In this episode of Recipes for Success, we’re joined by Gary Hughes, Local Program Specialist at Sobeys, who has spent over 27 years growing with the company and building a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in grocery retail.

Gary began his career as a clerk at a Garden Market IGA and worked his way up to Store Manager, before moving into buying and category management roles overseeing multiple categories across Sobeys, Safeway, and IGA in Western Canada. In 2017, he joined the newly created Field Merchandising team with a mission close to his heart, helping local products come to life on Sobeys shelves across the Prairies.

With a lifelong passion for small business, Gary now works with hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups, guiding them through the process of getting their locally made products into grocery stores. In this conversation, he shares insights on what retailers are looking for, how local suppliers can stand out, and the steps that can help small producers expand from community-based sales into larger retail opportunities.
If you’re a food entrepreneur looking to grow your retail presence, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who knows both sides of the shelf.

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