Wild Fork to close all Canadian stores, exit market after three years

Wild Fork, a U.S.-based luxury meat and seafood retailer, is exiting the Canadian market and closing all its stores.

The company, owned by global food and meat-processing conglomerate JBS, announced the decision in a letter to customers and suppliers on Wednesday.

"After careful consideration, Wild Fork has made the difficult decision to exit the Canadian market and close our operations in Canada," the letter stated.

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Online delivery and pickup will end on Oct. 13, and all physical outlets in Ontario are set to close by the middle of December.

Why is Wild Fork closing its Canadian operations?

The company's statement did not explain why the brand is abandoning its brick-and-mortar stores or the many expansion plans it had promised.

"Throughout this transition, our team members and our customers remain our top priority," the letter states.

It praised the in-store teams for showing up every day and working with pride, promising to support them.

The announcement comes amid soaring grocery prices in Canada, when many shoppers are trying to keep their loose change handy rather than spending it on high-end meat and seafood.

What products did Wild Fork sell in Canada?

The retailer specialized in premium cuts and specialty meats and seafood.

Its products included luxury items such as Wagyu beef, bison, Berkshire pork and lobster.

It initially built a foothold as a "protein delivery" business, offering same-day delivery of a selection of its specialty products to Greater Toronto Area residents.

This established its online presence in Ontario before it opened any physical stores.

Where were Wild Fork's Canadian stores located?

Wild Fork opened its first Canadian retail store in May 2023 at Taunton Garden Plaza in Whitby.

The store was 4,000 square feet.

Following the Whitby location, other stores opened in the GTA, including in Ancaster, Hyde Park in Oakville, and Newmarket.

All of its Canadian locations were in Ontario.

What were the company's earlier plans for Canada?

After its successful first year, company executives saw demand for their products budding in Ontario and expressed plans for "significant growth" in the Canadian market.

Plans for 20 more stores in the GTA and expansion into B.C. and Alberta were widely discussed, and the company shared the information with the public.

The news of the closure comes as a shock to customers, as the company had enjoyed success and made plans for major growth.

How does this fit a pattern for U.S. retailers in Canada?

Several prominent U.S. retailers have tried opening up in Canada, only to close up shop and head back across the border.

Target opened 133 stores in 2013 to much fanfare, but supply chain issues, high prices and lack of products compelled the company to leave Canada in 2015.

Other retailers that couldn't make it work in Canada include Nordstrom, Sam's Club and Big Lots.

What should customers do now?

The only confirmed date is that Oct. 13 will be the last day online delivery and pickup are scheduled to run.

The company is offering resources for customers to reach out with any questions or concerns they may have.

It leaves questions floating for customers, including what will happen to pre-ordered items like Thanksgiving turkeys.

Novello Desserts reported in October that price is a major factor causing Canadians to avoid certain grocery stores.

Wild Fork's last day for online sales is Oct. 13.

With files from blogTO, Yahoo News and Toronto Sun