Reducing single-use plastics is a worthy goal but not an easy one
An increasing number of people are voicing concerns about the use of plastics in our day-to-day lives. Single-use plastics of any kind are significant yet preventable sources of plastic pollution. In Canada, bans on plastics have so far been left up to municipalities, some of whom are taking action. Both Montreal and Victoria have recently […] Read more
The disgusting (and nutritious) truth about bugs and food
Loblaw, the largest food distribution company in the country, is now selling cricket flour. The product itself is not new, as many specialty stores have been selling it for a few years now. But Loblaw is the first major retailer to sell the product under its own private label. For Loblaw, whose head office is […] Read more
Dalhousie University’s recent poll shows vegetarian and vegan numbers are steady, not rising
Canadians love meat. Many of us have been dedicated to our favourite protein source for years. But other sources of protein are emerging as potent alternatives to animal protein. Demand is up for vegetable proteins like pulses, as well as for fish and seafood, Loblaw has even started selling cricket flour and is trying to […] Read more
It would appear Bill Morneau is happy fiddling while our economy burns
Bill Morneau is perhaps an influential figure in Trudeau’s cabinet, but he’s no finance minister. Given the budget he presented late last month, Minister Morneau may be more of a social justice enabler. Supporting more diversity, equality and inclusiveness is obviously critical to the betterment of our society, but most Canadians do expect more from […] Read more
While food prices are rising, a newly competitive food retailing landscape makes increasing margins difficult
Recent StatsCan numbers indicate that grocers are in trouble. Food inflation is now above two per cent for the first time since April 2016. This is typically good news for grocers as it gives more room for them to increase margins. But given major headwinds affecting the industry, grocers will need to get even more […] Read more
The labels would help consumers know what’s in their food but there are some gaps in the system
When it comes to food, the current federal government is big on consultations. Health Canada recently launched online public discussions and consumer-oriented research to find the best front-of-package labelling formula. Four models have been presented – Health Canada appears to want to keep its options open (although all the logos look the same). Saturated fats, […] Read more
The deal looks good for most farms but supply management will likely suffer and should plan for the future
Even as the North American free trade agreement talks continue, we’ve learned that the Trans-Pacific Partnership is not dead after all. In fact, the trade deal among Pacific Rim countries has a new name: the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Along with Canada, it includes Japan, Mexico, Malaysia and seven other countries. […] Read more
Many think so but they’re advocating for this measure from an ideologically driven perspective
The idea of having to pay a sin tax for environmentally detrimental foods seems to be gaining more support — but who gets to decide what’s a sin? For some, eating meat is considered a sin, and therefore meat products should be taxed, like alcohol and tobacco. A new report published recently by a group […] Read more
As shocking as it was, most of us will eventually forget Loblaw’s admission of price-fixing. Let’s hope the industry doesn’t
Most Canadians were stunned and dismayed to learn that the country’s leading grocer was caught up in a price-fixing scheme with bread maker George Weston Ltd., which is owned by the same company. The scheme lasted from 2001 to 2015. As a result, Loblaw Companies fired several people and gave $25 gift certificates to millions […] Read more
It’s an impressive and high-tech solution to the problem of sharing information from many parties quickly and easily
There has been a lot of noise on cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin of late. While some suggest cryptocurrencies are a fraud, others believe them to be the next economic revolution. Bitcoin has brought to light the interesting concept of blockchain technology, which offers great potential for the agri-food sector. Yet it is far from being the […] Read more
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