UVic Grad’s Baski App Revolutionizes Grocery Savings Amidst Canada’s Code of Conduct Rollout

In an era where every dollar counts, especially when it comes to essential household expenses, a timely innovation from a University of Victoria (UVic) graduate is offering a beacon of hope for budget-conscious Canadians. Yashar Samim, an alumnus of UVic, has developed Baski, an intuitive application poised to transform how consumers approach grocery shopping. Launched in 2026, the app promises to deliver substantial savings, empowering individuals to navigate the often-daunting landscape of rising food prices with greater ease and efficiency.

For many, the weekly grocery run has evolved from a simple chore into a complex strategic mission. Inflationary pressures, fluctuating supply chains, and the sheer volume of choices across different retailers have made finding the best deals a time-consuming and often frustrating endeavor. Families across Canada have felt the pinch, with food costs continuing to exert significant pressure on household budgets. It’s a problem Samim understood intimately, and one he felt compelled to solve.

Baski: Your Personal Grocery Deal Navigator

At its core, Baski acts as a comprehensive, one-stop platform for comparing grocery prices. Imagine no longer needing to sift through multiple flyers, open various retailer apps, or visit several stores to find the best prices on your essential items. Baski aggregates the top grocery deals from major national retailers and local grocers alike, presenting them in a clear, user-friendly interface. This means consumers can, with a few taps, compare prices on everything from fresh produce to pantry staples, making informed decisions that directly impact their wallets.

Samim’s motivation for creating Baski stems from a deeply personal place. As he shared, “My first taste of entrepreneurship…It was trying to solve a problem that we all face. This is a subject that I’m personally very passionate about. Anyone that knows me knows I love two things – I love eating and I love saving money.” This candid insight underscores the human-centric design philosophy behind Baski. It’s not just about technology; it’s about alleviating a common stress point for millions, turning a personal passion into a public utility.

The impact of Baski is already being felt. To date, Samim estimates the app is helping users save approximately $150 a month. In a household budget, an extra $150 can make a significant difference, whether it’s allocated to other necessities, savings goals, or even a small discretionary treat. This tangible saving speaks volumes about the app’s effectiveness and its potential to become an indispensable tool for Canadian households.

The Broader Context: Canada’s Grocery Code of Conduct

The launch of Baski arrives at a particularly pertinent moment, coinciding with the rollout of Canada’s voluntary Grocery Code of Conduct. This new framework, established within Canada’s intricate food supply chain, represents a concerted effort to foster fairness and transparency in business dealings between retailers and suppliers. For years, concerns have been raised about power imbalances within the grocery industry, with smaller suppliers often facing unfavorable terms. The Code aims to address these systemic issues, promoting more equitable practices across the sector.

Canada’s five largest grocers – Empire (Sobeys, Safeway), Loblaw (Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore), Metro, Walmart Canada, and Costco Canada – have formally registered for the Code. Their participation is crucial, signaling a collective commitment to improving industry standards. While voluntary, the Code sets clear rules of engagement, covering aspects like payment terms, product delisting, and dispute resolution. The hope is that by standardizing practices, the entire food ecosystem, from farm to fork, will benefit from increased stability and fairness. More information on this initiative can be found on the official Grocery Code of Conduct website.

The simultaneous emergence of Baski and the Code of Conduct paints a fascinating picture of a market responding to pressure from multiple angles. While the Code addresses structural issues at the industry level, Baski empowers consumers at the individual level. Together, they represent a dual approach to creating a more balanced and transparent grocery landscape. For the average consumer, this means not only the potential for fairer pricing due to industry-wide changes but also a direct, immediate tool to capitalize on those changes and secure the best deals available.

Empowering Consumers in a Digital Age

Baski is more than just a deal aggregator; it’s a testament to the power of digital innovation in addressing real-world economic challenges. In an increasingly connected world, consumers expect and deserve tools that simplify complex tasks and provide immediate value. Samim’s app delivers precisely that, leveraging technology to put control back into the hands of the shopper. It minimizes the mental load associated with budgeting for groceries and transforms it into a streamlined, almost gamified experience of finding savings.

The success of Baski could also spur further innovation in the retail tech space. As consumers become more adept at using such tools, retailers may feel increased pressure to offer competitive pricing and transparent deals, knowing that their offers are easily comparable. This creates a virtuous cycle where consumer empowerment drives market efficiency, ultimately benefiting everyone.

In a 2026 economic climate still grappling with the aftershocks of global shifts and persistent inflation, Yashar Samim’s Baski app stands out as a pragmatic and powerful solution. It’s not merely a convenience; it’s a vital economic tool that directly addresses a core household concern, demonstrating how localized innovation, even from a recent graduate, can offer tangible relief and foster a more informed, empowered consumer base amidst broader industry reforms.