2024 ESG Report
The journey of a product: From idea to shelf
November 20, 2025
Have you ever picked up a new PC® product and wondered, "How did they think of this?" It's not magic, but it feels close! We work hard to make PC products that taste great and are easy to buy at good prices. Let's see how it all happens.
It all starts with a big question: "What do our customers want?" To find these answers, our product and innovation hub teams work closely together to understand consumer insights. They travel to different countries to try authentic food, visit various markets, and study what people are buying and enjoying around the world.
These unique innovations are the result of our global quest for inspiration and an intensive 12-month journey from initial concept, all driven by our desire to help Canadians recreate cherished tastes and family traditions.
According to Nicolas Diard (aka Nico), senior director of product development, the team’s passion for food is what makes their work special “We try around 100 products a day in the kitchen at all times. It's our passion,” he says. “Our team has unique skills to know all the food that exists in the world and what would be the best thing to do with this food for Canadian customers. So, it's either bringing it authentically or creating a mash-up of flavours that Canadians will love."
Once they have a good idea, the fun begins in the PC® Test Kitchen! This is where our chefs and food scientists get super creative. They stir, mix, and taste, trying out new recipes and ideas. They make sure everything is just right, from how it tastes to how easy it is to cook at home. It’s a busy place where delicious new ideas come to life!
But creating a great recipe is just the beginning. In the next stage, called Scoping and Sourcing, our product management team finds the right suppliers to bring the idea to life at great value, while our product development team makes sure it tastes amazing and meets our high standards.
Our food scientists and chemists work closely with suppliers, visiting manufacturers around the world to ensure every detail meets our standards.
The Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (QA) team plays a crucial role as well. They are the guardians of our standards, conducting comprehensive tests and checks. From verifying product quality and packaging claims to ensuring safety and consistency. Nothing goes to market without their final approval.
After this, the Loblaw Agency team steps in to design the packaging artwork that brings each product to life. Once everything is approved, the product moves into First Production, where it’s made, reviewed one final time by Quality Assurance, and then shipped to stores.
So, the next time you enjoy a PC® product, remember the journey it took. From an idea born from understanding what you want, to the chefs' magic in the kitchen, to the careful testing - it's a story of teamwork, passion and dedication. It’s how we make sure every product brings a little bit of joy to your home.
Click here(Open in a new tab) to discover the delicious new items in the PC® Holiday Insiders Report!
