Month: June 2023

Safeway Local Supplier Spotlight: Chiwis

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

Safeway is proud to support local suppliers across British Columbia as part of our commitment to ensuring that great Canadian products are always on our shelves. This is why we were thrilled to sit down with Sarah Goodman, founder and CEO of Chiwis.

We spoke to Sarah about the spark that ignited the idea for Chiwis, her commitment to sustainability, and how Safeway has supported the company’s growth.

Can you share a little bit about your background and how your company came to be?

It all started with the kiwi chip. I began making kiwi chips to bring on hikes, camping trips, or to eat on the couch during a good Netflix session. After years of hearing feedback from friends and family that kiwi chips tasted like healthy sour patch kids, and that they would buy kiwi chips if they were available in stores, I realized I had a unique product on my hands that I didn’t see on store shelves.

Chiwis launched in early 2021 with our Original Kiwi Chip and Tropical Kiwi Chip varieties. We now have a lineup of five flavours of 100% natural fruit chips with more fun ideas being tested at our snack factory in Squamish, B.C.

Can you tell us more about your products?

Chiwis are vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free and mess-free! We work with farmers to make Chiwis from upcycled fruit, and we use the whole fruit (core, rind, skin) in our chips. This has two benefits: we cut down on food waste, and our customers enjoy the added benefits of the vitamins and fibre found in parts of the fruit you normally wouldn’t enjoy eating.

In what ways have your local B.C. roots impacted your business?

I was always looking for healthy, light snacks to take with me on hikes and overnight camping adventures while exploring our beautiful province. Chiwis were directly inspired by my inability to find a healthy, additive-free option that was fibre filled to keep me energized on my B.C. adventures. It’s been incredible growing my business here. The B.C. food industry is such a supportive, positive space to be a part of.

As your business began to grow, why were you interested in working with Safeway?

It was a big goal of ours to work with Safeway because your team has such an incredible reputation with consumers for delivering high quality foods. We also saw how supportive Safeway was to their local suppliers and knew it would be a great fit.

What did it feel like when you saw your products on Safeway shelves for the first time?

It was absolutely a pinch me moment! The store I walked into also gave us such a beautiful display at the front of the store. Our bright bags are a great addition to front-of-store displays regardless of the season, and it blew me away to see the creativity that the store was able to conjure up using a product I had developed from an idea to the shelf.

What makes you most proud to partner with Safeway? 

I’m most proud of having our product on Safeway shelves because of the high reputation for quality foods the Safeway name carries. We know your customers put so much trust in your brand, and it’s an honour to be found amongst your amazing selection.

What growth has your company seen since partnering with Safeway?

We’re based in Squamish, B.C., so having our products in your stores in different regions of the province has helped us expand our consumer base. It was also amazing to be featured in your International Women’s Day signs on March 8. We had many customers and business partners reach out to say they saw us featured that month and it was fantastic exposure for our Certified Woman-Owned Business. We also love participating in store manager events, like the one that recently took place in Whistler.

What’s next for you and your business?

We’re working hard on testing new innovative chip varieties and working on a very fun vegan sweet treat for the holidays. Follow us on Instagram or TikTok @chiwis_snacks to stay up to date with all things happening at Chiwis.

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Chiwis is now available in 15 Safeway stores throughout B.C. (with more to come!). Be sure to try this yummy, healthy fruit snack for yourself — if you haven’t already.

Loving the Safeway Local Supplier Spotlights? Lucky for you, there’s more coming soon.

Committed to fair bargaining

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We are disappointed, but not surprised, to see the most recent communication from the Union that states the Company is acting unethically and lying during negotiations. This is completely inappropriate and false. The Company is simply following the language in the collective agreement.

In advance of this wage reopener, the Company communicated to the Union that we intended to only address the top of scale and overscale wages. This is what is clearly stated in the collective agreement that was negotiated in good faith with the Union and ratified by our employees.

The Union leadership on the other hand would prefer to disregard the collective agreement and what they agreed to in 2020.

The Union is stating that the Company refused to move off its initial monetary position, which is false. The TRUTH is that the Company asked the Union for their wage proposal and the Union refused to provide one. After three days of bargaining, the Company still does not know what wage percentages the Union is asking for. For a wage reopener of this nature, we would have expected to have this information by now.

We are hopeful that we will receive this information at the beginning of bargaining on June 28 so we can have meaningful discussions and attempt to come to a negotiated settlement.

Wage reopener bargaining update

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

For three days last week, we were at the table for the Safeway retail wage reopener with your Union. The Company came prepared to engage in meaningful dialogue and made a monetary proposal early in the process. At the end of the three-day bargaining period, the Union had yet to make a proposal, which is disappointing to say the least.

