History
The British Grocer is a family run chain of British Grocery stores. We started the business in 2014 with a dream of bringing British food to the Canadian market. We specialise in producing authentic British styled Butchery & Bakery products following recipes that have been around for generations. We use locally sourced ingredients & imported spices to bring a taste of the UK in every bite. Everything we make in house is made by hand with love. In our retail stores we have a huge selection of British products. We import everything from Heinz Beanz to Cadbury Flakes to Paxo Stuffing. We import around 1,000 products on a monthly basis & we buy from local suppliers so we are nearly never out of stock. Each year we also bring in a wide range of seasonal items arriving for Christmas & Easter. We pride ourselves on bringing in Canadas biggest selection while keeping our prices low & competitive.
At the British Grocer Kitchen, we’re all about making glorious everyday food to help people live well. So whether that’s pies for comforting suppers served with a side of fresh veg, sausage rolls that are perfect for weekend feasts with the family, it’s all about eating well and feeling good. It’s not just the food that makes The British Grocer who we are. We have a guiding vision that we live by and that factors into everything we do. We call it The British Grocer Way. For us, it’s all about putting heart into food and soul into business (because good food is about more than just fuel and function and good business is about more than just profit and numbers).
British Grocer Way
Our Values
We wholeheartedly believe in producing a high quality product at a fair price. Our products carry the The British Grocer name, and they need to continue to develop, surprise and satisfy.
We’re on a mission to make good food, great. From wholesome pies and carefully crafted butchery products to seriously snackable sausage rolls and cakes, everything we produce and sell is lovingly prepared with top-notch ingredients and packed full of flavour, bringing colour, joy and deliciousness to dinner tables, packed lunches and family fridges. But it doesn’t stop there – we believe in creating a better food future too and that change starts with what’s on our plate. We know that what we eat and the way it’s made has a huge impact on both people and the planet. At The British Grocer, we want to make sure that we’re continuing to do everything we can to make feel-good food whilst playing our part in reducing our impact too. That’s why as a business, we focus on three core ingredients – Planet, People & Food. Planet - in 2024 we’re moving from plastic trays to cardboard box packaging, ensuring that 100% of our packaging is reusable, widely recyclable or home compostable. People - We’re proud of our people and always want to ensure that our teams feel appreciated and listened to, whilst having opportunities to develop and progress. Since The British Grocer started in 2014 we’ve always strived to give back to the communities around us. Whether that be donating surplus stock, supporting local fundraisers or volunteering our time at local food banks, or assisting smaller businesses who need a helping hand. Food - we pride ourselves on the top-notch quality of the food we make. But it’s not just about the quality of our craft that makes The British Grocer. It’s the ingredients we use too. Working together with trusted suppliers is, and always will be, incredibly important to us. This ensures we’re using the best possible, high-quality ingredients.
Recipe for Responsible Business
Family Owned, Family Run
Sean, Valerie, and Chris.
Chris
Chris Keld is the co-owner of The British Grocer. He originates from Leeds, Yorkshire & has lived in London, Brighton, Stockport, and Bristol before moving to Canada in 2012. "Running a high-quality food manufacturing business was something we always wanted to do as a family, and we were delighted with the opportunity to purchase The British Grocer in 2014. We are so humble and proud of all we have collectively achieved in building up and running the business, through some challenging times. We look forward to continuing to serve our customers with great products for many years to come." In the British Grocer, Chris creates the range of butchery and bakery products you will find in our Burlington & Oakville stores, as well as many other British stores, pubs, legions, grocery stores and now in Sobeys & Foodland stores across Ontario. Chris is a trained chef who spent years perfecting his skills in places such as The Ritz Hotel in London, UK. He also personally cooked for members of the UK Royal Family at catered events and private dinner parties, including the Guards Polo at Windsor, Royal Berkshire Game Show, Ascot Races, Overseas Diplomats’ meetings in Trafalgar Square private dining rooms. Chris was then one of the first UK chefs to establish and roll-out a healthy eating program, across 50 elementary and senior schools in South Gloucestershire. Chris is an avid supporter of the British Football League, and when he’s not working in the business, he passionately follows his home-team Leeds United - but please do not hold that against him.
Sean
Sean is the co-owner & Sales and Operations Director. He originates from Stockport, Cheshire, and he also lived in Bristol and Coventry in the UK, where he gained 4 years’ retail management experience, before moving to Canada in 2013. He was proud to become a Canadian citizen with his family in 2018, and loves his life in Oakville. In the British Grocer, Sean is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, including managing the Burlington and Oakville stores. Sean has also successfully led the wholesale expansion of the business. “I find it very rewarding, and the best part is that it’s a family business, with solid values and a hard-work ethic. It’s exciting to sell our own line of original-recipe products across Ontario, and provide a ‘slice of home’ to British ex-pats. We pride ourselves in delivering the best quality products and service to each of our customers. I’ve learned about managing a business from my mother, and she has inspired me to be the best and compassionate person I can be. My Father has taught me to always give 100% effort and take pride in everything I do”. Sean is actively involved in the community through his support of Kerr Street Mission Food Drives in Oakville. The British Grocer has sponsored community theatre, with Sean lending a helping hand with set design, something he has extensive experience in. Sean is also a member of a marketing committee for Downtown Oakville and looks forward to helping out with future events. The store also sponsors Charterability, a charity that provides people with the opportunity to go boating who would otherwise not have the chance to enjoy time on the water.
Valerie
Valerie was born in Stockton Heath just outside of Warrington & is an avid Liverpool supporter. Valerie is the reason our family moved to Canada through her job in 2013. Valerie is a financial consultant, helping global companies grow profitably. In the British Grocer, Valerie manages the day-to-day book-keeping. She also oversees the strategic planning and management of the business, including our trading performance and expansion plans. Together we make a great team.
British Grocer in the community
Village of Hope Niagara CEO, Cheryl, welcomed Niagara Christian Gleaners, Chris of Smithville for their delivery of fresh vegetables. When Chris isn't making his delicious pies he volunteers at Gleaners in Niagara.
Each year we donate Christmas items like Advent Calendars, Selection Boxes, Hampers, Christmas pudding & much more to families who need it most!
Sean has helped organize yearly Food Drives in local pubs. Each year we donate over 3,000 tins of food to different foodbanks all around Halton. All with the help of our amazing suppliers!
The British Grocer supports local sports teams & theatre groups in Oakville & Burlington. This helps the groups with purchasing new equipment, improving facilities & has a positive impact on the communities they are in.
Before we moved to Canada, Chris, Valerie & Sean would volunteer at Downend Round Table giving hampers to the elderly at Christmas, raising money through Bonfire night celebrations & many more events.
In Valerie's spare time, you can find her volunteering at Village of Hope in Niagara. The Village of Hope supports thousands of families from Beamsville to St Catherines.
We strive to bring our customers an incredible shopping experience & the awards we win, year in year out, are a testament to this!
Thank you to everyone who voted for us!
