Nearly 4 years into a pandemic-induced hangover, the Canadian grocery industry continues to undergo enormous shake-ups, evolution, and corrections. Since 2020, the food sector has experienced a history of negative unit growth due to food inflationary wars. Taking the 3% increase in Canada’s population in 2023 into consideration, the Canadian grocery sector achieved a -1% […]
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The year of 2023 has come to an end. It is a year my wife and I wish to forget. Three months removed from my third knee replacement surgery, my wife was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer for the 2nd time in her life. Due to the great work of the Doctors and Nurses at Princess […]
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The focus for brands over the past number of years, has been on the Millennial and Generation Z communities. Millennials are those born between 1981 and 1996, and Generation Z was born between the mid to late-1990’s and 2010. In 2021, these two consumer groups accounted for over 38% of the Canadian population (M:21%, Gen […]
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Global warming began in 1988 when the deception of the ozone layer became increasingly prominent in the international public debate and political agenda. Though back of mind for most, today it is top of mind for retailers, consumers, and manufacturers in the food sector with an urgent focus on reducing plastic packaging waste in our […]
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Whether Canadians are filling up at the gas station, taking a well-earned vacation, or doing their weekly trip to the grocery store, they are feeling the pinch of inflation. Unlike what many politicians, especially those on the left of the spectrum may not mention, food inflation is a global phenomenon, not a “Made in Canada” […]
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“We stand at a crossroads in the world’s economy. On the one hand, we are poised to generate better standards of living for more of the world’s people than ever before. At the same time, it is increasingly clear that the consumption-based model of economic growth cannot be applied globally without causing immense environmental and […]
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Working in the food and beverage sector I have the privilege to observe the evolution of food and the consumer. This is no more evident than when it comes to consumers’ health and wellness. For instance, in the past when consumers had an upset stomach, they may have taken pepto bismol or tums. Yet, today […]
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The constant change in the grocery sector makes it an exciting sector in which to work. Given consumer food habits are constantly changing, it makes for exciting times for consultants like myself, brokers, distributors, retailers, and manufacturers. For instance, while 62% of consumers review a product’s ingredient list, more than half use front-of-pack labeling as […]
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The brand is a business’s most valuable asset, and it does differentiate you from the competition. Yet, over time its role in food and beverage purchase has evolved. In the 1970s, the brand served as the ultimate signal of quality. Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, with an increased focus on individuality, connections were […]
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Sugar has been a staple in consumers’ meals and beverages for generations. It was not uncommon to go to a coffee shop and request- “Double Milk, Double Sugar”. It was uncommon to drink a diet soda. The flavour of the month was Coke Classic, even though it contained 9 teaspoons of sugar per 330ml can.[i] […]
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