Wine Advisor

BC's Most Loved Brands 2026 were unveiled today with Save-On-Foods taking the #1 spot. Following closely behind were London Drugs, BC Hydro, A&W, and Vancouver International Airport, a strong showing of homegrown brands that continue to foster deep emotional connections with British Columbians. Vancouver, April 14, 2026 - This morning at a special event at The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver, Ipsos revealed British Columbia's Most Loved Brands for 2026. Leading the pack, Save-On-Foods has emerged as the "Most Loved Brand" in BC, followed closely by London Drugs and BC Hydro. This year's study underscores the significance of local brands in maintaining consumer trust during challenging times. Kim Short, SVP at Ipsos, commented that, "Our findings highlight that 'Brand Love' acts as a critical driver of consumer loyalty and business success. By focusing on the emotional connections brands forge with their customers, we can uncover the keys to building sustainable relationships in the marketplace." Gillian Yorke, Vice President, Customer Loyalty at the Pattison Food Group, speaking on behalf of Save-On-Foods shared their appreciation for receiving this recognition: "We are truly honoured that Save-On-Foods has once again been recognized as BC's Most Loved Brand," said Gillian Yorke, vice president of customer loyalty at Pattison Food Group. "Every day, in communities across British Columbia, our teams are focused on giving customers a little extra when they shop at Save-On-Foods, and we're incredibly grateful to be a trusted part of our customers' lives." Top 10 Most Loved Brands: * Save-On-Foods * London Drugs * BC Hydro * A&W * Vancouver International Airport * White Spot * Purdys Chocolatier * BCLIQUOR * TELUS * BCAA Presented this year in partnership the Vancouver team at Zulu Alpha Kilo, the study's comprehensive methodology assessed brands across seven dimensions of brand love - Influence, Trust, Presence, Empathy, Leading Edge, Engagement, and Corporate Citizenship. With over 2,400 consumers surveyed across the province, the results provide businesses with actionable insights to deepen consumer connection. Elen Alexov Vice President, Marketing, North America, Ipsos [email protected] About Pattison Food Group. Established in 2021, the Pattison Food Group is a Canadian owned and operated Jim Pattison business and Western Canada's leading provider of food and drugs. The Pattison Food Group includes nine retail grocery banners including Save-On-Foods and Buy-Low Foods, as well as Everything Wine, Pure Integrative Pharmacy, Imperial Distributors Canada Inc., and other specialty and wholesale operations. Its businesses employ almost 30,000 team members in its over 300 food and drug retail locations who share a passion for giving back to the communities where they do business. Pattison Food Group businesses are leaders in customer service and innovation and are committed to achieving long-term growth. About Ipsos. Ipsos is one of the largest market research companies in the world, present in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques. "Game Changers" - our tagline - summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices, and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP 35 rue du Val de Marne 75 628 Paris, Cedex 13 France Tel. +33 1 41 98 90 00

Ted Murrell bids farewell after 42 years at Save-On-Foods. Published 2:14 pm Friday, March 13, 2026 Ted Murrell's decades long career with Save-On-Foods has finally come to a close, but his passion for community service will not be forgotten. The Save-On-Foods Cranbrook manager officially entered retirement on Mar. 12., after 42 years working for the grocery store company. Murrell's friends, family and co-workers gathered for a send-off party at the Heid Out, to recognize his commitment to the community through business and charity work. Reflecting on his career, Murrell said the store's greatest legacy has been its original business model, its contributions to growing and supporting community, and connections made with local people. "It's come a long way. Love to see the different innovations coming through. There's always something changing. Our company's always been at the forefront of looking for new ideas," Murrell remarked. "The best part of my career is people, being able to create teams and see the growth individually and as a team... I really enjoy being involved in community, that's where I get my biggest kick," he added. "If you can get a smile out of someone, you've done something right." Murrell is passing the torch on to Steve Smeaton. Smeaton is the manager for Save-On-Foods Creston and has 37 years experience with the company. Under Murrell's leadership, Save-On-Foods has grown to become a key supporter of countless community initiatives and charitable causes. The store regularly gives to more than 100 local groups in the East Kootenay, including the Salvation Army, Cranbrook Bucks, Angel Flight and Toonies For Tummies and the annual Turkey Drive. It supplies food to the Cranbrook Food Recovery seven days per week, to help address food insecurity. In 2024, Save-On-Foods stores in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Sparwood, Golden, Creston and Nelson teamed up to raise $27,148.58 for Angel Flight East Kootenay, to aid in helping transport medical patients to the hospital in Kelowna. Save-On-Foods Cranbrook contributes thousands of dollars to the Turkey Drive each year, both through monetary donations and through the purchase of turkeys to go to families in need. The store has supported Save-On-Foods Canada in committing $60 million to children's hospitals across western Canada and $3 million in donations to local food banks each year. Murrell started his career with Save-On-Foods Kimberley (formerly Overwaitea) in 1984. He spent nearly three decades at the store in various roles starting as service clerk. "Once I got hired, I knew I was going to have a career... I just enjoyed the engagement of customers and team members. You get to meet so many great people along the way," he reminisced. During this time, he joined the Kimberley Fire Department and also worked with the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. After he transitioned into management, he joined Save-On-Foods Nelson in 2013. It was here that his interest in giving back to the community really took shape. Since Murrell started working for Save-On-Foods Cranbrook in 2018, the store has won five Cranbrook Townsman Reader's Choice Awards. Murrell won the Chamber of Commerce's Business Leader of the Year award in 2025. Staff remember Murrell's dedication to helping the business and its employees thrive and his positive attitude. The store team certainly knows how to have a good time. Murrell organized regular staff barbecues and Fun Shirt Friday. Murrell had themed suits, shirts and ties for every occasion, patterned with Christmas snowmen, Hawaiian beaches, and even grocery store shopping carts. "Everybody wonders how much room is in my closet with all these suits," Murrell joked. As an avid cook and baker, he really enjoyed sharing recipes with customers and helping them find ingredients for their meals. Wild mushroom soup and an Italian cured meat product called Capicola are among his favourite treats. Murrell is getting ready to start a new chapter of his life. He plans to thoroughly enjoy his retirement and spend more time with his grandchildren, and focus on his hobbies. In April, he and his wife are off to enjoy the warm sun in Sardinia and Corsica. Always a friend of a good cause, he plans to continue to volunteer in the community. "I think I've given it my all over the years and now it's time for Ted. Can't wait to get out there and do all the exploring," he said.

The finishing touches are currently being put on Buy-Low Foods in the former Save-On location at Parkwood Place, left vacant after Save-On opened a new store at the Pine Centre Mall.