No silver bullet for food price inflation

No silver bullet for food price inflation

The causes might not be what you think they are

Canadian food price inflation has many causes, but grocers gouging customers isn’t one of them, Michael von Massow of the University of Guelph said during the Fields on Wheels conference hosted by the University of Manitoba Dec. 14.   Even the carbon tax hasn’t had much impact, according to the associate professor of food economics.

It’s worth noting that Loblaw and Walmart currently hold significant power in the industry, which needs to be addressed to benefit consumers.

Opinion: Getting grocers off the naughty list

The federal government should show strong leadership and make the grocer code of conduct mandatory

Canada’s Food Price Report for 2024, released by Dalhousie University, the Universities of Guelph, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, has unveiled a nuanced and complex landscape of the nation’s food pricing. This landscape is underpinned by diverse factors that extend beyond the supermarket shelves. The report predicts that food prices will increase by as much as


The notion of compelling competitors to divulge sensitive pricing data is baffling. Such an approach contradicts the very essence of a competitive marketplace.

Opinion: Let’s give the grocery theatrics a rest in 2024

Grocers made convenient punching bags, but that’s not how solutions are found

In an era when food inflation has become a contentious political issue, it’s tempting for politicians to target the grocery industry. Sadly, that’s exactly what transpired in our country this year, and it was both absurd and embarrassing. The government and Parliament relentlessly hounded grocers, drowning out the opportunity for Canadians to truly comprehend the

“We’ve had a massive trading down in food choices in Canada over the past year, mostly from February to October. That is stabilizing now.” – Sylvain Charlebois, Dalhousie University.

Report sees Canadian food inflation abating through 2024

Project lead Sylvain Charlebois sees return to inflation “sweet spot” by year-end

Glacier FarmMedia – Canadian food prices are expected to rise between 2.5 and 4.5 per cent in 2024, according to a new report. “It is probable that Canadians will continue to experience the strain of food inflation compounded by increasing costs of housing, energy and various other expenditures,” says Canada’s Food Price Report 2024, an


Photo: Thinkstock

Canadian food inflation to slow through 2024, report says

More certainty has brought an uptick in grocer promotions, but consumers are struggling

Canadian food prices are expected to rise between 2.5 and 4.5 per cent in 2024, according to a new report. “It is probable that Canadians will continue to experience the strain of food inflation compounded by increasing costs of housing, energy and various other expenditures,” according to Canada’s Food Price Report 2024.

"What is the number one issue affecting families right now? Food prices. Inflation..." – Sylvain Charlebois.

Manitoba lags national foodservice recovery

Keystone province sees provincial sales decrease, says FCC

Food service sales in 2023 have been steady compared to 2022 in all provinces except Manitoba, which saw a drop of one percent, says a report from Farm Credit Canada. The report says sales in 2023 are back to pre-pandemic levels but below the pre-pandemic trend in most cases. Alberta leads all Canadian provinces with


Since Ottawa has paused the carbon tax for heating oil, a compelling case can be made for examining the impact on our entire food supply.

Opinion: Carbon tax makes Canadian food production less competitive

Recent claims that the carbon tax has little effect are poorly thought out

The federal government has put a hold on the carbon tax applied to heating oil for the next three years and announced a doubling of the rural supplement in the carbon tax rebate program. In mere minutes, Ottawa transformed the carbon tax into a negotiable political lightning rod and lent credence to carbon tax critics.

While grocers have long supported food banks and various charitable causes, these endeavours often lack conspicuous promotion. Conversely, fair trade stands out as a visible, transparent, trusted and trustworthy option…

Opinion: Consumers still shelling out for fair trade

Fair-trade products are typically less popular when food prices rise but this time, it’s different

October marks Fair Trade Month even as the cost of food remains high, so the question arises: why celebrate fair trade when many of its products come with a price premium? Given our collective concerns on sustainability and social justice for the globe’s farmers, however, it is imperative that we talk about it. While fair-trade



Editorial: Count your garden blessings

Editorial: Count your garden blessings

A little under a year ago, I wrote that sticker shock at the grocery till was putting more emphasis on garden produce. From firsthand experience, I talked about dusting off my preserving skills. We in the Stockford house made gallons upon gallons of salsa, juice, cider, jelly and a variety of soups, all carefully canned