Toronto-based Bento Sushi is expanding the boundaries of convenience food with the launch of Canada’s first grab-and-go scallop sushi lineup, now available nationwide across major grocery retailers. The move brings a traditionally premium seafood ingredient into a category built on speed, accessibility, and operational efficiency, reflecting a notable evolution in Canada’s prepared food landscape.
The new offering is being rolled out across banners including Loblaw Companies Limited, Metro Inc., and Sobeys, along with additional partners such as Longo’s, Real Canadian Superstore, and Calgary Co-op. Pricing ranges from $11 to $16 depending on region and product format, positioning the lineup firmly within the premium tier of grab-and-go meals.
Elevating the Grab-and-Go Category
The introduction of a grab-and-go scallop sushi lineup marks a strategic shift in a category that has traditionally prioritized value and speed over premium ingredients. Scallops, typically associated with fine dining, are now being integrated into everyday retail environments, offering consumers a more elevated meal option without sacrificing convenience.
“This is a meaningful step forward in how we think about innovation in a category where consumers are constantly looking for new, fresh ideas,” said Dave Jones, President and CEO of Bento. “Today’s consumers want quality, variety, and a sense of discovery. Bringing scallops into this space allows us to deliver something that feels both elevated and effortless.”
From a retail perspective, the move signals growing competition within prepared foods, where differentiation through menu innovation is becoming increasingly important to drive both traffic and basket size. As grocery retailers continue to invest in in-store food experiences, premiumization is emerging as a key lever for growth.
Product Lineup Targets High-Protein Demand
The new assortment is designed to align with consumer demand for high-protein, restaurant-quality meals that fit into busy lifestyles. Each product features fully cooked scallops and is prepared fresh daily by sushi chefs using responsibly sourced seafood.
The lineup includes scallop-based rolls, onigiri, and poke bowls, formats that are already familiar to consumers but now enhanced with a higher-end ingredient. The result is a blend of indulgence and accessibility, offering a differentiated option within the grab-and-go set.
National Rollout Across Multiple Channels
Bento’s grab-and-go scallop sushi lineup is available immediately across its extensive retail network, which includes more than 950 locations across North America. In addition to grocery kiosks, the company operates in shopping centres, transit hubs, universities, and healthcare environments, giving it broad reach across multiple consumer touchpoints.
The company also plans to extend the offering into foodservice and higher education locations in the coming months, further expanding distribution as demand evolves. This multi-channel approach reflects Bento’s “hub and spoke” operational model, which combines in-store preparation with centralized production and distribution.
Growth Strategy Supported by Brand Evolution
The launch comes amid a broader transformation for Bento, following the introduction of its “Bento Brave” branding initiative in late 2025. The rebrand aims to reposition sushi as an everyday meal option, supported by a more vibrant and accessible visual identity developed in partnership with Jump Branding & Design and Dialogue 38.
Founded in 1996 in Toronto, Bento has grown into Canada’s largest sushi company and the second largest in North America, serving more than 34 million portions annually. The business operates under the Wonderfield Group umbrella, following its acquisition by Yo! Sushi in 2017.
