While some may view the decline in omnivorous eating as a sign of a plant-based shift in Canada, the data challenges this, showing a more fragmented and pragmatic shift in consumer behaviour, influenced by multiple factors.
Stories by Sylvain Charlebois
Tariff threat requires major changes
Few political figures have shaken global markets like U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. His recent threats to impose sweeping tariffs — 25 per cent on Canadian and Mexican agricultural products and 10 per cent on Chinese goods — sent shockwaves through currency markets, sinking the Canadian dollar by a cent within seconds. These tariffs, framed as […] Read more
Are we losing control over our food?
Less than five percent of people really understand how our food goes from farm to table. A quick look at social media shows that misinformation spreads faster than scientific facts, and many people struggle to find reliable information. Whether it’s genetically modified organisms, organic food, buying local, climate change or corporate greed in agri-food, most […] Read more
Ottawa’s EV move abandons canola
Canada’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles was a predictable move. Ottawa fully anticipated retaliation, which came swiftly as China announced an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola exports. While there is no evidence of dumping, the facts are largely irrelevant in this case. China will proceed with sanctions regardless of the explanations provided […] Read more
Where’s the listeria outbreak outrage?
The reaction to the recent Silk and Great Value plant-based dairy recall has been perplexing, to say the least, despite three confirmed deaths now linked to the listeria outbreak. The first fatality occurred back in August 2023, almost a year before the official recall on July 8, 2024. Yet, there has been little public explanation […] Read more
Stretchflation latest grocery bill bite
We are all familiar with “shrinkflation,” in which the quantity of a product decreases while the price remains the same, and “shelflation,” in which a product’s shelf life is compromised due to supply chain issues. These phenomena, which have been around for decades, contribute to the rising cost of groceries. However, a new trend called […] Read more
Grocer code of conduct has benefits
The recent announcement that American retail giants Walmart and Costco will be joining the Grocer Code of Conduct, alongside established Canadian players such as Loblaw, Sobeys and Metro, marks a critical step forward in the evolution of Canada’s grocery sector. This collective commitment by all major players is vital for the code’s effectiveness and represents […] Read more
Europe’s ag uprising seen as warning
European politics are notoriously intricate, and the recent EU elections highlighted a growing fatigue in the West toward urban-centric policies that impact agriculture. Following months of farmer protests across Europe, the Green Party, previously the fourth largest party, lost 19 seats and slipped to sixth position in the EU Parliament. This shift suggests that Europeans […] Read more
Grocery chain scores low on PR test
It’s fair to say that Loblaw is facing some of the most intense criticism of any grocer in the country, if not North America. Reporters from around the globe are now turning to Canadian experts to better understand what has been termed the “Loblaw phenomenon.” Despite Galen Weston’s disappearance from the airwaves almost a year […] Read more
Case of the secret chicken price hike
We deeply value our farmers and rely on their hard work to provide us with essential food. Most farmers are eager to share their stories and take pride in their work. When it comes to supply-managed sectors, such as dairy, eggs and poultry, the dynamics are a bit different, particularly regarding the prices they can […] Read more
