyond Canadian borders.
The company maintains a unified approach despite its growth. According to a media release, each of the Pattison Food Group businesses continues to operate with their own identities while benefiting from the collective strength of the group.
Save-On-Foods also emphasizes digital innovation, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced customer experiences as key elements of its market strategy.
Financial Overview
Save-On-Foods has established a strong financial position in the Canadian grocery market, with significant revenue figures and backing from its parent company. The supermarket chain continues to show growth potential within Western Canada’s competitive retail landscape.
Revenue and Profitability
According to recent data, Save-On-Foods generates substantial annual revenue. The company’s annual revenue was reported to be approximately $4.3 billion in 2025. This impressive figure demonstrates the chain’s significant market presence across Western Canada.
Another source estimates that Save-On-Foods, as a division of the Overwaitea Food Group, has an estimated annual revenue of $1.8 billion. The discrepancy between figures may reflect different reporting methods or timeframes.
The company’s profitability appears stable, benefiting from its position within the larger Pattison Food Group. This financial stability has allowed the chain to maintain its competitive edge and continue expanding its operations.
Investment and Share Performance
As Save-On-Foods is owned by the Pattison Food Group, it operates as a private company rather than a publicly traded entity. This means there are no traditional stock shares available for public investment or trading on stock exchanges.
The Jim Pattison Group, the parent conglomerate, has demonstrated its investment strategy through strategic acquisitions. In a notable move, the group purchased The Save Mart Companies, a West Coast supermarket company previously owned by a private equity firm.
This acquisition pattern shows the parent company’s commitment to expanding its grocery retail portfolio. For potential business partners or suppliers, this backing from a major Canadian conglomerate suggests financial stability and growth potential for Save-On-Foods.
Community and Social Responsibility
Save-On-Foods demonstrates a strong commitment to giving back and creating positive impacts. Their initiatives focus on environmental sustainability and active community involvement across Western Canada.
Sustainability Initiatives
Save-On-Foods has made impressive progress in waste reduction. Their company-wide program keeps over 93% of unsold food out of landfills. This initiative redirects edible food to charities, food banks, and local farms where it can benefit people and communities.
The program represents a significant environmental achievement while also addressing food insecurity issues. By diverting food waste, Save-On-Foods reduces their environmental footprint while supporting vulnerable populations.
Their sustainability efforts align with the Pattison Food Group’s broader corporate values, showing how the company integrates responsible practices into their business operations.
Community Engagement
Save-On-Foods actively supports various community programs throughout Western Canada. One of their notable initiatives is the Light the House campaign supporting Ronald McDonald Houses across the region.
The company lives up to its motto of “Going the Extra Mile for customers in every community served, every day”. This philosophy guides their approach to community involvement and customer service.
Their community support extends beyond charitable donations. They also actively participate in local events and programs. The company’s expansion under Pattison Food Group has allowed them to increase their community presence and impact throughout Western Canada.
