The trouble with edible marijuana products

Edibles scare Health Canada and the food industry, since they’re discrete, convenient and potentially dangerous

The trouble with edible marijuana productsOn Oct. 17, smoking cannabis will become legal in Canada. Cannabis edibles, on the other hand, will be legal in a little less than a year. Once cannabis-infused food products are available, things will get complicated in Canada’s food industry. But with the right regulations, this is a profit opportunity that doesn’t come by every…

Soup’s on: major upheaval awaits the food industry

Kraft Heinz may not get its hands on Campbell Soup, but the industry still faces major consolidation and widespread change

Soup’s on: major upheaval awaits the food industryCampbell Soup Co. stocks soared after news suggesting the company could be bought by Kraft Heinz Co., one of 3G Capital and Warren Buffett’s pet projects in the food sector. Even though the deal is highly unlikely, the rumours point to a much larger story in food processing. Since 2013, the acquire-and-cut modus operandi has…

Canada must abandon agriculture marketing boards

Why should the U.S. not put barriers up against our products when we so effectively keep out some of theirs?

Canada must abandon agriculture marketing boardsSometimes political parties and the governments and oppositions they form forget that they exist to improve and enhance the lives of the Canadians who vote for them. So it made me very happy to see the federal Conservatives pressuring the Liberal government to let us know what a carbon tax would cost the average Canadian…

Dairy industry finally showing signs of common sense

Supply management 2.0 is finally here. To survive, farmers who see the writing on the wall will need to develop new skill sets

Dairy industry finally showing signs of common senseIt was not the G7 most expected. Not even close. But should we be surprised? As U.S. President Donald Trump lashes out on Twitter against Canadian dairies, Canada is beginning to realize that there may be no North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) 2.0 after all. Washington is apparently aiming for two separate deals. But over…

In this trade war, mustard and ketchup are weapons

Ottawa seems to want to send a clear message to Washington, while offering Canada’s food industry an opportunity to grow

In this trade war, mustard and ketchup are weaponsWe are now officially at war with the United States – in a trade war, that is. In response to U.S.-imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, Canada intends to do the same on other goods. So like any trade war, it could escalate. Canada will unlawfully implement counter measures that will take effect on July…

Shrinkflation: to control costs, food companies shrinking packaging

When costs rise, a food company has three options: raise the price, make smaller packages or change the ingredients

Shrinkflation: to control costs, food companies shrinking packagingRough estimates suggest that anywhere from 15 to 20 per cent of packaged food products in Canada have shrunk over the last five years. Consumers find this irritating, but given the economics of the food industry, the industry can hardly be blamed. Most consumers worry about the cost of food. We constantly look for bargains…

‘We Treat You Right’? Not according to this DQ franchisee

The Supreme Court is examining a case that has significant implications for franchisees and parent companies

‘We Treat You Right’? Not according to this DQ franchiseeThere’s nothing sweet about the court battle between Dairy Queen Canada Inc. and M.Y. Sundae Inc., which upholds the franchisor’s right to a “superior bargaining position.” So far, the dispute – now before the Supreme Court of Canada – has gone in favour of Dairy Queen, leaving the mom-and-pop owners of a franchise in Richmond,…

The decline … and fall … of Tim Hortons

How an iconic brand lost its Canadian identity and why its corporate masters probably don't care

The decline … and fall … of Tim HortonsThe bad news keeps piling up for Tim Hortons. Leger and National Public Relations recently released their annual report ranking Canada’s most admired companies. Google and Shoppers Drug Mart topped the rankings of most respected companies, regardless of where the company resides. Google has been No. 1 for six years. Kellogg’s, in eighth place, is…

The plastic bag pollution paradox

At least 5.25 trillion plastic particles weighing 268,940 tons are floating in our oceans but we struggle to find packaging alternatives

The plastic bag pollution paradoxBy Sylvain Charlebois and Tony Walker Dalhousie University An increasing number of people are voicing concerns about our use of plastics day-to-day. Single-use plastics of any kind – such as grocery bags, cutlery, straws, polystyrene and coffee cups – are significant yet preventable sources of land and marine pollution. In Canada, bans on plastics have…

Minimum wage hikes serving up uncertainty in food industry

A 32 per cent increase in the minimum wage in 12 months is simply irresponsible

Minimum wage hikes serving up uncertainty in food industryThis is turning into a very challenging year for the Canadian food industry. Recent Statistics Canada numbers indicate that grocers are in trouble. Food inflation is above two per cent for the first time since April 2016. This is typically good news for grocers, increasing their margins. But given major headwinds affecting the industry, grocers…