FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 5, 2011 JIM DORES APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF THRIFTY FOODS Milford Sorensen to retire after seven years with company Victoria, BC – Sobeys Inc. has appointed company and grocery industry veteran Jim Dores as President of Thrifty Foods. Dores takes over from Milford Sorensen who will retire on February 1. This planned transition sees Dores join Thrifty Foods from Sobeys’ Ontario business, where he was Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company’s community banner and wholesale business. In his career, which has spanned more than 35 years, Dores has held progressively senior leadership roles in marketing, merchandising, wholesale and operations functions. In his most recent position he led the realignment and growth of Sobeys 160-store Foodland banner as well as the growth of its important wholesale business in Ontario. “Jim is a seasoned, highly-qualified food retailer with a solid reputation in the industry and is an absolutely great fit for Thrifty Foods,” said Bill McEwan, President & CEO, Sobeys Inc. “We are delighted to have someone of Jim’s knowledge, experience and proven capability to lead our important Thrifty Foods division going forward.” In his new role, Dores will apply his experience and leadership, in conjunction with the Thrifty Foods management team and employees, to continue delivering the great food shopping experience and connection with the community that customers have come to expect from Thrifty Foods. Milford Sorensen joined Thrifty Foods in 2004 with more than 40 years in the grocery retail industry across Canada. “In his time with Thrifty Foods, Milford has played a critical role in driving the growth and development of the Thrifty Food’s brand as the leading grocery retailer on Vancouver Island, said McEwan. “As Milford gets set to retire, he does so with the respect and gratitude of the entire Sobeys organization.” -more- About Sobeys Inc. Sobeys Inc. is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises more than 1,300 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Price Chopper and Thrifty Foods, as well as Lawtons Drug Stores. Sobeys Inc. is committed to providing the most worthwhile experience for its customers, employees, franchisees, suppliers and shareholders. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com. -30- For more information, please contact: Andrew Walker Vice President, Communications & Corporate Affairs Sobeys Inc. (905) 214-6711 Ralf Mundel Director, Marketing & Communications Thrifty Foods (250) 483-1174 .