Dollar stores in Canada sold well over $2 billion worth of food last year. And given how aggressive dollar stores are, that could double quickly
A visit to any dollar store is something to remember: the bright lights, aisles filled with things you may or may not need, and the distinctive smell. If we had to create a smell that mixes plastic with China, the smell in a dollar store would be it. It’s not overly appetizing but a greater…
Potatoes are 20% more expensive in grocery stores than they were last year, and they could get even more expensive in 2020. Our craving for this food staple is likely to blame
Most of us love fries and chips. Other than ketogenic, most diets don’t discriminate against the mighty potato. It’s even in the new Canada’s Food Guide. Most dishes using potatoes are loved by Canadians, especially in winter, when colder weather encourages us to seek heartier meals. But North America is experiencing potato shortages and processors…
The “local food” movement is mostly about connecting producers of expensive niche products with middle- and upper-middle class patrons
Across Ontario, “local food” activists continue to promote the economic, social and environmental virtues of small local alternative farms, community gardens, backyard henhouses and older, less efficient and more expensive ways to produce food. In response, the Ontario government – directly or through organizations such as Foodland Ontario, the Greenbelt Fund and the Trillium Foundation…
Ivonne Gamboa of GOAT talks about how the food-sharing app can be a difference-maker for many people
Ivonne Gamboa is CEO of GOAT. What is GOAT and what does it stand for? Gamboa: Goat Generation is a mobile app that enables meal sharing among communities in a new and unique way. The term GOAT is used to define an exceptional person, experience or thing – GOAT is the greatest of all time.…
Food costs are rising faster than inflation and healthy food may be getting out of the reach for many Canadians. But don’t expect to hear much about it over the next few weeks
By Sylvain Charlebois Atlantic Institute for Market Studies and Howard Ramos Dalhousie University One of the main issues shaping the current federal election campaign is affordability. It has repeatedly been a leading concern for Canadians in opinion polls and should help determine who wins. So it’s no surprise that every political party promises to focus…
Until Mexico ramps up production, we’ll pay higher prices. And corruption in the Mexican avocado industry could force suppliers to more socially-acceptable sources
Avocados have been expensive for a while. And if you expect them to fall in price, you’ll need to wait a while longer. Typically, most Canadians expect to pay $1 per unit. But in the last few months, it’s almost impossible to find them below $2 apiece. And if you do buy an avocado, it…
The environmental and social costs of producing, distributing and selling food are rarely factored in. That’s about to change
The carbon tax is now a reality for all Canadians – and that means food prices will be impacted. The federal carbon pricing scheme took effect in Ontario, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Manitoba on April 1. These provinces had previously chosen not to comply with the new federal law through their own initiatives. Pricing will…
Bulk buying discounts to stretch your budget only work if you have extra cash to spend
Does your heart skip a beat when you see a skid full of ‘buy one get one free’ grocery items? Maybe the words ‘deep discount while supplies last’ gets you filling your cart with three times as much of the stuff as you’d normally buy? Or, do you head straight for a bulk discount store…
Grocers understand that e-commerce only makes sense if consumers get convenience. That means delivery
Grocers can no longer afford to wait for money to show up at their stores. They need to go after it. Grocery e-commerce was barely a thought five years ago – retailers didn’t want to cannibalize sales and decrease foot traffic. The primary idea has always been to have more people in grocery stores, not…
The leading food retailer in Canada wants to become a true online contender to counter the Amazon effect
Loblaws’ latest e-commerce move is significant. Canada’s largest food retailer has launched a subscription program for its PC Optimum members – more than 16 million people. For $99 a year, members of the newly-created PC Insiders program can get perks such as extra points for certain products purchased online, along with free delivery. This is…