Groceries in a shopping cart.Rudmer Zwerver | Dreamstime
Canada's changing appetite for grocery spending
In response to current inflation, Canadians have been tightening the belt on food budgets. The average monthly spending per person dropped from $261.24 in August 2022 to $252.89 in August 2023. The decrease means that many are either buying less food or switching to cheaper options.
Even with efforts to save on food, the expected price increases in 2024 could make it harder for families to keep their grocery bills low. The report indicates that prices for essential items like bread, meat, and vegetables are all set to go up, which means Canadians may need to find new ways to manage their budgets in the face of rising costs.
The recipe for higher prices
The impending rise in Canadian food prices can be attributed to several factors. A primary driver is climate change, which has increasingly disrupted agricultural patterns. Unpredictable weather events, from wildfires to floods, have reduced crop yields, leading to higher costs.
Global events also play a critical role. Supply chain disruptions, fluctuating global market trends, and international trade policies directly affect the cost of importing food products and raw materials.
Production costs are another critical factor. Rising costs for inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and feed translate directly to higher food prices. Additionally, increased labour costs and transportation expenses, partly due to fuel price fluctuations, further inflate the final price of food items.
Meat aisle at a Metro grocery story.Grandmaisonc | Dreamstime
2024's menu of rising food costs
Bakery items are expected to rise by 5% to 7%, reflecting the escalating costs of ingredients like grains and sugar. Dairy products are projected to increase by 1% to 3%, a relatively modest rise compared to other categories. Fruit prices are also anticipated to go up by 1% to 3%, likely influenced by both local and international market dynamics.
Meat prices are set for a 5% to 7% increase, driven by factors like feed costs and demand patterns. Restaurant prices are expected to increase by 3% to 5%, reflecting the broader food price trends and operational costs. Seafood, impacted by both local and global fishing conditions, is forecasted to rise by 3% to 5%. Vegetables are similarly projected to increase by 5% to 7%.
Dairy aisle at a grocery store.Niloo138 | Dreamstime
Heavier bite of food bills
The forecasted rise in food prices will significantly impact Canadian families, particularly those already grappling with tight budgets. Higher grocery bills mean that families will need to allocate more of their income to food, potentially at the expense of other expenses. This situation could lead to difficult choices, such as opting for lower-quality or less healthy food options to save costs.
The average family, which already saw a reduction in spending by $693 this year due to altered shopping habits, will likely need to find further ways to stretch their food dollars. Creative meal planning, prioritizing essential items, and exploring community resources like food banks or co-op programs might become more commonplace. Buying in bulk, opting for store brands, or shopping at discount stores could also offer some relief.
People line up to pay at Costco Wholesale.Durson Services Inc. | Dreamstime
A mixed bag of price tags across Canada
The 2024 food price increase is expected to vary across Canadian provinces. Alberta is forecasted to see a 5.5% rise, while British Columbia's prices are projected to remain stable. Manitoba might experience a 5.7% increase, and New Brunswick a 6.4% rise. Newfoundland and Labrador are anticipated to have a decrease in food prices by 6.3%.
Nova Scotia is looking at a potential increase of 6.2%, while Ontario also faces a 5.5% rise. Prince Edward Island might see a decrease of 6.7%, contrasting with Saskatchewan’s expected 5.0% increase. Quebec is projected to experience a 6.7% decrease.
These regional variations reflect the diverse economic and agricultural landscapes across the provinces. Residents in different areas will experience these changes uniquely, influenced by local production conditions, supply chain dynamics, and regional economic factors.
People shop in the produce section of a Loblaw's.Valentino Visentini | Dreamstime
A taste of stability
Heading into 2024, Canadian families can expect some changes in their grocery spending. The overall increase in food prices is projected to be between 2.5% and 4.5%. This means that an average family of four will likely spend around $16,297.20 on food for the year, which is up to $701.79 more compared to last year. The biggest price rises are expected in the bakery, meat, and vegetable categories, with increases ranging from 5% to 7%.
Despite these increases, there's a sense of cautious optimism for the coming year. Stuart Smyth, Chair in Agri-Food Innovation and Sustainability Enhancement at the University of Saskatchewan, shares a positive outlook.
"Expect to see a degree of stability return to food prices. I am optimistic that the phrase 'sticker-shock' will become less commonly used throughout grocery stores in 2024," he said.
That suggests a more stable and predictable pricing environment in the food sector, which could be a relief for many Canadians.
Groceries in a shopping cart.
Meat aisle at a Metro grocery story.
Dairy aisle at a grocery store.
People line up to pay at Costco Wholesale.
People shop in the produce section of a Loblaw's.