Food delivery platform DoorDash is broadening its reach in the Canadian market through new partnerships with regional grocery chains, offering customers in multiple provinces enhanced access to local food options.
DoorDash announced collaborations with several regional grocers across Canada last week. The partnerships include Healthy Planet, Nature’s Emporium, Lina’s Italian Market, Sungiven Foods, and Supermarché PA, adding approximately 60 new grocery store locations to the platform’s network.
The expansion marks a notable shift in DoorDash’s strategy, focusing on integrating smaller, regionally-owned businesses into its digital ecosystem. Customers in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec will now have the ability to order from these local favourites through the DoorDash app, bridging the gap between traditional grocery shopping and the convenience of online delivery.
In the Greater Toronto Area, health food enthusiasts will be pleased to find 35 Healthy Planet locations now available on the platform. Calgary residents can access the authentic Italian offerings of Lina’s Italian Market, while Nature’s Emporium brings its natural and organic products to Ontario customers through this new digital channel.
British Columbia sees significant representation in this rollout, with all nine of Sungiven Foods’ stores in Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and Vancouver joining the platform. Meanwhile, Quebec’s gourmet food scene becomes more accessible as Supermarché PA partners with DoorDash to offer its curated selection of products for delivery.
Lewis Matthews, head of grocery and retail partnerships at DoorDash Canada, emphasized the importance of these collaborations: “Establishing partnerships with beloved local grocers connects Canadians with new choices within their neighbourhoods, all while supporting regionally-owned small and medium-sized businesses. We’re proud to empower local communities through these partnerships and expand convenient access to a variety of foods from the comfort of their homes.”
DoorDash’s Journey and Market Position
Founded in 2013 by Stanford University students, DoorDash has quickly risen to become a dominant player in the food delivery industry. The company, which went public in December 2020, has established itself as the largest food delivery platform in the United States, boasting a 56% market share. Its influence extends beyond restaurant deliveries, capturing 60% of the convenience delivery category as well.
DoorDash’s growth has been particularly noteworthy in recent years. By March 2019, it had surpassed GrubHub to become the leader in total sales, commanding 27.6% of the on-demand delivery market. This rapid ascent culminated in DoorDash’s debut on the Fortune 500 list in 2024, where it ranked #443.
The company’s expansion into Canada began in 2015 with its launch in Toronto, marking its first step into international markets. Since then, DoorDash has continued to innovate and expand its services, including the introduction of its first ghost kitchen, DoorDash Kitchen, in Redwood City, California, in October 2019.
Adapting to Changing Market Conditions
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated DoorDash’s growth and prompted the company to adapt its services. In April 2020, DoorDash became the fastest-growing food delivery service, implementing contactless delivery options and providing safety equipment to its drivers. The company also launched its “Reopen for Delivery” program in October 2020, helping brick-and-mortar restaurants that had closed due to the pandemic to partner with ghost kitchen operators for food delivery and pick-up services.
In a move that further blurred the lines between digital and physical presence, DoorDash opened its first physical restaurant location in November 2020, partnering with Bay Area restaurant Burma Bites to offer delivery and pick-up orders.