In discussions with store managers and store employees, we have heard that there is some confusion around what is up for negotiations during this round of bargaining, so we want to clarify.

In the last round of bargaining, the Company and the Union agreed to specific language that addressed the wage reopener for 2023 negotiations. The language is as follows:

Within six (6) months immediately preceding August 6, 2023, either party may give notice to the other party to negotiate changes to the top rated and over-scale wage rates, lump sum payments to top rated or over-scale employees, or no change at all in the current Collective Agreement. These changes will not be in effect prior to August 6, 2023.

The above noted language was then voted through by employees. The Company has been very clear that we intend to follow the wage reopener language.

The Company has advised the Union that if we do not receive a written counter proposal when we meet again on June 28, 2023, then we will proceed directly to Final Offer Selection, as per the Collective Agreement. The Company is hopeful that we can engage in meaningful discussions at the negotiation table when we meet again, as we know this is what our employees expect.

Making summer sizzle with Compliments and Panache

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

We loved sharing a few of our favourite Own Brands products last fall that we figured, let’s make this a seasonal tradition!

With summer just around the corner, many of our customers (and teammates, too!) will be hosting backyard BBQs, taking a road trip or going on a family hike … and you can’t enjoy the warm weather without the most delicious food and snacks, right?

That’s right, we can all make a splash this summer by preparing the perfect treats that will delight our family and friends. Here’s a roundup of a few of our brand-new Own Brands products that will surely make it on our customers’ summer bucket lists.

1. Compliments Unicorn Twirl Ice Cream

Would it be summer without an ice cream in hand, melting down your arm on a hot day? It’s a favourite summer treat for kids and adults, too.

With colourful swirls of cotton candy, raspberry, and strawberry flavoured ice cream, this whimsical treat will surely brighten your day.

Best of all, it’s made with no artificial colours. You’re welcome!

2. Compliments Jalapeño Cheddar Sausages

Get the grill fired up! It’s time to get outdoors and enjoy a mouth-watering sausage that’s packed with flavour.

These sausages are naturally smoked to perfection, spicy with lots of jalapeno flavour, and made with real cheddar cheese.

Put it in a bun with your favourite toppings or eat it on its own. Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure … you’ll be back for more!

3. Panache Frozen Garlic & Herb Lobster Tail Skewers

 Buttery sweet lobster tails … is there anything better?

Make these delicious MSC-certified and Ocean Wise-recommended lobster tail skewers right on the barbecue this summer.

You can even pair them with our jalapeño cheddar sausages to create the ultimate surf & turf meal. Or simply arrange the skewers on a platter for an elevated take on a party appetizer.

4. Compliments Kettle Cooked Chips

Whether you’re headed to the beach, cruising the open road, or just relaxing in your backyard oasis, snacks are a must! And for many of us, chips are at the top of that list!

Crunch, salt, flavour: batch-made kettle-cooked chips are the ultimate crispy and flavour-packed, savoury snack.

Tip: We suggest you have an extra bag or two on hand because they’ll go fast!

With these great quality Compliments and Panache products, and many other favourites, lining our Safeway shelves, we know we can meet our customers’ summer entertaining needs.

So whether you’re purchasing these products for yourself, bringing them to a family BBQ or recommending them to customers, let’s work together to bring the heat and make our Own Brands products #1 in our stores.

Happy summertime!

Let’s go the extra mile to support Special Olympics Canada athletes

Posted on by Daniela Travierso

It’s that time of year again!

Our annual in-store fundraising campaign in support of Special Olympics Canada kicks off today! From June 1 – 8, customers can either donate $2 or round up their bill to the nearest dollar at their local Safeway to support Special Olympics activities. Sobeys Inc. will also match donations to a maximum of $500,000!

Did you know that 4 out of 5 individuals with an intellectual disability have a chance of being obese? Involvement in Special Olympics leads to 10% fewer athletes who are obese or overweight. Plus, 49% of young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in Special Olympics are less likely to be diagnosed with depression.

These are just a couple of the many reasons why we’re so proud to partner with Special Olympics Canada and to help athletes lead healthier, happier lives.

Since our national partnership began in 2016, we’ve invested over $9 million through sport, health, fitness and nutrition education. This means that more than 41,000 Special Olympics athletes registered in over 6,000 programs across Canada have benefited from our support. These athletes are supported by more than 17,500 coaches and volunteers.

Be sure to watch this heartwarming video from Special Olympics athletes cheering you, our passionate Safeway teammates, on as you bring this campaign to life in store and encourage customers to donate.

Let’s rally together to raise as much funds as we can for this incredible cause. Thank you for all that you do!