QUEBEC CITY — Loblaw Cos. has allocated $110 million this year to bolster its stores in Quebec under the Provigo Le Marche, Maxi and Maxi & Cie banners.

Loblaw Cos. has allocated $110 million this year to bolster its stores in Quebec under the Provigo Le Marche, Maxi and Maxi & Cie banners.

That’s on top of the $100 million that Canada’s largest food retailer spent in 2013 to develop and promote its operatations in the province.

Quebec is a beacon of culinary trends, president Vicente Trius said in announcing the plan, and investment in the province helps the retailer satisfy evolving expectations and tastes. The spending is expected to create hundreds of jobs across the province.

Loblaws unveiled Provigo Le Marche last year. Stores under this banner feature local food and microbrews, as well on-site bakeries and juice bars.

The discount Maxi and Maxi & Cie banners are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Trius said the new investment will bring updated layouts and equipment to the stores under these banners.