On the road with Danni: Good food, great partnerships

In my first six months, I’ve had the opportunity to travel across Canada, connecting with growers, makers, and colleagues — from the orchards of Niagara to the wide-open fields of Saskatchewan to the vibrant markets and seafood producers of Halifax. I’ve walked through farms, toured production facilities, and spent time in our stores. 

One of my first stops was Niagara, where I picked my very first Ontario peach at the Tregunno family orchards, part of Vineland Growers’ Co-operative - yum! Ontario peaches are truly amazing! In Waterloo, I visited Martin’s Family Fruit Farm, where decades of partnership have grown into fresh ideas like Naturally Imperfect apples and innovative, healthy kids’ snacks. 

In Hamilton, I met Natacha Rey, founder of Maison Apothecare, whose Lemon Aide cleaning brand began as a school science project and is now on Fortinos’ shelves. And in Kitchener, I sat down with Jared and Miki Ferrall of Crafty Ramen, whose dream of serving 100 bowls a day has grown into a business now reaching more than 200 Loblaw stores across Ontario.  

Heading west to Saskatchewan, the sheer scale of farming and food production left a lasting impression. From broccoli and cauliflower fields outside Saskatoon to innovative pulse-based products exported around the world, I saw firsthand the strength of communities whose lives are so deeply connected to the land. 

Through these visits, I’ve learned that size doesn’t determine impact. Whether it’s a multi-generation family farm or a start-up brand, our suppliers share a common spirit: innovation, resilience, and a commitment to feeding Canadians great food.  

Equally inspiring has been learning from our colleagues - in sourcing, in stores, and across our supply chain. Their dedication ensures we drive the core, build resilience, and champion responsible sourcing every day.  

Reflecting on my first six months, I’m truly grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received. Looking ahead, I feel energized by what’s possible. I’ll continue travelling across the country, building strong partnerships, and learning from colleagues who are driven by purpose. And, with customers counting on us every day, the next chapter is about building on this momentum — and becoming even stronger together. 

Follow me on LinkedIn(Open in a new tab) for more updates on meeting our suppliers and what I’m up to.  

- Danni Peirce, Executive Vice President & Chief Sourcing Officer