For over 118 years, Purdys Chocolatier has been a Canadian staple when it comes to premium chocolate. Known for its rich, handcrafted chocolates and iconic treats like the hazelnut-filled hedgehogs, Purdys has built a loyal customer base by selling exclusively through its own stores and online platform. But recent shifts in consumer habits have pushed the brand into uncharted territory — expanding beyond its doors and into grocery stores for the very first time.
The Power of ‘Buy Canadian’
In recent years, there’s been a growing movement among Canadian consumers to support homegrown businesses and products. Whether driven by a desire to bolster the local economy, reduce carbon footprints, or ensure quality and ethical standards, many shoppers are making conscious choices to buy Canadian-made items. This cultural shift has been especially strong in the food and beverage sector, where consumers want to know the story behind what they’re eating.
Purdys is one of the brands riding this wave. The company has seen a remarkable increase in interest: website traffic surged by over 200%, and searches related to its Canadian roots increased by 300%. The Easter season alone saw a 25% boost in new customers compared to the previous year. This appetite for Canadian chocolates reflects a broader trend where customers are increasingly turning to familiar, trusted domestic brands.
Kriston Dean, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Purdys, shared that global uncertainties and tariff tensions have further fueled this demand. Shoppers are seeking brands that represent Canadian values and craftsmanship, and Purdys fits that description perfectly.
If you’re interested in other ways Canadians are celebrating and embracing their local culture, you might enjoy reading about Canada Day celebrations starting early with a poutine feast and live music. It’s a great example of how food and community bring Canadians together.
From Specialty Stores to Grocery Aisles
To meet this rising demand, Purdys has partnered with Pattison Food Group to introduce its chocolates into Save-On-Foods grocery stores across Western Canada. This marks a major strategic pivot for Purdys — stepping out from its traditional boutique stores into the everyday grocery environment.
Now, shoppers can find Purdys’ popular chocolate bars in flavors like mint, peanut butter, and salted butter toffee right alongside their regular groceries. Plus, the fan-favorite hedgehogs are available for purchase, bringing a touch of Purdys’ signature charm to the grocery aisles.
This move not only expands Purdys’ reach to new customers who may not live near one of their stores but also offers greater convenience for existing fans. It’s a win-win: more Canadians can enjoy Purdys’ quality chocolates without having to make a special trip.
The expansion of Canadian food brands into everyday grocery retail is a trend you might also have noticed with other companies, such as McDonald’s Canada, recently adding new global menu items and even bringing back pizza, catering to local tastes and international cravings alike. You can check out more about that here.
Keeping the Brand Experience Consistent
Even with this expansion, Purdys is committed to preserving the brand experience that customers love. The company has also rolled out pop-up stores across Canada. These temporary locations mimic the ambiance and design of Purdys’ permanent shops using modular fixtures and familiar purple branding.
Pop-ups allow Purdys to test new markets, create buzz, and connect directly with communities that may not have had access to their products before. This approach keeps the personalized, boutique feel alive, even outside their main store network.
The success of these pop-ups has been encouraging, reinforcing the idea that Canadians across the country want to experience Purdys beyond just online orders or flagship locations.
Quality, Sustainability, and Community at the Core
While expanding into grocery stores and pop-up shops, Purdys continues to hold fast to its values of quality and sustainability. They source cocoa responsibly and use premium ingredients, ensuring every bite maintains their signature taste and craftsmanship.
Beyond the chocolate itself, Purdys engages in community initiatives like their Seasonal Fundraising Program and Purple Partnerships, which focus on kindness and social good. These programs resonate strongly with the ‘Buy Canadian’ ethos, as supporting local communities becomes as important as the product on the shelf.
What This Means for Canadian Shoppers
For chocolate lovers across Canada, this expansion means easier access to a trusted national brand’s products. Whether you’re stocking up for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, you can now find Purdys chocolates in more places than ever.
This growth also signals a broader shift in Canadian retail, where beloved domestic brands are innovating to meet changing consumer expectations. As Purdys explores this new chapter, we may see more Canadian brands following suit — blending tradition with new ways to reach customers.
If you want to dive deeper into Canada’s evolving food scene and how brands are celebrating local tastes, be sure to check out the stories about Canada Day festivities and McDonald’s Canada’s menu changes, both excellent examples of the vibrant Canadian food culture today.
Final Thoughts
Purdys Chocolatier’s decision to sell outside its stores is more than just a new sales channel. It’s a response to a cultural shift where Canadians are proudly embracing and supporting domestic brands. This expansion makes Purdys more accessible while keeping true to the quality and experience that made the brand a household name.
As Canadians continue to prioritize ‘Buy Canadian,’ it’s exciting to watch brands like Purdys evolve, bringing more delicious moments and a sense of national pride to the chocolate aisle and beyond.
